Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) and bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) are rhizomatous, perennial grass species that readily invade golf course fairways and roughs. These species are widely distributed throughout the state of North Carolina due to their tolerance of both droughty, sandy soils and moist, clay soils. Currently, few post-emergent herbicide options exist for the effective, economical control of these weeds. Examination of their spatial distribution and population ecology may provide clues to improving management tactics. The distribution of these species was evaluated in both golf course fairways and roughs of three holes. Golf courses were selected based on the presence of both weed species. Individual plants were mapped using a high precision (RTK) GPS unit. The RTK unit was used to delineate between the rough and fairway height of cut as well as the elevation characteristics of each hole. Volumetric soil water content and soil penetration resistance readings were also obtained. Characteristics used for initial correlation analysis consisted of mowing height, elevation, volumetric soil water content, and soil penetration resistance. Bahiagrass growth and distribution was more affected by mowing height than dallisgrass. Bahiagrass was predominantly distributed in the rough, while dallisgrass occurred at both mowing heights. Although highly significant, data suggest that elevation was not a factor affecting Paspalum spp. distribution. Similar responses were observed for both species in regards to soil compaction. Higher plant density for both species was observed in moderately compacted soil (40-60 N). Bahiagrass distribution was not affected by soil moisture. Dallisgrass density was lower in areas with low volumetric soil moisture levels (< 27%). Controlled environment experiments were conducted to help clarify the effect of several of these factors and to negate the possibility of spatial autocorrelation.