Creeping bentgrass (CB; Agrostis stolonifera L.) grows well in low P soils in monoculture, however, the soil P concentration range that provides CB an advantage over annual bluegrass (AB; Poa annua L.) in mixed swards is unknown. The objective of this research was to determine how phosphorus and soil pH influence species composition when AB and CB are established from tillers in polyculture. Replicate greenhouse experiments evaluated five P rates (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 kg ha−1 P via triple superphosphate) and two soil pH levels (5.6 and 7.1). The highest P rate in the high pH soil resulted in the most AB cover (61%). Phosphate applied at 3 kg ha−1 P in the low pH soil provided the greatest CB cover (72%), which was 5‐fold greater than AB cover. All P‐receiving treatments in the low pH soil had similar green cover, but a species advantage for CB was only observed in the 3 kg ha−1 P treatment. Turfgrass quality was greatest when ≥ 6 kg ha−1 P was applied to low pH soil but was only slightly reduced at 3 kg ha−1 P. Regardless of pH, withholding P resulted in the lowest AB cover (< 4%); however, these treatments resulted in poor turfgrass quality and low green cover (< 30%). Aboveground shoot biomass increased linearly with P rate and was greater at the lower pH. In moderately acidic sand, AB was less competitive than CB when Mehlich‐3 P ranged from 4 to 6 mg kg−1.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved