HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2025-04-01 C9 SilverRock Golf Course Turf ReplacementCONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 9
City of La Quinta
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: April 1, 2025
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE TURF REPLACEMENT
COSTS FOR SILVERROCK RESORT GOLF COURSE
RECOMMENDATION
Appropriate funds and approve turf replacement costs for SilverRock Resort Golf Course.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• The City contracts operations and maintenance of SilverRock Resort Golf Course
(SilverRock) to Landmark Golf Management LLC (Landmark).
• On March 18, 2025, Council discussed the successful test of new Bermuda grass
variants on the 5t" hole at SilverRock in 2024 offering superior year-round
performance and drought tolerance, and expressed support for Landmark's
recommendation to replace the turf on the front 9 holes during summer 2025 and
the back 9 holes during summer 2026.
'4 PACT
An appropriation of $350,000 from Fund 602 — SilverRock Golf Reserve and $800,000
from Unassigned General Fund balance is necessary in fiscal year (FY) 2024/25 to cover
the estimated costs to complete the turf replacement for the front 9 holes at SilverRock
as detailed in the table below:
Project Scope
Estimated Costs
Turf Replacement
$1,050,000
Contingency
$ 100,000
Total:
$1,150,000
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
SilverRock opened in 2005 with TifSport Bermuda grass, which proved problematic due
to poor summer transition and unplayable turf conditions. In June 2024, Landmark
conducted a trial using alternative Bermuda grass types on the 5t" hole such as Coachella,
TifTuf and Latitude 36. The test results confirmed that these variants provide a stronger
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Bermuda base, faster transition, and better color retention throughout winter, all while
reducing overseeding costs and water usage.
On March 18, 2025, Council discussed the successful test of new Bermuda grass variants
on the 5` hole, expressed support for Landmark's recommendation to replace the turf on
the front 9 holes in summer of 2025 and the back 9 holes in summer of 2026, with the
Bermuda Latitude 36 variant and Mini -Verde on the greens, and directed staff to bring
this item back for consideration on the Consent Calendar in order to appropriate the
required funding to move forward with the project.
The grass renovation of the front 9 holes will begin on May 19, 2025, with an anticipated
reopening around the last week in August. SilverRock will remain open with the back 9
holes during the transition, and all 18 holes will be overseeded in October 2025. This
same process will be repeated in summer of 2026 to complete the grass renovation at
the back 9 holes.
Key benefits of the new Bermuda variants include:
1) 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.
2) Operational Efficiency: Less downtime for summer green aerification and faster
recovery times which translates to increased green fee revenue immediately
following aerification.
3) Water Conservation: The drought tolerant turf would reduce water usage during
summer months saving approximately 15% or $15,000 annually.
The proposed improvements will contribute to the sustainability, functionality, and overall
appearance, supporting future hotel and home site developments adjacent to SilverRock.
ALTERNATIVES
As Council approved moving forward with this project at the March 18, 2025 meeting,
staff does not propose an alternative.
Prepared by: Laurie McGinley, Management Specialist
Approved by: Jon McMillen, City Manager
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