The document summarizes research conducted to identify grasses suitable for unmowed golf course roughs in the Midwest. Several experiments were conducted planting various native and non-native grass species alone and in mixtures at the Midwest Golf House short course. Blue grama grass was found to establish well and form an open canopy that allowed golf balls to be found and played. Tall fescue and hard fescue were also tested for their tolerance to low rates of glyphosate herbicide. Field days were held to share the research results with golf course superintendents and turf professionals.

1. The Environmental Institute for Golf provided
some of the funding for this research.
RESEARCH
SCIENCE FOR THE GOLF COURSE
dedicated to enriching the environment of golf
Turf and native grasses
for naturalized roughs
Blue grama is one of the native grasses identified as suitable for unmowed roughs.
Tom Voigt, Ph.D.
The Americanization of golf has given us
golf courses where the land’s natural features
are converted into uniform surfaces on which
a “golf ball could travel virtually unhindered”
(6). However, although intensely maintained
turf is expected on in-play areas, many
courses are interested in creating naturalized
far-rough areas (4). Naturalized areas can be
unmowed nonnative turfgrasses such as fine
and tall fescues; native grasses, including buf-
falograss and blue grama (Figure 1); or prai-
rie areas of native forbs (herbaceous broadleaf
plants), sedges and grasses (2,8-12). These
out-of-play areas can reduce maintenance
inputs (1) and enhance the golfing experience
by breaking up the mowed turf and increas-
ing wildlife diversity (5,6).
Since 1988, students, professional turf
staff and I have conducted several studies to
Photos by T. Voigt
evaluate forbs, sedges and native and non-
native grasses at the University of Illinois
Landscape Horticulture Research Center in
Urbana (7), as well as at golf courses in cen- Figure 1. Blue grama-buffalograss plots as they appear in July before flowering.
tral and northeastern Illinois (8-12). These
studies have evaluated suitable plants and tainable, having been on site for more than a research information for superintendents,
maintenance practices to help superinten- century. In addition, some of the unmowed committee members and others interested in
dents create and manage native and natural rough areas at Chicago GC are playable, the golf course environment.
rough areas. The most recent study, com- meaning that the plant growth is open enough The overall goal of this study was to iden-
pleted in fall 2005, was conducted at the to allow golfers to locate and play errant shots. tify grasses that can be planted successfully in
Chicago District Golf Association Midwest Several of the most prevalent native grasses at Midwestern unmowed rough areas, but we
Golf House short course located at Cog Hill the site were identified in hopes of using some also hoped to determine whether the grasses
Golf Course in Lemont, Ill. This setting is of the species in our research. form a rough from which errant shots can be
readily available to Chicago-area golf person- Research for the second part of the proj- located and played. The objectives for reach-
nel and is an outstanding site for presenting ect was located near Cog Hill, a major Chi- ing these goals were: identify the native grasses
research at field days. cago-area golf complex and current home of and forbs found in the unmowed roughs at
In the first part of the project, unmowed the Cialis Western Open. The Midwest Golf Chicago GC; develop research plots at the
roughs at Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Ill., House setting has the unique objective of Midwest Golf House short course comprising
were examined and used as a model. Approxi- combining golf instruction for youth and dis- various turfgrasses and native and naturalized
mately half of the rough area had only been abled golfers with golf turf research and dem- grasses currently grown in unmowed rough
grazed before the club’s construction in 1892, onstrations. The location and the facilities areas at Midwestern golf courses; and (3) host
and the plants in the rough are certainly sus- provide an outstanding setting for generating research field days at Midwest Golf House.
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2. RESEARCH
What did we do? Miller of the Chicago District Golf Foun-
dation; and Jon Jennings, CGCS, a Class A,
Objective 1 22-year GCSAA member. Our goal was to
Other than occasional mowing and, more collect and identify grasses in the playable
recently, burning, the roughs at Chicago GC portions of the unmowed roughs.
have seen little disturbance for more than 110
years. Roughs comprising similar species are Objective 2
virtually nonexistent at other Chicago-area Two experiments were planted at Midwest
courses, where most likely more disturbances Golf House (Tables 1, 2), where the native
have occurred. More important, the roughs soil is Markham silt loam. Both experiments
at Chicago GC allow some playability. These were irrigated only to ensure germination;
settings are dense enough to impede weed they were not fertilized, and they were mowed
invasion, but open enough to allow a golfer only once each year in late September.
