Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Turfgrass

A Pioneering Turfgrass Program 

For more than 70 years, Michigan State University’s turfgrass management program has delivered cutting-edge research, providing practical solutions for turfgrass professionals and end-users alike. From golf, soccer, football, baseball, to racetracks and green spaces across the worldthe turfgrass research team at Michigan State has played an integral role in advancing natural grass playing surfaces at every level of sport and perhaps even in your own backyard. Our turfgrass program is rich in history and tradition, with research contributions supporting two FIFA World Cups, the Athens and Beijing Olympic Games, and the renovations of major PGA tournament venues, including Oakland Hills CC, Medinah Country Club, and Philadelphia Country Club. 

Facilities 

The Hancock Turfgrass Research Center (HTRC), which broke ground in 1979, is a premier turfgrass research facility encompassing 56 acres of cool-season turfgrass species managed as high- and low-input home, sports, and golf course systems. The center boasts a fully equipped on-site laboratory, the latest in 21st century turf management technologies, and a state-of-the-art computerized Toro® and RainBird® irrigation systems that services approximately 90% of the grounds. To drive innovation and accommodate emerging projects, approximately 3-acres of research space are renovated annually. The HTRC also serves as a living laboratory enabling practical learning as part of the historic teaching program. 

The HTRC: 

• Is centrally located on campus and is a hub for green industry collaboration. 

• Hosts numerous groups and events throughout the year, including the governing board of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, AgBio Research, the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the Michigan Sports Field Managers Association.  

• Is an ideal location for hosting industry educational events. In 2024, the HTRC held educational events and field days for the Golf Association of Michigan, Michigan Sod Growers Association, Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America and the annual Michigan State University – Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Turfgrass Field Day. 

Conference Room

Shop

Fuller Building

Plot Map

Teaching 

One of the core values of the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center is to be a living laboratory to assist with and facilitate the teaching mission of MSU Turf Team and Michigan State University. 

Classes that utilize the Turf Center for learning include:  

Industry Support