Modern Turf Installs New Putting Greens Featuring MiniVerde Ultradwarf Bermudagrass at Renowned Pinehurst Resort


August 14, 2012. In late July 2012, Modern Turf, Inc., a South-Carolina-based turfgrass production company, completed installation of all new putting greens on the Pinehurst No. 1 golf course at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. Pinehurst, which features eight golf courses and is host to many national golf tournaments, will be the site of the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women's Open Championships in 2014.

Pinehurst No. 1 - a short 6,093-yard par-70 course - is the first of the eight courses to install MiniVerde ultradwarf bermudagrass. "We are excited to work with the folks at Pinehurst as they learn to manage this new turf, and certainly are hopeful that they will expand the program to other Pinehurst courses over the next several years, based on the success of Pinehurst No. 1," says Hank Kerfoot, president of Modern Turf.

The MiniVerde ultradwarf bermudagrass produces deep roots and is characterized by fine-leaf blades, short internodes and high-shoot density. MiniVerde has been the top-rated bermudagrass in the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials during the past several years.

Kerfoot says that ultradwarf grasses are becoming increasingly popular throughout the Southeast and other regions. "These new bermudagrasses are producing putting surfaces that rival and - at certain times of the year - exceed the putting quality of the older bentgrass greens." This is because ultradwarf bermudagrass is more wear-resistant, as well as more heat- and drought-tolerant, he says. "The climate is changing and it's getting hotter as a result. So it's becoming more challenging to produce the quality putting surfaces golfers demand for everyday play."

In addition to hot-weather play, says Kerfoot, the MiniVerde ultradwarf exhibits good cold tolerance, making for excellent year-round putting quality. "And it requires fewer fungicides and chemicals compared to older bent grass greens, making for a more environmentally friendly putting surface."

To learn more about MiniVerde ultradwarf bermudagrass or for information about other Modern Turf products, call 888/413-8873 or visit www.modernturf.com.