Research comes to the rescue of drought-stressed golf fairways
As droughts tighten across Europe, the problem of brown, poorly playable golf-course fairways increases. Independent Scandinavian research may be able to help. A study of cool-season grasses aims to help golf-course managers make informed, science-based turfgrass choices. In the study, preliminary results show that our 4turf® grasses performed extremely well. These climate-smart turfgrasses improve playability, stay greener for longer, and reduce the need for irrigation and maintenance.
Golf course fairways are greener and more drought-tolerant with 4turf®
Independent studies show that the fairways of drought-stressed golf courses perform better with 4turf® tetraploid perennial ryegrasses. 4turf® proved to be more drought-tolerant and to recover faster than traditional diploid ryegrasses after the drought was over. Only tall fescue ranked higher for overall drought survival.
The tests show that 4turf® provides better playability and visual appeal, and that a fairway with 4turf® will help golf-course managers where irrigation is not an option.
The Fairwater drought-research project
Droughts are increasing across Europe. To help golf-course managers make climate-smart choices – to use less water while maintaining high-quality fairways – the Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Research Foundation (STERF) launched the Fairwater research project in 2023. It looks at how a variety of cool-season grasses perform under prolonged drought stress and how well they recover when the rains return. The aim is to provide golf-course managers with science-based guidance for more resilient and more sustainable turf choices.
Preliminary results: 4turf® performs under pressure
First year results from the Fairwater trials confirm what many turf managers have already observed in practice: 4turf® tetraploid perennial ryegrasses are a highly drought-tolerant, climate-smart turfgrass choice. The results are particularly relevant to golf-course playability because, once the drought was over, 4turf® varieties recovered faster than traditional diploid ryegrasses. With fast recovery, fairways return to strong playing conditions sooner, which reduces course downtime and improves player satisfaction.
The Fairwater results represent an independent, external verification of 4turf® performance. These are neither commercial claims nor the results of isolated trials. Fairwater is a robust scientific study confirming the strong drought tolerance and speedy recovery of 4turf®. It gives European turf managers the confidence to choose a grass proven to perform under pressure.
The Fairwater study also highlights a vital measurement point: baseline quality matters. Drought tolerance should always be compared with the quality under normal conditions. A grass that performs at 75% under drought but only 50% when rain is plentiful may not be the best overall choice.
4turf® is the smart manager’s choice
For golf clubs and players, the advantages of 4turf® go way beyond drought survival and recovery. With strong drought-tolerance, 4turf® requires less irrigation and helps save valuable water resources. Its fast recovery ensures that fairways bounce back quickly after stress to provide more consistent playing quality. On the fairway, 4turf® stays green for longer, giving the course a more pleasing visual appearance for players and visitors. And since fast recovery reduces weed pressure, 4turf® needs fewer damaging herbicide treatments.
4turf® isn’t just good for droughts. It comes with broad-ranging disease-resistance, stronger root development, and improved year-round resilience. It gives greenkeepers a turf that’s healthier, more robust, and less dependent on chemical inputs.
4turf® wins across the board. It cuts the costs and the need for watering and maintenance, and reduces CO₂ emissions through fewer inputs. Players enjoy better turf quality and improved playability, which gives them greater course satisfaction.
Benefits for all types of sport
Although the Fairwater project focuses on golf fairways, the results are relevant to many other turf-grass sports. Football pitches, rugby fields, and municipal sports grounds face the same challenges of drought stress, high wear, and increasing restrictions on water and pesticide use. 4turf®’s proven drought tolerance and fast recovery make it ideal for all high-demand playing surfaces.
For stadiums and community pitches, 4turf® provides better resilience during dry summers and reduced maintenance costs. For municipalities, it offers more environmentally friendly green spaces that remain attractive and playable while needing less water and fewer inputs.
4turf® for a climate-smart golf course
As the Fairwater project continues, more insights will emerge. But already the message is clear: 4turf® will be a key factor in the future of resilient golf-course fairways.
To learn more about 4turf® and its value for golf courses and other turfgrass playing surfaces, speak to your local DLF representative.