Grasses in Northern California

[cuibono79]

I’m relatively new to the Bay Area. I grew up on Bermuda grass greens in the southern US, and I’m trying to figure out 1) what types of grass I’ll typically encounter here in the Bay and 2) how differently to approach them from Bermuda.  
 

I’ve been made to understand that because of the cooler climate here, most courses are using either bentgrass or Poa Annua, a grass with which I am wholly unfamiliar being from the south.

 

Can anyone give me some guidance? 

[mchepp]

Almost all greens you'll play on in the Bay Area are the notorious weed, Poa Annua. Even if a course plants bentgrass or some new fancy hybrid it is eventual that Poa will take its place.

In my opinion Poa is not ideal, especially when hot and getting a ton of play. However, if a course is careful about it and aerates it and gives it enough water it can be fine.

[cuibono79]

Thanks. It looks like Poa is basically what you're stuck with around here, but as you said it's not necessarily bad, and there are many top level courses with Poa greens (pebble beach is not too shabby). 

As far as grain goes, it's obviously not as grainy as bermuda, but somewhat grainier than bent?

[mchepp]

1 hour ago, cuibono79 said:

 (pebble beach is not too shabby).

Pebble is a wonderful course, however I doubt you'll remember much about the green conditions. Maybe how small they are.

1 hour ago, cuibono79 said:

As far as grain goes, it's obviously not as grainy as bermuda, but somewhat grainier than bent?

Hmm. Seems you should do some reading on the forum here about green reading info from the smart guys like @iacas if you feel grain is affecting your putts.

The only time Poa is really bad is sometimes in the spring when it tries to flower. Now though most greenkeepers know how to keep that at bay. I feel you'll learn to like it.

Where exactly in the Bay are you living? I left 5 years ago, but still know many of the good spots.

[cuibono79]

Absolutely a good point about Pebble. In fact, now that I think about it I remember Tiger complaining about the greens.

It’s not that I think grain is affecting my putts, I can’t blame a poor stroke on grain, I guess I’m just trying to determine how much I need to be thinking about it out here.

I live in the city, near the Ferry Building.  I’ve been playing primarily at Lincoln Park and at Diablo Creek out in Concord, but I’m definitely in the hunt for other places to play so any recommendations are welcome.  Thanks!

[mchepp]

Lincoln Park is a fun track. Have you tried Presidio? If your willing to drive a little Monarch Bay in San Leandro is decent.

[cuibono79]

17 minutes ago, mchepp said:

Lincoln Park is a fun track. Have you tried Presidio? If your willing to drive a little Monarch Bay in San Leandro is decent.

Haven’t played Presidio yet but I’m told it’s in very good shape compared to Lincoln Park, but LP is a nice little course for the money, and the views are great. I’ll have to check out Monarch Bay, I don’t mind a little drive.

[iacas]

Don't worry about grain.

[Darkfrog]

3 hours ago, cuibono79 said:

I don’t mind a little drive.

The new Corica South course is pretty nice too. In the same general area as Monarch Bay. 

[mchepp]

12 hours ago, Darkfrog said:

The new Corica South course is pretty nice too. In the same general area as Monarch Bay. 

I saw this when I was searching for Monarch Bay. Looks really cool.