25/06/2026
Turf Tip #26: There is no such thing as the "best" grass.
One of the questions I get asked more than almost any other is, "What's the best grass?"
And it sounds like it should have a simple answer.
For example, if we're talking golf greens in North Queensland, you'd probably assume the answer is TifEagle, Novatek... or whatever the latest and greatest variety happens to be. Well... maybe. ⛳
What standard are you trying to achieve? Where are you located? Is the site in full sun or shade? What's your maintenance budget? Can you commit to practices like verticutting, topdressing and regular nutrition? There are so many factors that come into it. ❓
The reality is there isn't a "best" grass. There is only the grass that's best suited to your environment, expectations and budget.
Personally, I've seen some exceptional 328 greens in my travels, particularly in hot, dry climates where they perform extremely well. On the other hand, in the tropical rainfall, humidity and lower light conditions we experience across much of Far North Queensland, I've found 328 to be a serial underperformer. As far as I'm concerned, the less of it the better. That doesn't make it a bad grass; it simply means it's the wrong grass for those conditions.
The same principle applies whether you're managing a golf course, race track, sports field or even your home lawn. Grass selection should always be based on local conditions, not just what someone else says is the "best". 🙌
For long-term investments like golf greens, race tracks and sports fields, I'm a big believer in establishing trial areas before committing to a full conversion. Trial the leading varieties over a period of years and let the site tell you the answer. In my experience, there is almost always one variety that eventually separates itself from the rest. 🔍
Every site is different. Every budget is different. Every expectation is different. That's why I generally avoid blanket recommendations. The best grass is the one that's proven to perform on your site.
