Pinehurst Resort has reopened its marquee No. 2 course after a ten week shutdown post the course hosting the mens’ and women’s US Opens in June. The closure period was used to convert the course’s famed turtleback greens from bentgrass to Champion ultradwarf bermuda.
No. 2 is the fourth of Pinehurst’s nine courses to make the switch to bermuda. No. 1 was successfully converted in 2012, while No. 3 and No. 8 were converted in 2013. In addition, Thistle Dhu, the popular new putting course installed in 2013 features ultradwarf bermudagrass. Resort managers say the ultradwarf greens perform better during the summer heat than bent.
“Golfers have truly embraced the restoration of Pinehurst No. 2, and the greens conversion will allow our members and guests to experience and enjoy peak conditions for even longer portions of the year, regardless of weather,” said Pinehurst president Don Padgett II.
Pinehurst installed Champion ultradwarf bermuda on 30 June. This strain has been used throughout the southeast of the US, on more than 500 courses across 16 states. The strain maintains high density during extreme temperatures and at low mowing heights, delivering smooth, consistent putting surfaces throughout the year. The ultradwarf variety provides top-quality conditions on an everyday basis and allows fine-tuning for elite championship conditions when needed.
Turf was planted using the “no-till” process and did not require excavation of the greens nor any changes in the contours. Because ultradwarf greens are installed with sprigging rather than seeding and thrive in the heat, No. 2 was able to open in just two months.
“Champion ultradwarf bermudagrass is a great option for the North Carolina climate,” said Bob Farren, Pinehurst’s director of grounds and golf course maintenance. “We’ve already seen great results on our other courses in terms of sustaining firm greens with a smooth, fast and consistent roll, and can’t wait for members and guests to have the same experience on Pinehurst No. 2.”
Pinehurst No. 2 is among several major tournament sites to convert to bermuda. Among them, Atlanta Athletic Club converted prior to the 2011 PGA Championship, Tour Championship site East Lake Golf Club converted in 2008, and Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte will convert prior to the 2017 PGA Championship.