to locate and hit a ball out of the rough. The Blue grama and buffalograss. In our first
roughs are not irrigated or fertilized, and the experiment in June 2003, we planted warm-
soil is fine-textured and classified as Urban season grasses, predominantly blue grama
land-Orthents complex, clayey. (Bouteloua gracilis) and buffalograss (Buchloë
In August 2003, I visited Chicago GC dactyloides), which are potentially suitable for
in the company of Ken Robertson, Ph.D., a a playable unmowed rough (Table 1). Plots
plant taxonomist at the Illinois Natural His- Figure 2. Flowering purple love grass plants put on a show were irregularly shaped and approximately 50
tory Survey; Randy Kane, Ph.D., and Lee in August. square feet (4.6 square meters). Small amounts
WARM-SEASON GRASSES FOR UNMOWED ROUGHS
Pounds/1,000 No. of No. of blue No. of side-oats
Plot no./grasses Grams/plot* square feet buffalograss burs grama seeds grama seeds
1. 100% buffalograss 45.4 2 5,600 0 0
2. 100% blue grama 45.4 2 0 82,500 0
3. 25% buffalograss/75% 11.35/34.05 0.5/1.5 1,400 61,875 0
blue grama
4. 50% buffalograss/50% 22.7/22.7 1/1 2,800 41,250 0
blue grama
5. 75% buffalograss/25% 34.05/11.35 1.5/0.5 4,200 20,625 0
blue grama
6. 25% buffalograss/70% 11.35/31.78/2.27 0.5/1.4/0.1 1,400 57,750 955
blue grama/5% side-oats
grama
7. 45% buffalograss/45% 20.43/20.43/4.54 0.9/0.9/0.2 2,520 37,125 1,910
blue grama/10% side-oats
grama
8. 70% buffalograss/25% 31.78/11.35/2.27 1.4/0.5/0.1 3,920 20,625 955
blue grama/5% side-oats
grama
9. 100% buffalograss + 12 45.4 2 5,600 0 0
purple love grass
10. 100% blue grama + 12 45.4 2 0 82,500 0
purple love grass
11. 50% buffalograss/50% 22.7/22.7 1/1 2,800 41,250 0
blue grama + 12 purple
love grass
*Each plot is 50 square feet or 4.6 square meters.
Table 1. Warm-season grasses planted to determine suitability for planting in unmowed roughs.
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3. RESEARCH
of side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) Objective 2
were included in some plots, as were plants Blue grama. In experiment 1, all of the
of purple love grass (we were unable to find a warm-season species eventually became estab-
source for purple love grass seed) (Figure 2). lished, but blue grama was the only seeded
Fescues. In anticipation of this project, grass that performed adequately. For a warm-
Aurora Gold hard fescue (Festuca longifolia season native species, blue grama germinated
Aurora Gold) and Tomahawk RT tall fes- quickly, within two to four weeks of seeding.
cue (F. arundinacea Tomahawk RT), which Its height was variable to 24 inches (0.6 meter)
had been identified by Turf Seed Inc. as tol- when flowering, and it was not excessively
erant of low levels of the nonselective herbi- dense; in 2004, golf balls thrown into these
cide glyphosate, were planted in September plots were easy to find and hit out because of
2002 (Table 2) into plots of 48 square feet the open canopy. Although the low density is
(4.5 square meters). desirable for playability, it can lead to weed
At many Chicago-area courses, fine fescues invasions, particularly by cool-season grasses
are used in unmowed areas. Establishment such as tall fescue or brome (Bromus species)
by seed is mostly trouble-free and relatively or broadleaved species such as horseweed
inexpensive. Moreover, selective herbicides (Erigeron canadensis) or sweet clovers (Meli-
can be used to control weeds in these areas. lotis species). Plots comprising primarily blue
These grasses also tolerate dry, infertile set- grama appear to be very well suited to produc-
tings. Fine fescues are attractive in spring and ing playable unmowed roughs and will be the
early summer during initial growth and then Figure 3. Unmowed tall fescue forms a dense turf. main focus of a new project.
