Research was initiated to investigate germination characteristics of creeping bentgrass (CB, Agrostis palustris Huds.). Seven varieties of CB were evaluated with different experiments. An alternative environment condition requiring for a CB germination test by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) was applied in the Experiment I, consisting of 8-hr light at $25^{circ}C$ and 16-hr dark at $15^{circ}C$(ISTA conditions). Experiment II was conducted under a room temperature condition of 5 to $25^{circ}C$(natural conditions). In each experiment, data such as seed germinating vigor, early germination characteristics, germination speed and germination peak time were measured. Significant differences were observed in seed germinating vigor, early germination characteristics, germination speed and germination peak time. Seed germinating vigor was variable with different environments and varieties. It was 61.50 to 98.25% under ISTA conditions and 55.00 to 98.50% under natural conditions. There were considerable variations in early germination characteristics among CB varieties according to different conditions. Early germination characteristics indicated that all varieties were 1 to 4 days faster in germination under ISTA conditions, when compared with natural conditions. The germination speed, measured as days to seed germination of 70% and 90%, was much faster with Penn A-1, Penn A-4 and Penncross under ISTA conditions. But it was even faster with L-93 and Penncross when grown under natural conditions. Differences were also observed in germination peak time with varieties and growing conditions. It was 0.57 to 2.86 days under ISTA conditions and 0.74 to 1.74 days under natural conditions. Regardless of the environment conditions, the shortest variety was L-93 and the longest one T-1. Considering germinating vigor, early germination characteristics, germination speed and germination peak time, Penn A-1, Penn A-4 and Penncross were regarded as excellent varieties under ISTA conditions in terms of early establishment characteristics, while L-93, Penn A-1 and Penncross under natural conditions. These results suggest that an intensive germination test be needed prior to planting, for the early germinating vigor, germination speed and germination peak time. Also, a proper variety selection and comprehensive site analysis for the growing environmental conditions should be done before golf course construction.