Zoysia japonica on a putting green?

You may have seen Zoysia japonica (noshiba, Japanese lawngrass) on lawns, or bunker edges, or in fairways or rough. This is not a putting green grass! But to my surprise, it can survive at putting green mowing heights.

I took this photo from a small patch of noshiba growing in one of the greens at Keya Golf Club during the 2024 KBC Augusta tournament.

For comparison, see this image of creeping bentgrass taken the previous week during the US Amateur…