21st century genetics bring improved density, weed control to fairways, bunker surrounds of Tom Fazio-designed layout
(PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.) – PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course underwent a significant re-grassing project this off season, heightening the playing experience by introducing new turf to fairways and bunker surrounds, and planting several ornamental species to reframe holes.
Celebration, a hybrid Bermuda grass gaining great popularity in recent years, was installed on all 14 fairways. The strain is hearty enough to out-compete common Bermuda grass – making it ideal for weed control – and possesses a striking blue-green color. Its texture and density also helps it to recover quickly from divots.
“The original grass was Tifway 419, a hybrid developed back in the 1960s,” says Dick Gray, Superintendent at PGA Golf Club. “The DNA of common Bermuda is quite old, so with Celebration we’re getting current, 21st century genetics.”
In addition, a number of bunker faces on the Tom Fazio design were sodded with Empire Zoysia. With its slower growth rate and better density than Bermuda, it requires less mowing and fewer inputs.
These changes to the fairways and bunker surrounds are complemented by playing corridors reframed with four ornamental grasses: Burgundy fountain grass, white fountain grass, dwarf fakahatchee and muhlenbergia (also known as “muhly”).
Adds Gray: “The ornamental grasses multi-task. They add greater definition to the playing experience by cutting down on long, open spaces and re-directing players’ eyes toward their intended target. They also help us manage areas of the course that were difficult to effectively maintain, due to lack of sunlight or severe slope.”
The re-grassing initiative is one of several exciting changes this season at PGA Golf Club. Its 20,000-square-foot clubhouse has been enhanced and expanded by Tom Hoch Design. The state-of-the-art centerpiece includes a completely revamped and modern golf shop; the American-British fusion Taplow Pub featuring a cozy, welcoming interior with cutting-edge audio / video components; and NINETEEN-SIXTEEN Bar & Grille, a members-only restaurant adjacent to the 18th Hole of the Wanamaker Course.
Additionally, the PGA has relocated notable trophies and artifacts tracing its nearly 100 years to the new “PGA Gallery” area of the clubhouse. A showcase of the major championship trophies of golf includes the PGA Championship’s original Wanamaker Trophy. The Senior PGA Championship’s Alfred S. Bourne Trophy and the Vardon Trophy, with its iconic overlapped hands sculpture, are also prominently displayed.
For more information and to reserve Starting Times visit www.pgavillage.com; for more information on The PGA of America, visit www.pgamediacenter.com
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Stephen Reynolds
Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group
ssharp@buffalobig.com
sreynolds@buffalobig.com
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