When someone talks about the grain of grass, especially on a putting green, what do they mean?
Grain refers to the tendency of a species of grass to grow in a certain direction. Exposure to sunlight at only certain times is one factor that will control the grain of grass. Much has been said and written about grain and how it impacts putting. Because superintendents rotate mowing patterns, a single pattern of grain generally is not established. At professional championship competition where greens are mowed to 1/8 inch, the short leaf blade exhibits no (or insignificant) grain pattern that would affect putting.
