Evan Schiller
PGA WEST recently restored the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course greens back to their originally designed size.
More than 50,000 square feet of putting green surface was regained, expanding the greens to 140,000 square feet, as designed when the course first opened in 1986. The benefits of increasing the greens include creating more interesting hole locations, (which decrease with age) such as the ability to tuck and hide the flagsticks in varying positions on the same hole.
“With the recent releases of new varieties of turf that provide a better, faster, smoother roll of the ball, it was a good time to complete this project,” PGA WEST director of agronomy Chris May said. “We chose TifEagle Bermudagrass based on its proven track record of performance and genetic stability.”
Over time, shrinkage of golf course greens is a natural occurrence, according to May. To determine the original size of the greens, a metal detector was used to find the metal liner that outlined the initial shapes and boundaries. Working with a veteran shaper of Nicklaus Design, they redefined the greens and began the restoration, which took three days to plant.
“Offering an exceptional golf experience for our members and guests is one of our highest priorities at PGA WEST, and I know that everyone is going to enjoy playing on these new TifEagle™ greens,” PGA WEST executive director Ben Dobbs said. “We believe in investing in our courses to keep them in the best shape possible and restoring the greens was an easy decision.”
In addition to the greens renewal, a 9,000-square foot putting green also was added, tying into the championship tee on the first hole.
This 72-par, 7,204-yard course is often referred to by members as Nick Tourney. The course is home to PGA TOUR events, including the American Express (formerly Desert Classic, Career Builder and Humana Challenge).
