If you’re a mini golf fan, you might have wondered what kind of grass is used on those colorful and whimsical courses. After all, mini golf is not the same as regular golf, and the grass plays an important role in the game.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of grass commonly used for mini golf courses and why they are chosen.
Natural Grass
Natural grass is the real deal and has a more organic and authentic look and feel. Natural grass can also vary and challenge the game, as it can have different heights, textures, and slopes. Natural grass can also create a more pleasant and relaxing environment for the players, producing oxygen, absorbing noise, and cooling the air.
However, natural grass also has its disadvantages. Natural grass requires a lot of maintenance and care, such as watering, mowing, fertilizing, weeding, and aerating. Natural grass can also be affected by weather conditions, such as droughts, floods, frosts, or pests. Natural grass can also be uneven or patchy, affecting the game’s quality.
Here are some of the natural grass types most commonly used in mini golf courses.
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass is turf grass commonly used on mini golf courses. It is a warm-season grass that grows best in warm climates and is known for its durability and resistance to wear. Bermuda grass can tolerate heavy use and withstand the wear and tear of people playing mini-golf.
Bermuda grass is a low-maintenance turf grass that requires less water, fertilizer, and other care than other turf grass used in mini golf courses. It has a deep root system and can withstand extreme hot and cold temperatures.
The blades of Bermuda grass are also soft and tend to provide a good base for golf balls. The soft blade structure of Bermuda grass helps reduce the amount of spin on golf balls and makes them easier to hit accurately.
Regarding overall look and feel, Bermuda grass is often the choice of many mini golf courses due to its bright green color and ability to provide a consistent playing surface. It is also very tolerant of foot traffic, making it ideal for courses with many people playing on them.
Overall, Bermuda grass is an excellent choice for mini golf courses and is often the preferred turf grass of many course designers. It provides a good playing surface, is easy to maintain, and can withstand the wear and tear of a busy mini golf course.
St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine grass is turfgrass commonly used on mini golf courses. It is well-suited to the warmer climates of the southern United States, where many mini golf courses are located.
St. Augustine is a dense, dark green, coarse-bladed grass that thrives in humid conditions. It grows quickly and can tolerate heavy traffic, making it a good choice for a mini golf course.
St. Augustine grass does have some drawbacks, however. It is susceptible to the chinch bug, which can damage the grass and tends to turn brown quickly in the summer heat. It also requires frequent mowing, which can be time-consuming for a busy mini golf course.
The most important aspect of choosing a type of grass for a mini golf course is its ability to withstand heavy traffic and handle ball marks without tearing up. St. Augustine grass is surprisingly tough despite its thin blades. It will perform well under normal wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for a mini golf course.
While St. Augustine grass may have some drawbacks, its advantages make it an excellent choice for a mini golf course. It is durable, grows quickly, and can handle a lot of traffic and wear. For these reasons, St. Augustine grass is a popular choice for mini golf courses across the southern United States and is a great choice for busy mini golf courses looking for a reliable turfgrass.
Perennial Ryegrass
This grass type is commonly used in mini-golf courses due to its hardiness and low maintenance requirements.
Perennial ryegrass is an ideal choice for mini-golf courses because it is a cool-season grass, which means it can withstand temperatures that may be too hot or too cold for other types of grass. The grass also has low water requirements and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Perennial ryegrass is a sod-forming grass that grows deep roots and forms a dense, thick carpet of grass. This type of grass is often used on the “putting surface” of mini-golf courses due to its ability to stay low, allowing for easy ball roll.
Perennial ryegrass also offers excellent turf resiliency, meaning it can stand up to the high amounts of foot traffic that come with being a mini-golf course.
In terms of aesthetics, perennial ryegrass can give a golf course a professional look while still being easy to maintain. It has a bright green color that can easily be kept up with regular mowing, fertilizing, and weeding. It also requires less water than other types of grass, so it can help to save money on water usage.
Perennial ryegrass is an excellent choice for mini-golf courses because it is hardy and low maintenance, making it easy to maintain while still looking great. It’s also able to withstand moderate foot traffic and offers good turf resiliency, making it ideal for mini-golf courses.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue is a popular choice for what mini golf courses use as grass. It is a versatile type of grass that thrives in hot and cold temperatures, making it a great choice for a mini golf course.
