Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass Cultivar Selection: Part 1, Clipping Yield, Scalping Tendency, and Golf Ball Lie

Abstract

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp. Rich.) and zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Willd.) are two of the most commonly used turfgrass species on golf course fairways and tees in the southern United States. However, there are few reports directly comparing commonly used cultivars of bermudagrass to commonly used cultivars of zoysiagrass. The objectives of this research were to quantify the clipping yield, percent ball exposed (ball lie), and to identify the scalping tendency for five bermudagrass and seven zoysiagrass cultivars grown in Fayetteville, AR. The cultivars generally producing the lowest clipping yields were ‘Patriot’ bermudagrass and ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass, while ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass and ‘Palisades’ zoysiagrass generally had the highest clipping yields. On most collection dates, Cynodon spp. yielded more clippings than Zoysia spp. Patriot bermudagrass had the highest scalping tendency across the two years of this study. The cultivars Patriot, ‘Riviera,’ ‘Tifsport,’ and Tifway bermudagrass as well as Meyer and Diamond zoysiagrass had the best ball lie in unmown (five days after mowing) conditions, while Palisades zoysiagrass had the poorest ball lie in unmown conditions. Ball lie was similar for all cultivars immediately following mowing. These studies identified cultivars of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass that have improved clipping yields, scalping tendencies, and golf ball lie.

Effects of Nitrogen, Growth Regulators, and Mowing Height on Ball Lie in TifSport Bermudagrass

“…Using these various methods, researchers have determined that species and cultivar selection (3,5,9,11), decreased mowing height (3,9) and increased mowing frequency (11) are substantial factors when trying to improve ball lie depth and decrease ball lie variability. For instance, Richardson et al (9) determined that bermudagrass ( Cynodon spp.)…”

“…Results from this research showed that as tiller density increased, ball lie improved. Trappe et al (11) determined that Patriot, 'Riviera,' TifSport, and Tifway bermudagrass cultivars, and 'Meyer' and 'Diamond' zoysiagrass cultivars provided improved ball lie in comparison to the other cultivars evaluated when mowing frequency decreased (5 days after mowing). They also determined that differences in ball lie values were minimal when measured immediately after mowing, suggesting that frequent mowing is likely more important than cultivar selection.…”

Golf Shot Performance Characteristics Influenced by Ball Lie

“…(Trappe et al, 2011), among varieties of bermudagrass (Richardson et al, 2010), and resulting from applications of plant growth regulators and nitrogen fertility on bermudagrass (Kowalewski et al, 2012). Trappe et al (2011) investigated the differences of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivars on ball lie, the change in ball lie over time by not mowing, and the effects of dormancy on ball lie. The authors noted that additional experimentation was warranted to investigate the impact of ball lie on the difficulty of a golf shot as relatively small changes (∼4%) resulted in significant differences in ball lie.…”

“…Considering the statistically significant effects on ball lie for various turfgrass species, cultivars, and management practices as demonstrated by numerous researchers, it is important that the playability aspect of golf ball lie be investigated. Anecdotal evidence consistently confirms the importance of ball lie to a golf shot, and researchers such as Trappe et al (2011) and Richardson et al (2010) have alluded to the relationship, but no scientific data have been produced providing validation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of golf ball lie on golf shot characteristics such as carry distance, backspin, ball velocity, smash factor, club speed, and accuracy.…”

“…1). Additional variation could be the result of differences among turfgrass species to support a golf ball as demonstrated by others (Richardson et al, 2010; Trappe et al, 2011), but comparison of turfgrass species was not performed as mowing heights were different for all species.…”