Does Grass Really Make a Difference in My Putting Game?

Anyone who has ever even ventured onto a golf course understands that the type of grass has a major influence on the way the course plays. The grass in the rough is much higher than in other places, making it hard to hit out of. The grass on the green is mowed much shorter, leading to an easier time putting. The fairway tends to run somewhere in between the rough and the green. But, what effect does the type of grass really have on your putting game?

Does the Grass Tolerate Low Cutting?

The priority for grass that is used on greens is that the grass can tolerate being cut to appropriate heights. The grass height on the green tends to run around a quarter of an inch or lower. Grass such as Creeping Bentgrass can tolerate these types of cuttings. While the grass will withstand the typical wear and tear of the golf course a little better at higher heights, the grass can be cut to 3/16 of an inch and still survive.

What Type of Texture Does the Grass Provide?

In addition to the height of the grass, the texture of the grass will also matter for putting purposes. If the grass is rough, the ball is going to have trouble picking up speed along the green. If the grass is slick, the ball could slip and slide along the green and even roll off of the green with minimal contact. Creeping Bentgrass has a good texture for greens as well and while other grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass might be a little rougher in texture, it can’t tolerate the low cut.

If you have questions about which type of grass is right for your golf course, contact the experts at Modern Turf today!