A major addition to the Greensboro Country Club’s renovated Farm Course will be the use of zoysiagrass, a unique surface used in only one of the current PGA’s tour courses but one that draw high praise from the professionals.
The decision was taken after much research and feedback from other users. Top clubs like Peachtree, Atlanta Athletic Club, Reynolds Plantation, Ocean Forest and Capital City all switched to zoysia, saying: “To be the best, you have to change to the best.”
Members of these clubs all endorsed the move, saying it was a major improvement from the Bermudagrass they had been using.
There are multiple reasons for the choice, including:
- Superior playing surface where the ball sits up better on the turf due to a tighter weave in the growth pattern.
- Ball may be played as it lies because the surface maintains integrity throughout the winter.
- It grows green earlier in the spring and stays green longer in the fall.
- The ball rolls out more offering increased distance for high handicap players.
- It is aesthetically prettier with the color hue and there is less divot problem.
- It is excellent for slopes and tough conditions.
From a maintenance standpoint, there are many other plusses including:
o Almost zero winterkill; better transition zone grass under a variety of conditions
o Uses a substantial amount of less water. Some clubs report water use down by 50 percent or more.
o Uses 50 percent less fertilizer and it drains better
o Reduced mowing frequency (equipment lasts longer)
o More drought and shade tolerant
o Chokes out weeds and replaces other grasses
o Naturally resists insects.
The new design of The Farm Course lengthens it from the current 6,914 yards par 71 to a 7, 376 yards par 72 with five new and reshaped holes being the centerpiece. The entire 18 holes are being revamped with new tee area, green complexes and adjustments to the fairway approaches to the greens.
