Exploring divot resistance and recovery of select turfgrasses used on golf courses

Abstract Divots are pieces of the turfgrass sward removed when golf clubs strike playing surfaces with impact energy that exceeds turfgrass shear strength. Divot resistance and recovery are factors affecting turfgrass species and cultivar selection for golf courses. Research was conducted in Knoxville, TN, during 2022 and 2023, evaluating divot resistance and recovery of two hybrid bermudagrasses [ C. dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy, cv. Tifway (TIF) and cv. Latitude 36 (L36)] and one creeping bentgrass ( Agrostis stolonifera L., cv. L93‐XD). A third hybrid bermudagrass (Tahoma 31 [T31]) was included in 2023. A pendulum apparatus was used to create 100 divots on each surface in May each year. Divot resistance was indirectly quantified by measuring the volume of sand used to fill each divot scar. Divot recovery was evaluated via visual assessments of turfgrass cover within the divot scar over time. Divot recovery data were fit to a nonlinear regression model to determine days required to reach 25%, 50%, 75%, and 95% recovery (i.e., Days 25 , Days 50 , Days 75, and Days 95 ). Divot resistance for TIF, L36, and T31 was greater than L93‐XD each year. Divot recovery was faster on hybrid bermudagrass in 2022 (Days 95 = 28–44) than 2023 (Days 95 = 40–77 days); the opposite response was observed on creeping bentgrass with fewer days required for recovery in 2023 compared to 2022. Among hybrid bermudagrasses, Days 95 values were lowest for T31 and highest for TIF, with L36 ranking intermediate. However, T31 data were limited to a single year.