It is a robust, hardy grass that is highly durable and can handle much foot traffic. It has a deep, lush green color and a dense texture, making it a great choice for a mini golf course.
It is also known for its ability to withstand drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for a mini golf course that may be exposed to the sun. It does not require much maintenance and can be mowed high, making it ideal for a mini golf course.
Bentgrass
Bentgrass is a very popular type of grass for mini golf courses, partly due to its vibrant green color and ability to stay fresh and green despite foot traffic.
Bentgrass is a low-maintenance plant with a shallow root system, making it a good choice for mini golf courses due to its ability to be mowed short and its low fertilization requirements.
Bentgrass is also highly resistant to wear and tear, meaning it retains its quality even after extensive use. What’s more, bentgrass requires minimal watering, so it is an excellent choice for those looking to save money on water bills and conserve resources at the same time.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is the most common type of grass used for mini golf courses. Artificial turf is a synthetic material that mimics the appearance and feel of natural grass but has some advantages over it.
Artificial turf does not need to be watered, mowed, fertilized, or weeded, saving the course owners a lot of time and money.
Artificial turf also provides a consistent and smooth surface for the ball to roll on, which is essential for mini golf. Artificial turf can also withstand heavy foot traffic and weather conditions and be customized to fit any design or theme.
Artificial grass is available in various colors and textures, making it an ideal choice for mini golf courses. It is also easy to install and maintain, as its construction is largely modular.
The individual pieces of grass can be laid down quickly, and the grass can be swept clear of debris or cleaned with a mild soap solution.
Artificial grass is also resistant to fading and requires minimal upkeep, making it an excellent choice for a functional and aesthetically pleasing mini golf course.
However, artificial turf is not without its drawbacks. Some people may find it too unnatural or fake-looking and prefer the aesthetic of natural grass.
Artificial turf can also get hot in the sun, making it uncomfortable to walk on or touch. Artificial turf can also wear out over time and may need to be replaced or repaired.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Grass for Mini Golf Courses
When selecting the grass for a mini golf course, you should consider the following factors.
Climate
The type of grass used in mini golf courses largely depends on the climate, as different grasses thrive in different temperature ranges and environments.
In colder climates, short grasses such as creeping bentgrass or fine fescue are used, while in more temperate climates, cool-season grasses such as perennial ryegrass are used.
Various types of warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass, centipede grass, or St. Augustine grass, are most commonly used in warm climates.
Each type of grass offers different benefits, such as drought and heat resistance or low maintenance requirements, so the optimal grass choice depends on the area’s climate.
Maintenance
Maintaining mini golf courses requires mowing the grass like a traditional golf course. The type of grass used in mini golf courses can vary, but generally, they use low-maintenance grasses, easy to trim and designed to withstand higher foot traffic.
Popular grasses used on mini golf courses include bentgrass and ryegrass. Both types of grasses are hardy, require minimal care to keep them looking fresh, and can be easily trimmed and mowed.
Cost
The cost of turf used on mini golf courses can vary greatly depending on the type of turf used and the course size. Many courses opt for artificial grass, which can last longer and require less maintenance. But natural grass is still used.
The primary cost difference between the two is in the cost of installation and maintenance. Artificial grass requires less maintenance and is generally quicker to install. Natural grass requires regular watering and mowing, which can drive up costs. Synthetic turf can also come at a higher initial cost, but due to its low maintenance demands and long lifespan, it can save money in the long run.
Conclusion
So which type of grass is better for mini golf courses? That depends on several factors, such as the course’s budget, preference, location, and theme.
In general, warm climates with long, hot summers favor Bermuda grass, while cooler climates are best served by perennial ryegrass, St. Augustine grass, or tall fescue. If you live in a wetter climate, bentgrass could work, but it is more expensive to purchase and maintain.
Artificial turf can be used but has its own set of pros and cons. Depending on the type of grass and climate, the maintenance requirements for mini golf courses can range from moderate to extensive.
Some course owners may opt for a mix of artificial and natural grass to balance practicality and aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice of grass is up to the individual course owner and what they think will provide the best experience for their customers.