Ever wondered why the fairways at Devou Park turn a gold/brown color in the fall and winter? That "brown" grass is Zoysia and we are encouraging it to spread and establish itself in our fairways.

Zoysia is a "warm season" grass unlike bent, blue, rye and fescue, which are all "cool season" grasses. Warm season grasses flourish in the heat of summer, while cool season grasses are at their best in spring and fall. Zoysia turns this gold/brown color in the winter months when it is dormant.

There are many advantages to growing Zoysia in the fairways at Devou Park, not the least of which is that most rounds of golf occur in the summer when this grass is at its best. Other positive traits of this grass include less chemical inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides, and the superior playing surface that it provides.

Although the grass may appear to be dead, it is really only dormant. Zoysia still provides a great playing surface even when it is this gold/brown color. Zoysia usually stays green until Halloween and is green again by mid April.

Don't let the "brown" grass keep you away; there is plenty of great golf waiting to be played on those mild winter days!