In golf course management, few decisions have a greater long-term impact than the choice of turfgrass for the putting greens. These surfaces define a large part of the playing experience — speed, consistency, and ultimately, the identity of the club itself. Among the options available in Europe, few species have proven as versatile and high-performing as Agrostis stolonifera, commonly known as creeping bentgrass.

With its fine stolons, strong regenerative capacity, and excellent tolerance to low mowing heights, this species serves as the foundation for most championship-level greens in temperate and cool climates. At Newsod, we work with three cutting-edge cultivars: 777, Pure Distinction, and Pure Select.

777: Genetic Uniformity, Vigour, and Resilience Under Heavy Play

777 is one of the most consistent and balanced creeping bentgrass cultivars available today. Part of the renowned SUPERBENT™ group, it’s recognized for its exceptional cold tolerance and strong disease resistance. It was developed to maintain a dense, uniform stand with a deep green color and fine leaf texture, producing a visually appealing and highly stable putting surface.

One of its key strengths is its outstanding wear tolerance and quick recovery from traffic — essential for high-play courses and tournament venues. This variety retains its density even under stress and bounces back quickly after aggressive cultural practices.

In terms of climate adaptability, 777 performs reliably in temperate and cool regions, maintaining density and color through extended periods of cold weather, with strong winter hardiness and early spring green-up.

From a plant health standpoint, 777 offers enhanced resistance to common foliar diseases, allowing for reduced treatments inputs and more sustainable turf management programs. It tolerates mowing heights between 2.5–3.2 mm exceptionally well, providing consistent green speeds without resorting to high-stress practices.

Nutritionally, it responds best to moderate nitrogen programs, maintaining vigor without promoting excessive growth or thatch accumulation. Its deep, well-developed root system improves both water and nutrient use efficiency.

Pure Distinction: Varietal Purity and Aesthetic Excellence

If 777 represents balance, Pure Distinction sits at the top of the scale for visual quality and playing performance. This cultivar was bred specifically for elite competition greens where every detail matters. It features an extremely fine leaf texture, very high shoot density, and near-perfect color uniformity. Visually, Pure Distinction creates a tight, smooth, and exceptionally clean putting surface that naturally suppresses weeds and invasive species.

One of its defining traits is its ability to maintain performance at ultra-low mowing heights, holding structure even below 2.5 mm. This allows for exceptional ball roll speeds — ideal for clubs hosting major championships or prioritizing fast, firm playing conditions. Unlike many older cultivars, Pure Distinction does not produce excessive thatch, which simplifies maintenance and helps sustain optimal performance even at moderate input levels.

Agronomically, the cultivar performs consistently in cool and temperate climates but benefits from precise irrigation and nutrient management. Its fine, compact growth habit makes soil oxygenation and controlled moisture critical for success.

In terms of plant health, Pure Distinction provides solid resistance to Dollar Spot and Anthracnose. Its genetic purity reduces the need for frequent overseeding, helping maintain surface uniformity over many seasons.

From an aesthetic standpoint, very few cultivars can match its appearance. It was the chosen grass for Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy — host venue for the Ryder Cup 2023.

Pure Select: Efficiency and Year-Round Stability

Pure Select combines advanced creeping bentgrass genetics with a more resilient, resource-efficient profile. It delivers high playing speeds without the same intensive management demands as some other premium cultivars.

This variety excels under lower-quality irrigation water and maintains strong seasonal stability. It holds color and density through long, wet winters, offering excellent cold tolerance and reliable performance under low light — a common challenge in northern Europe. Its more moderate growth rate reduces the need for aggressive daily mowing, resulting in meaningful time and cost savings.

Pure Select also demonstrates good resistance to both foliar and root diseases, and it responds well to low-input fertility programs. This makes it not only cost-effective but also well-aligned with increasingly strict environmental regulations on chemical and water use.

Although its leaf texture is slightly coarser than that of Pure Distinction, it still produces a clean, firm, and fast putting surface. Its recovery after maintenance practices is strong, and its deep root system enhances water-use efficiency.

Three Varieties, Three Strategies

All three cultivars share a common denominator: world-class playing quality. But each responds differently to the specific needs of different facilities:

• 777 is ideal for clubs seeking consistent performance, excellent traffic tolerance, and flexible management.
• Pure Distinction is the choice for facilities prioritizing premium aesthetics and maximum green speeds.
• Pure Select offers operational efficiency and year-round stability, aligning with modern sustainability and resource management strategies.

Choosing the right cultivar depends on more than visual preference. Climate, maintenance resources, and the course’s long-term strategic goals all play a role. At Newsod, we work alongside superintendents and course architects to help shape that strategy, ensuring the chosen variety not only looks great in year one but performs consistently over its full lifespan.

A Greener Future for European Golf

Golf course management in Europe is undergoing a major shift. Stricter environmental standards, the need to optimize resources, and the demand for more consistent playing surfaces are reshaping turf selection strategies. Cultivars like 777, Pure Distinction, and Pure Select are not just “options” — they’re technical tools that enable clubs to evolve without sacrificing quality.

Thanks to their advanced genetics, adaptability, and unique agronomic profiles, these cultivars are setting new benchmarks across Europe — from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. In the hands of skilled turf professionals, they can transform a putting green into a world-class playing surface.