during flowering, but they can become mat- Buffalograss. After two growing seasons,
ted later in the growing season. They also tend What did we learn? buffalograss began to fill the plots where it was
to grow poorly where soils are wet or heavily planted, but the slow germination, establish-
compacted. Objective 1 ment and coverage renders it unacceptable by
Tall fescue is also sometimes used in out- Although many of the grasses pres- itself. Its height (up to 12 inches [0.3 meter])
of-play unmowed areas. Tall fescue is easy to ent in the unmowed rough areas of Chi- and low density make it playable, but it needs
establish, tolerant of many herbicides, usually cago GC were nonnative turf species, we to be combined with the more rapidly devel-
does not mat following flowering and toler- (Kane, Robertson, Jennings and I) identi- oping blue grama for it to be recommended.
ates a wide range of soil conditions. It is, how- fied several natives, including purple love Side-oats grama. Side-oats grama germi-
ever, taller and less attractive than the fine grass (Eragrostis spectabilis), big bluestem nated more slowly than blue grama and was
fescues (Figure 3). (Andropogon gerardii) and old-field panic not a major component in the grass mixes. Its
For each fescue, we planted several densi- grass (Dichanthelium acuminatum subspecies flowers occur on one side of a common stem,
ties with the hopes of periodically using the lindheimeri). Of greatest potential utility for creating an interesting appearance, but its
herbicide to reduce weeds in a playable thin playable unmowed roughs is purple love grass height (up to 40 inches [1.0 meter]) is taller
stand of turf. In an attempt to reduce the or tumble-grass. than desired for a playable area (Figure 4).
density of some treatments, annual ryegrass
(Lolium multiflorum) seed was included.
The plots were treated with low label rates of GLYPHOSATE-TOLERANT GRASSES AND SEEDING RATES
glyphosate in June 2003 and 2004, resulting Seeding rates
in good weed control and without causing Plot no./turfgrass Grams/plot* Pounds/1,000 square feet
damage to the fescues.
1. Aurora Gold hard fescue 10.9 0.5
Objective 3 2. Aurora Gold hard fescue 21.7 1
In October 2003, approximately 15 turf 3. Aurora Gold hard fescue 43.5 2
industry professionals attended an informal
4. Aurora Gold hard fescue 87 4
Open House at Midwest Golf House, where
research and demonstrations were displayed. 5. Aurora Gold hard fescue 87 + 43.5 (annual ryegrass) 4 + 2 (annual ryegrass)
The following year in September 2004, the 6. Tomahawk RT tall fescue 43.5 2
Illinois Turfgrass Foundation, the Chicago 7. Tomahawk RT tall fescue 87 4
District Golf Association and turf staff from
the University of Illinois hosted a research 8. Tomahawk RT tall fescue 130.5 6
field day at the Midwest Golf House site for 9. Tomahawk RT tall fescue 130.5 + 43.5 (annual ryegrass) 4 + 2 (annual ryegrass)
interested golf course superintendents and *Each plot is 48 square feet or 4.5 square meters.
others involved in the golf industry. Approxi-
Table 2. Grasses and seeding rates in glyphosate tolerance study.
mately 160 turf professionals attended.
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4. RESEARCH
Purple love grass. Purple love grass is a
short (to 30 inches [0.76 meter]) warm-sea-
son species that commonly occurs on sandy
sites throughout Illinois (3). It appears to be
a bunch-type grass, although short rhizomes ➤ Several grasses were tested in an effort to identify native or nonnative grasses suitable
are usually formed. Scattered in small quanti- for unmowed roughs.
ties, its short height and attractive red-purple ➤ Blue grama alone, or blue grama amended with purple love grass and/or buffalograss can
panicles in August enhance the golfing expe- be tentatively recommended for playable unmowed roughs at Midwestern golf courses.
rience and make it a suitable component for ➤ Aurora Gold hard fescue or Tomahawk RT tall fescue cannot be recommended for playable
unmowed roughs. unmowed roughs.
Fescues. In experiment 2, both the hard ➤ Future research should focus on identifying the best blue grama cultivars for playable
and tall fescues germinated and estab- unmowed roughs, determining the best method to reduce dead aboveground plant material
lished successfully. Because of applications and reduce weeds, and developing weed control programs.
of glyphosate and the overall density of the
plantings, weeds were not a problem. Even at
the lowest seeding densities, however, finding Conclusions and future work Acknowledgments
and hitting an errant golf ball in these plant- In this study, we have identified grasses For assistance with this project, I thank the Chicago
ings was difficult to impossible. In addition, District Golf Association turf staff at Midwest Golf House,
believed to be suitable for unmowed playable particularly Randy Kane, Ph.D., director of turfgrass pro-
after flowering, the hard fescue tended to fall roughs in the Midwest. We anticipate that grams, Chicago District Golf Association. I also thank Ken
and become tangled, increasing the difficulty by planting these species, superintendents Robertson, Ph.D., of the Illinois Natural History Survey,
in finding and hitting a golf ball (Figure 5). can reduce labor, water and fertilizer inputs and Jonathan S. Jennings, CGCS at Chicago GC, for their
involvement in this project.
