Turfgrass Science (Division C-5) had a rather austere beginning with the Crop Science Society of America 50 years-ago and for its first 30 years as a Division in the Society it seemed to struggle for its identity and recognition from its peers. However, in the past 20 years Turfgrass Science has experienced a major surge in growth of its membership and their activity within the Society. In 1955, 15 turfgrass papers were presented at the first CSSA meeting. In 2005, there will be more than 200 papers presented. During the period of 1985 to 2004, presentations in Division C-5 grew steadily from 62 to 219. Today, Division C-5 has over 300 members and it has evolved into one of the most active and dynamic Divisions in our Society. This presentation will point out some of the early efforts that Turfgrass Science went through as it struggled to evolve as a discipline during the past 50 years. It will identify individuals whose lives had significant impact on our discipline, and it will also highlight major research, teaching and outreach accomplishments and contributions that Division C-5 members have made during “50 years of splendor in the grass”.