Management costs influence golfer perceptions of turfgrass quality and playability

Abstract Research was conducted to determine if turfgrass quality and playability perceptions of golf course fairway plots of buffalograss ( Bouteloua dactyloides [Nutt.] Columbus), creeping bentgrass ( Agrostis stolonifera L.), and Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis L.) managed at a 1.27‐cm mowing height changed after participants were informed of management costs. A field study was designed with species as main plots, split with different irrigation, fertility, and pest control inputs that influenced management costs. Study participants indicated their golf ability level and playing frequency. Participants rated plots (0 for acceptable or 1 for not acceptable) for visual quality and playability as a golf course fairway. Participants were then informed of management cost ranges for described treatments and rated the plots again. The number of acceptable ratings for quality and playability were compared between informed and uniformed groups. Quality and playability perceptions changed the most between informed and uninformed groups for irrigation treatments. At the lowest cost group, buffalograss had the greatest increase in acceptability for quality and playability between informed and uninformed groups. Informing clientele about management costs may increase rate of turfgrass acceptability at reduced management inputs.