The turf variety will be changed on the greens at two of The Villages’ oldest executive golf courses.
The Amenity Authority Committee voted 4-1 this week to spend $272,462 to change the turf variety used at the greens at the Hilltop Executive Golf Course and the Silver Lake Executive Golf Course. Both courses are located on the Historic Side of The Villages.
During renovations of the two executive golf courses, the previous golf maintenance director chose to install TifGrand Bermuda Turf variety on the greens. Since that time, based on resident feedback, course superintendent’s feedback, and the hiring of the new Executive Golf Maintenance Director Donald Jones, the philosophy of what turf variety to use on executive golf courses in The Villages has shifted. In 2023, the Hilltop Executive Golf Course had a $653,309 renovation, paid for by the AAC. In 2021, the Silver Lake Executive Golf Course saw a $329,234 renovation.
Donald Jones was named executive golf maintenance director earlier this year.
“TifEagle is preferred over TifGrand for golf course greens in Florida due to its superior putting quality, finer texture, and proven performance under intense management,” Jones told the AAC.
TifGrand, while shade-tolerant, is better suited for fairways or lawns rather than greens. TifEagle is what is currently used on all executive golf course renovations and is what is used on all championship course renovations for greens.
“TifEagle was developed specifically for putting greens. TifEagle is a third-generation ultradwarf Bermuda grass bred for golf greens, offering tighter density and finer leaf blades. It provides an exceptional putting surface and delivers fast, smooth, and consistent ball roll, meeting the high expectations of club players and tournament conditions,” Jones said.
He added that TifEagle responds well to frequent mowing, verticutting, and topdressing, which are essential for maintaining championship-quality greens.
Since its introduction in the 1990s, TifEagle has been widely adopted across Florida courses, including PGA West renovations.
AAC Chair Donna Kempa cast the lone vote against the switch.
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