Research was initiated to investigate early establislment characteristics and germination pattern of perennial ryegrass (PR, Lolium perenne L.). Eight varieties of PR were evaluated in the study. An alternative environmental condition for a PR germination test required by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) was applied in the experiment, consisting of 8-hr light at $25^{circ}C$ and 16-hr dark at $15^{circ}C$ (ISTA conditions). Daily and cumulative germination pattern were measured and analyzed daily for 30 days. Significant differences were observed in germination pattern, days to the first germination, days to 50% germination, days to 75% germination, and final germination rate. Germination rates were variable among the varieties, being 66.00 to 93.75% at the end of study. There were considerable variations in early germination characteristics and germination pattern among PR varieties. The first germination in all entries tested was initiated from 3 to 5 DAS (days after seeding) under ISTA conditions, being 2 days in differences among the varieties. It was 4 to 7 DAS in days to the 50% germination, being 1 to 3 days later from the first germination and three days were variable among them. Days to the 75% germination were 5.93 to 10.50 DAS under ISTA conditions, being 4.57 days in variety differences. Pennant II and Brightstar II were the fastest varieties. The slowest ones were Revenge GLX and Brightstar SLT. Considering days to the first germination, days to 75% germination, and germination pattern etc, Pennant II and Brightstar II were regarded as excellent varieties under ISTA conditions. From tills study, information on differences in germination characteristics and pattern would be usefully applied for golf course design and construction, when established with PR.