HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2025-03-18 S1 SilverRock Golf Course Turf ReplacementSTUDY SESSION ITEM NO. 1
City of La Quinta
CITY COUNCIL MEETIN( March 18, 2025
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: DISCUSS TURF REPLACEMENT FOR SILVERROCK RESORT
GOLF COURSE
RECOMMENDATION
Discuss turf replacement for SilverRock Resort Golf Course.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• SilverRock Resort Golf Course is managed by Landmark Golf Management LLC
(Landmark).
• Following a successful test of new Bermuda grass variants on the 51h hole in 2024,
Landmark proposes replacing the turf on the remaining eight (8) front nine holes
during summer 2025 and the back nine (9) holes during summer 2026.
• These Bermuda variants, Coachella, Latitude, TifTuf, and MiniVerde (greens only),
offer improved year-round performance, drought tolerance, and potential
overseeding cost savings.
FISCAL IMPACT
Estimated cost of turf replacement for the remaining 8 holes is approximately $1,050,000.
The remaining fund balance from Fund 602, SilverRock Golf Reserve, and Unassigned
General Fund balance would be used to fund the project.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
SilverRock Resort Golf Course opened in 2005 with TifSport Bermuda grass, which
proved problematic due to poor summer transition and unplayable turf conditions. In June
2024, Landmark Golf Management, LLC, the City's golf course maintenance and
operations contractor, proposed testing new Bermuda grass variants on the 5th hole.
The test demonstrated that these new grass types transition faster, hold color longer
during winter, tolerate overseeding better, and require less water. Based on these results,
Landmark recommends replanting the remaining eight (8) front nine (9) holes in summer
2025 and the back nine (9) holes in summer 2026.
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The 5t" hole survey results from guests indicate they prefer an overseeded playing
surface versus a non-overseeded fairway that makes it more challenging to execute shots
due to the firmness of the fairway.
Key benefits include:
Improved Playing Conditions: Year-round aesthetics and playability with no
spring/summer turf transition issues. The turf will provide a better Bermuda Grass base
which ensures improved overseed quality and better playing conditions. This could allow
for an increase in green fee prices year-round, resulting in higher annual green fee
revenue. For example, a $5 annual increase in average green fees would amount to over
$200,000 in increased revenue annually.
Operational Efficiency: Less downtime for summer green aerification and faster
recovery times which translates to increased green fee revenue immediately following
aerification.
Water Conservation: The drought tolerant turf would reduce water usage during summer
months saving approximately 15% or $15,000 annually.
These improvements will enhance the golf course's overall appearance, functionality, and
sustainability while supporting future hotel and home site developments adjacent to
SilverRock Golf Course.
Prepared by: Laurie McGinley, Management Specialist
Approved by: Jon McMillen, City Manager
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