Does Augusta National Have Bentgrass or Bermudagrass Greens?

Augusta National has bentgrass greens and they are some of the best in the world. In fact, they are the best in the world.

The PGA Tour stop right before The Masters is the Shell Houston Open at the Golf Club of Houston. Some feel as if this a great way to prepare for Augusta but I totally disagree. I have played Houston, Texas bermudagrass greens and I can promise you they are nothing like the bentgrass we have have in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

Remember, Augusta National is closed during the summer because the bentgrass greens cannot survive the heat. Bentgrass is, by far and away, the best grass for getting a true roll on the greens. If you have played bentgrass greens that are well maintained you know exactly what I am talking about.

At the Golf Club of Houston, PGA Tour players had to fight the battle of reading the grain and the stickiness of bermudagrass greens. This is not a concern next week at The Masters. You can read the greens and they will roll true.

After the final round of the Shell Houston Open on Sunday even Phil Mickelson stated that the tournament was nothing like The Masters. There are many hazards at the Golf Club of Houston and you can’t hit driver on every single hole. You need to hit about 13 drivers at Augusta National.

The fact the Jim Harman won the Shell Houston Open tells you all you need to know about comparing the Golf Club of Houston to Augusta National. I am willing to bet Jim Harman doesn’t even make the cut at Augusta next week.

If you want to play some of the best greens in the United States, find a private golf course with bentgrass greens. Play them in the spring or the fall and you will enjoy some of the best putting conditions ever.