The ninth fairway at Echo Mesa Golf Course may look like any other hole on the course, but the turf from the tee box to green represents what could be the future for the Recreation Centers of Sun City West.
TifTuf Bermuda Grass was installed as stolons in mid-July on the ninth hole, equating to about 2.5 acres of added turf, including the rough, for approximately $26,000. Association officials are testing the new turf to see how it holds up to play and if it can be used to help further reduce water use.
Echo Mesa is open again after overseeding, and officials are watching high-traffic areas through the winter to determine how the new grass performs.
