Investigating the Role of Paspalum Grass in Sustainable Golf Course Turf Management

Presenter(s)

Destiny Kniseley, John Hooker

Abstract or Description

We are investigating the potential of seashore paspalum (Panicum vaginatum) as a sustainable alternative for golf course management South and Central Texas. We focus on longevity, water requirements, and general maintenance needs. Golf courses in South and Central Texas face increasing challenges due to water scarcity and environmental sustainability concerns. Traditional turfgrass species, such as bermuda and zoysia, require intensive irrigation and maintenance, making them less viable for long-term resource conservation.

We established three 10 ft × 10 ft sod plots featuring Platinum TE Paspalum, Tahoma Bermuda, and Palisades Zoysia. After an initial establishment period, we systematically reduced irrigation across all plots to assess drought tolerance, growth patterns, and overall health. We also surveyed golfers at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club to understand their familiarity with and preferences for different turfgrass species.

Our preliminary findings indicate that paspalum maintained its green color and growth under reduced water conditions, outperforming zoysia, which exhibited browning and die-off in some areas. Bermuda remained healthy but demonstrated limited vertical growth, which may be advantageous for reducing mowing frequency and maintenance costs. Survey responses revealed that while all participants were familiar with bermuda, fewer recognized zoysia, and only two out of eleven respondents were aware that paspalum was already present on their course. Our results suggest that paspalum could be a viable, water-conscious alternative for golf course management in the Texas Hill Country. Its resilience under reduced irrigation aligns with research highlighting its drought tolerance, salinity resistance, and lower nutrient needs. As the study continues, we will monitor spring regrowth to assess long-term viability. Future research should explore paspalum’s performance under real-world conditions, including extreme heat and soil salinity. Adopting paspalum could help water- scarce golf courses reduce their ecological footprint while maintaining playability and aesthetics.

Mentor

John N. Hooker