Bermudagrass Growth in SW Florida

The turfgrass that is maintained here at The Club at Mediterra is called Bermudagrass. We currently have 3 different varieties of Bermudagrass at Mediterra. Champion Bermudagrass is found of the greens, Tifdwarf is found on the collars, and Tifway 419 is found on tees, fairways, and roughs.

Bermudagrass is found throughout the Southern United States. It is the most widely used sports turf in this part of the country. Bermudagrass adapts well to the climate here in SW Florida.

Bermudagrass thrives when temperatures are high and days are long. Bermudagrass also thrives in areas that receive long and continuous sunshine. Optimum soil temperatures for root growth are 65-80 degrees F, and best leaf growth occurs when average daily temperature is 75 degrees F.

The winter months normally in SW Florida provide an environment that isn't optimum, but still adequate for Bermudagrass growth. Days get shorter, the sun in lower in the horizon, and daily temperatures are normally mid-60s.

This winter, labeled an "El Nino" winter, has been very difficult to sustain continuous Bermudagrass growth. Rainfall has been more than adequate, but the average daily temperatures have been below normal. These below normal temperatures have resulted in frost on occasion, and have really slowed the growth of the turf down tremendously.

What does this mean?? Ball marks are going to be slower to heal, divots on tees and fairways will recover slower, cart traffic areas will stick out much longer, and the overall turf color will vary from green to tan.

This makes it important to properly repair all ball marks on greens, fill divots with the green sand provided, and follow the cart traffic signs and posts that are on the golf course. This will put the Bermudagrass in position to quickly heal once optimum growing conditions return to SW Florida.