The objectives of the project are to create a genetic linkage map of creeping bentgrass using genomic SSRs (microsatellites) and subsequently identify DNA markers linked to dollar spot disease resistance. To do this, an intra-specific pseudo F₂ mapping population of creeping bentgrass generated from a cross between a dollar spot resistant and a susceptible genotype was created. Approximately 100 microsatellite markers have been identified and are currently being characterized in the mapping population. Additionally, a field trial containing replicated plants of the 180 F₂ progeny and 450 F₃ and backcross progeny was planted in the fall of 2002 and inoculated with the dollar spot pathogen (Sclerotinia homoeocarpa) in the spring of 2003. These plants were evaluated for dollar spot disease in 2003 and 2004. Phenotypic dollar spot data of the mapping population was compared to the molecular marker data using MapQTL and verified using a one-way ANOVA analysis. Two putative QTL loci have been identified in the mapping population. The additional backcross and F₃ generations are in the process of being genotyped to confirm the QTL association with dollar spot disease resistance.