There are three main types of grass varieties which dominate putting greens. They include Bermudagrass, Bentgrass and Poa Annua. The type of grass on a putting green has a significant impact on how a putt rolls, affecting everything from speed and break to the overall feel of the putt. Here's a breakdown of how different grasses influence putting:  

1. Speed:

• Bermudagrass: Generally creates slower greens due to its coarser texture and more grain. However, with advanced maintenance techniques, some bermudagrass varieties can be groomed to produce faster speeds.
• Bentgrass: Known for producing fast greens due to its fine texture and dense growth. It allows for very close mowing, resulting in a smooth, quick putting surface.
• Poa Annua: Can be quite fast, especially when maintained closely. However, its rapid growth can lead to inconsistencies in speed if not managed properly.

2. Grain:

• Bermudagrass: Exhibits significant grain, meaning the grass blades tend to grow in a particular direction. Putts with the grain will be faster, while those against the grain will be slower. Grain can also influence the break of a putt.  
• Bentgrass: Has less grain than bermudagrass, but it can still affect ball roll. Understanding the grain pattern on bentgrass greens is important for accurate putting.  
• Poa Annua: Typically has minimal grain due to its vertical growth habit.

3. Break:

• Bermudagrass: The strong grain in bermudagrass can accentuate the break of a putt. Putts may break more dramatically with the grain and less so against it.  
• Bentgrass: While grain is less pronounced, it can still influence the break. Additionally, the smoothness of bentgrass greens can make it easier to judge the break.
• Poa Annua: The lack of significant grain makes the break on poa annua greens primarily determined by the slope of the green.

4. Smoothness:

• Bentgrass: Generally provides the smoothest putting surface due to its fine texture and ability to withstand close mowing.  
• Poa Annua: Can be smooth when well-maintained, but its rapid growth and potential for seedhead formation can lead to inconsistencies in smoothness.
• Bermudagrass: While newer varieties are smoother, bermudagrass greens can sometimes be less smooth than bentgrass or poa annua due to their coarser texture.

5. Feel:

• Bentgrass: Offers a firm, responsive feel, allowing for a crisp, clean strike.
• Poa Annua: Can feel slightly spongy, especially when wet, and may offer less feedback than bentgrass.
• Bermudagrass: Provides a softer feel compared to bentgrass, which some golfers prefer.

Important Note:

The type of grass is just one factor that affects putting. Other factors, such as mowing height, green speed, moisture levels, and the overall condition of the green, also play a crucial role.

Ultimately, understanding the characteristics of the grass you're putting on can help you make better decisions about your stroke, speed, and line, leading to more successful putts.

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