Understanding fine fescue species and their use in golf

Fine fescues comprise a group of five turf grasses: the red fescues‑slender creeping, Chewings, strong creeping, hard fescue and sheep fescue. The seminar will discuss the features, benefits and differences between the grass types and examine how breeding, research and development is influencing how and where they are used on the golf course.

A particular focus of the session will be examining hard fescue, including its increased usage in the industry and its implications for more sustainable turf management.

Learning outcomes

• Understanding the key differences between turf grass species
• Learning how to utilise each species on a particular golf course
• Finding out about new turf grass research relevant for sustainable turf management
• Investigation of in‑field trials and case studies of leading golf courses in the UK
• Learning how hard fescue can benefit the future demands of sustainable greenkeeping
• Understanding how and why chemical and water inputs can be reduced on golf courses

Presented by:

Dr. David Greenshields

Product Manager

David Greenshields is Amenity Commercial Manager for Barenbrug UK.  He has worked for Barenbrug for over fifteen years in a variety of sales, R&D and management roles.  David particularly enjoys seeing a new cultivar through final trials before coming to market and advising top sports facilities on grass seed usage.  
David also currently serves on the Board of Management at Goswick Golf Club as Course Director.  His background was in academia - he has a PhD. in Plant Genetics from Edinburgh University and a Master's degree in Environmental Biology from St Andrews University.  In his spare time he tries in vain to hang onto a decent golf handicap whilst "managing" family life with two young daughters and a border collie.