New ultradwarf bermudagrass, Mach 1, receives patent and praise

Mach 1, a new ultradwarf bermudagrass available for golf course greens, received its plant patent.

Developed by Rod Lingle, CGCS, Mach 1 sets itself apart from previous ultradwarf releases with super fine texture for superior ball roll, excellent response to growth regulators and incredible visible purity, says Modern Turf.

Trump National practice facility green during grow-in (Photo courtesy of James Sowers)

As part of Mach 1’s introduction to the market, courses around the world from Florida to Vietnam planted trial plots for evaluation. Trump National Golf Club Charlotte in North Carolina is the first to install the new ultradwarf for permanent play. Their new Fazio-designed par-three practice facility, Fazio Five, features Mach 1 on all greens.

“We were surprised at how quickly the Mach 1 grew in,” said Trump National Director of Grounds James Sowers. “We planted in June for a September grand opening, but the greens were almost completely covered in just six weeks. I have also noticed that we aren’t getting as much vertical movement as lateral growth, which has been positive for the speed of the greens.”

In addition to growing characteristics, Sowers is pleased with the aesthetics and playability of Mach 1. “It’s a really tight-looking plant, upright with excellent color and good, thick, healthy roots,” said Sowers. “Our members are accustomed to impeccable playing conditions, and the feedback we have received has been fantastic. We are looking forward to getting into our next growing season and watching the performance of this new product. It’s been exciting to be one of the first to implement as our agronomy team is always looking for ways to further enhance the experience at Trump National Golf Club Charlotte.”

Streamsong Resort trialing Mach 1 Ultradwarf Bermudagrass (Photo courtesy of Rusty Mercer)

Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Fla., began trialing Mach 1 last fall. As a three-course resort facility hosting about 100,000 rounds of golf per year, Streamsong requires greens that impress.

“I would say it’s probably the finest putting surface I’ve seen in my life,” said Rusty Mercer, director of agronomy at Streamsong. “I don’t know if I’ve seen a surface this fine and tight before. It’s almost like the ball is floating.”

Mercer, who is experienced in managing ultradwarf greens, described Mach 1 as less labor-intensive than TifEagle. He found Mach 1 to be drought and disease resistant with a giant root system and requirements for less nitrogen.

“I haven’t found anything that I don’t like about this grass,” Mercer said. “I’ve had superintendents from all over the country visit, and they were blown away. They all try to compare it to something they’ve played before, but no one can come up with anything like it.”

Genetic stability is an advantage of Mach 1 getting attention as well. Lingle selected the grass nearly 20 years ago. Throughout testing and trials, no visible off-types have occurred.

Turfgrass production company Modern Turf in Rembert, S.C., is the exclusive grower of Mach 1 and manages distribution throughout the U.S. Atlas Turf International oversees sales and marketing outside of the U.S.