Why modern creeping bentgrass management is the way forward

With extensive research, education, and collaboration with greenkeepers, Germinal has developed creeping bentgrass management strategies. These are to help creeping bent varieties thrive under local conditions while addressing common concerns like Poa annua competition, thatch buildup, and nutrient management. 

Why establish creeping bentgrass greens? 

After undergoing major breeding advancements, creeping bent is now an ideal candidate for modern golf greens. While older varieties offered high shoot density to outcompete Poa annua, they required high nitrogen and water inputs. However, the older varieties weren’t suitable for UK and Irish golf courses aiming for low-input, disease-resistant greens with an elite playing surface. 

Seeing the potential, Germinal identified new creeping bent varieties like Tour Pro GDE and 007 DSB that deliver superior performance with reduced inputs. These varieties integrate seamlessly with existing maintenance practices, offering greenkeepers a sustainable solution to improve putting surfaces. 

Key benefits of creeping bentgrass 

1. Outcompete poa annua: By the third season of overseeding, greenkeepers commonly report creeping bent dominating Poa annua and establishing in previously barren areas.
2. Resilience and recovery: Creeping bent demonstrates rapid recovery from disease outbreaks, divot scars, and mechanical stress (e.g. scarifying or coring). This reduces dependency on fungicides and ensures consistently true bentgrass greens year-round.
3. High seedling survival rates: Unlike browntop bent or fescues, CB seedlings show exceptional post-germination survival rates, even under less-than-ideal conditions.
4. Ease of creeping bentgrass management: Modern varieties don’t cause excessive thatch buildup when managed correctly. Simple brushing, grooming, and light dressing suffice to maintain healthy turf without over-scarifying. 

Overcoming common concerns with creeping bentgrass management 

Thatch control 

A common misconception is that creeping bent leads to problematic thatch buildup. However, Germinal’s experience shows that modern varieties don’t exacerbate this issue when paired with appropriate maintenance practices. Greenkeepers are advised to avoid aggressive scarification unless pre-existing thatch problems exist. 

Nutrition adjustments 

Creeping bent thrives with specific nitrogen sources like ammonium nitrate or the acidifying sulphate of ammonia rather than slow-release forms like urea or organics preferred by fescues. A typical feeding program involves applying 55-90kg of nitrogen annually in small doses every two weeks to sustain healthy growth without overstressing the turf. 

From grow-in

From overseeding 

* A 36-week feeding programme of approximately 3-5kg every two weeks equates to 55-90kg N per annum. This is sufficient to maintain creeping bent. 

Practical tips for overseeding creeping bentgrass 

1. Plan your programme: Establish a yearly overseeding plan, considering budget constraints and renovation windows. Aim for 50-80 kg/ha of pure creeping bentgrass seed annually, depending on your goals and resources. It’s worth remembering that creeping bent can also flourish at rates as low as 30-40kg.
2. Timing matters: While autumn offers optimal germination conditions, trials show spring overseeding yields higher survival rates due to reduced wear and disease pressure during establishment.
3. Application techniques: Whether using a dimple seeder, disc seeder, or drop spreader, ensure good seed-to-soil contact for optimal germination. Avoid seeding deeper than 10mm to prevent delays in establishment.
4. Water management: During dry periods or grow-ins, ensure consistent moisture availability to support seedling development without unnecessarily stressing creeping bentgrass and other desirable grasses. 

Real-world success 

Drayton Park Golf Club in Staffordshire serves as a prime example of the potential of creeping bentgrass. While Course Manager, Dale Housden achieved 50-60% coverage within five years using Tour Leader without altering his traditional feeding or thatch management practices significantly. 

Dale notes that his bentgrass greens are now more uniform and disease-resistant, requiring only one fungicide application annually. This result has delighted both members and elite golfers alike. 

The way forward 

Creeping bentgrass offers UK and Irish greenkeepers a proven solution to meet modern challenges while delivering superior putting surfaces with fewer inputs. Germinal’s commitment to research-backed solutions ensures greenkeepers can confidently establish mixtures with the help of tailored creeping bentgrass management advice at every stage of their journey. 

If you’re considering a switch, you can find elite creeping bent varieties in our Tour Leader and ForeFront Greens mixtures. Or for advice on establishing bentgrass greens, contact our grass experts today.