Poa annua is one of the most widely adapted cultivated grass species in North America and makes up a major component of the golf course turf throughout the cool season turf areas of the world. It has, however, been much maligned as being susceptible to disease, damage by summer heat and water stress, an inability to overwinter or tolerate crown hydration and refreezing in the spring, and the habit of seeding continously in the spring and fall. These problems are accentuated by the absence of improved types. Under normal irrigated golf course maintenance Poa annua often becomes the dominant component of the turf population. In addition, it often maintains this dominant position despite the vigorous and extended control programs that have been attempted. Like it or not, it seems that Poa annua is a fact of life on most golf courses. Therefore, rather than fight it, improve it and use it. Poa annua can be found in various forms from true annuals (Poa annua annua) to true perennials (Poa annua reptans). The annuals have a short life cycle with little vegetative growth, but substantial seed production, whereas the perennials have a stoloniferous growth habit producing a lot of vegetative spread with rooting at the nodes. Our breeding program has concentrated our efforts on the perennial form, Poa annua reptans, and has collected, evaluated, and made crosses between the better performers. Through this rigorous process, improved types have been identified and are being used to continuously improve our program. Advances have been made in reducing flowering on the putting surface, increasing disease resistance, improving color, and increasing various stress resistances and tolerances.