Unfortunately, in 2004, golf balls thrown compared to mowed rough areas, and also
into any of these plots were difficult to find enhance wildlife environments and provide Literature Cited
and nearly impossible to hit out because of a more interesting experience for golfers. We 1. Iacobelli, P. 2005. Natural golf courses redefine
plant density. This was even true in plots green. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8418445. Verified
cannot recommend Aurora Gold hard fes- June 29, 2006.
seeded at the lowest rates. cue or Tomahawk RT tall fescue for playable 2. Johnson, P.G., and T.P. Riordan. 1999. Buffalo-
unmowed roughs. grass: Home on the range. Golf Course Management
Objective 3 Following this work, we can tentatively 67(6):66-70.
3. Mohlenbrock, R.H. 2001. The illustrated flora of Illi-
Our 2004 field day generated much inter- recommend blue grama alone or blue grama nois grasses: Panicum to Danthonia. Southern Illinois
est in playable unmowed roughs; I routinely amended with purple love grass and/or buf- University Press, Carbondale and Edwardsville.
receive questions about plant selection, plant- falograss for playable unmowed roughs at 4. Ostmeyer, T. 2000. A look for the ages: Native land-
ing and management. Drop-in visitors also Midwestern golf courses. We believe that the scaping has carved a solid niche in today’s golf
course development and management. Golf Course
have come to review this project and other height and densities of these plantings will Management 68(11):20-35.
ongoing turf research activities. This group allow golfers to find and play errant shots, 5. Santiago, M.J., and A.D. Rodewald. 2004. Consid-
has included golf course managers and super- and the appearance of the unmowed warm- ering wildlife in golf course management. Extension
intendents, green committee members and Fact Sheet, School of Natural Resources, The Ohio
season grasses will contrast successfully with State University, Columbus.
other trade members of the turf and land- managed cool-season turf on in-play areas. 6. Tiegte, R.M. 1992. Wildlife and golf courses. In: J.C.
scape industries. Additional research should be conducted Balogh and W.J. Walker, eds. Golf course manage-
based on these field studies. First, we need to ment and construction environmental issues. Lewis
Publishers, Chelsea, Mich.
identify the best blue grama cultivars for play- 7. Voigt, T. 1993. Ornamental native grasses. Grounds
able unmowed roughs. Several types having Maintenance 28(3):48-57.
different color, heights and densities are cur- 8. Voigt, T.B. 1996. Native grasses flourish on Midwestern
golf courses. Golf Course Management 64(11):58-62.
rently available. Second, is mowing or burn- 9. Voigt, T. 1999. Natives in unlikely surroundings. Illinois
ing the best method to reduce dead above- Steward. Department of Natural Resources and Envi-
ground plant material and reduce weeds? If ronmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana.
burning is preferable, should it be done in 10. Voigt, T. 2000. Native Midwestern plants for golf
course landscapes. Erigenia 18:56-63.
autumn or spring? Finally, weed-control pro- 11. Voigt, T. 2001. Native plants for Midwestern golf
grams should be developed because weeds courses. Golf Course Management 69(12):63-67.
pose the greatest management problem in 12. Voigt, T., and J. Tallarico. 2004. Turf and native
these areas. Individual and combinations of grasses for out-of-play areas. Golf Course Manage-
ment 72(3):109-113.
chemical weed controls need to be evaluated.
Funding
The Environmental Institute for Golf, the Midwest
Association of Golf Course Superintendents, the Illinois Tom Voigt, Ph.D. (tvoigt@uiuc.edu), is an associate pro-
Figure 4. Side-oats grama flowers, while attractive, may be Turfgrass Foundation and the University of Illinois Agricul- fessor and turfgrass Extension specialist at the University
too tall for a playable rough. ture Experiment Station supported this research. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
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