Fine Turf

We want to provide clear simple practical advice

so the layman golfer can understand the fundermental aspects of austere greenkeeping that affect their home course. 

Below is a definition of the fine grasses from Jim Arthur’s very readable book “Practical Greenkeeping“ 

Desirable species making the best turf

• Bents (Agrostis)
• Fine fescues (Festuca rubra) 

Undesirable species forming poorer turf

• Meadow grasses (Poa spp., especially Poa annua)
• Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
• Timothy (Phleum pratense)

Weeds, or positively harmful species

• Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus)
• Crested dogstail (Cynosurus cristatus)
• Early hair grass (Aira praecox)
• Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) 

There are, of course, very many more grasses to be found on golf courses and some may be locally very common, though restricted, such as Molinia coerulea - flying bent in semi-rough on low moorland courses; Nardus stricta - mat grass on hill pastures and sandy heaths, and Bromus spp. -bromes on thin soils, Agropyron - couch grasses, Anthoxanthum odoratum - sweet vernal grass (with its sweet-scented but unpalatable hay), and many more.  Two rarities can be found on some links, such as Sesleria and KoeleriaI; which can be useful in confusing theoretical experts when in the field!  On sea marshes, normally dominated by fine fescues, in wet slacks one often finds Pucinellia maritime, adapted to such set conditions where fescues cannot survive.  This is of interest primarily because it quickly dies if taken away from its maritime environment and subjected to close mowing.  It was a frequent cause of bowling greens, laid with a poorer sea marsh turf, failing within a year of the turf being laid down.  All these distinctions may safely be ignored by all save the most obsessed enthusiast. 

We could talk about the break-down of species in such huge genera as Agrostis, Festuca and Poa, but to be practical we are not concerned with such divisions. The main identification features are:-. 

Agrostis (bent)

Uncoloured basal stems, round section; many obvious, very close, parallel leaf ribs (no central rib) and dull blue-green colour.  May go purple in cold weather. 

Festuca (fine fescues)

Uncoloured base and round stems, needle-shaped leaves, which will open up in wet weather but close up in dry; characteristic, light khaki-coloured leaves, forming close knit wiry turf. 

Poa spp. (Meadow grasses)

Pale coloured base, folded stems, parallel-sided, rather short leaves with characteristic boat shaped tip, with pronounced double mid-rib.  If the leaves are flattened the tips split.  Forms open turf and often looks yellow-green and less than healthy under adverse conditions. 

You may have helpful advice and interesting stories around the subject of grasses. Leave us a comment below  so we can pass on your knowledge and advice.  RECEIVE the free Fine Golf Newsletter