Greens Update

As we head into our annual meeting next week, I want to take a moment to provide some insight into a key topic that will be discussed—our greens, and the future of overseeding at Terravita.

Since the renovation, our decision not to overseed the greens has been deliberate and grounded in the long-term health and establishment of the TifEagle Bermuda grass. Allowing the greens time to fully establish without the competition from cool-season grasses gave us more receptive and consistent surfaces in the early stages—something that would have been delayed had we overseeded immediately. This approach was not only supported by our internal agronomic team but was also recommended by the TifEagle growers, USGA, Troon Agronomy, and other industry experts.

Non-overseeded TifEagle greens have been proven successful throughout the Valley. That said, every club is different, and we must evaluate what is best for Terravita. Factors such as elevation, average temperatures, annual rounds, maintenance access, and member expectations all play a role in determining what’s right for our course.

After three seasons without overseed, we have gained valuable insights. While non-overseeding has its advantages—healthier Bermuda, more consistent putting conditions in the early winter months, and cost savings—it also brings challenges. These include faster, less controllable green speeds, increased wear late in the season, patchy spring green-up, and limited ability to topdress during dormancy.

Conversely, overseeding offers benefits such as a naturally green appearance, better speed control, and the ability to topdress and improve smoothness through winter. The tradeoff is that overseeded greens can be slower in November through January, and the Bermuda base may require more recovery efforts in the summer. However, these impacts can be effectively managed with proper maintenance.

There are many variables to weigh, and ultimately, our decision will be based on what’s best for Terravita—drawing from expert recommendations, current data, and what we’ve learned from the last three years.

We look forward to discussing this further at next week’s meeting and appreciate your continued support as we work to make the best long-term decisions for our club.