Green greens: what’s your putting preference?

Golf is all about the green. Grass is green and the majority of your round (hopefully) occurs on grass. The object of golf is to get the ball on the green as efficiently as possible in order to use that flat stick, and hopefully score a birdie or par. Then of course, if you’re good enough at golf, I mean really good where you can play on a daily basis, you can earn some green. Or in the case of Rory McIlroy, you can earn a small fortune of green.

It may be out of your control as to whether or not you can earn money by playing golf, but one thing that is in your control is knowing how your ball will react on different types of grass. Due to Myrtle Beach’s warm, humid climate, bermudagrass is a popular grass on Grand Strand area courses. But did you know there are a number of types of bermudagrass in play in Myrtle Beach? Here’s a quick primer on some of the popular types of bermuda:

TifDwarf:

• Golfers usually appreciate the speedy pace of these greens
• Great for putting surfaces due to its adaptation to low mowing heights and ability to tolerate high traffic
• Recovers quickly
• Sample of Myrtle Beach courses featuring TifDwarf: Litchfield Country Club, Heron Point Golf Club, Myrtlewood Golf Club – Pine Hills and Palmetto

TifEagle

• Putting speeds often test in the 9-10 range on the Stimpmeter, and with extra care, they can test as high as 11.
• Green color holds up better even when temperature drops low.
• Sample of Myrtle Beach courses featuring TifEagle: True Blue Plantation, Farmstead, Blackmoor, Wachesaw East

Champion Bermuda

• Twice the density of TifDwarf
• Champion also performs very well, even in the shade, so it works well on tree-lined courses
• Sample of courses featuring Champion Bermuda: Barefoot courses, Brunswick Plantation, River Club, Myrtle Beach National King’s North

Non-bermuda – L93 Bentgrass

• Often considered one of the top grass types for greens
• Creeping bentgrass stands up well to winter.
• Stands very upright so obviously works well for golf
• Sample of courses featuring L93 Bentgrass: Crow Creek, Grand Dunes, Leopard’s Chase, Thistle Golf Club

What are your playing preferences? Do you prefer glass-like greens that play at lightning speeds? Are you used to average speeds? One thing is for certain: Myrtle Beach golf courses typically have well-groomed greens regardless of the type of grass they grow. Next time you’re in Myrtle Beach, pay extra attention to the greens. You might just walk away with a better appreciation for the impact they have one your game – and hopefully a few more birdies!

(posted 9/19/14)
(photo courtesy: American-lawns.com)

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