Off-types are a common occurrence in hybrid turf bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy). They are identified from differences in color or texture of the cultivar in which they arise. Some offtypes are simple contamination of a stand with common bermudagrass but others arise from the parent cultivar. Our research is aimed at elucidating the relationship between molecular distances as established by AFLP and phenotypic performance. Small plugs were taken from two fairways presumably established with the same cultivar. A single-tiller isolates were obtained from each of 36 plugs and propagated in the greenhouse. DNA extraction followed standard procedures. DNA was then probed with four AFLP primer pairs and molecular distances calculated. Replicated greenhouse pot trials were established and standard growth parameters measured. Finally, replicated grow-in studies were established on native soils. Among the 36 clones, only two were identical based on > 200 AFLP bands. Significant differences were observed among clones for all traits measured in the greenhouse. The field grow-in studies revealed tremendous reproducible differences in time required to cover a plot. Furthermore, significant color and texture differences were observed during the grow-in year.