HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2026-05-05 C5 SilverRock Golf Course Turf ReplacementCONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 5
City of La Quinta
CITY COUNCIL MEETIN( May 5, 2026
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: APPROPRIATE FUNDS AND APPROVE TURF REPLACEMENT
COSTS FOR SILVERROCK RESORT GOLF COURSE
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 April 1, 2025, City Council approved turf replacement costs for the front 9 holes
at SilverRock following the successful 2024 test of new Bermuda grass variants,
which demonstrated improved year-round performance and drought tolerance.
• Council also supported proceeding with the second phase of the project, consisting
of turf replacement on the back 9 holes in summer 2026. The project is anticipated
to begin in mid -May 2026 and continue through August 2026. During construction,
the back 9 will be closed, and the front 9 will remain open with play configured as
two loops to accommodate 18-hole rounds.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriation of $250,000 from Fund 602 — SilverRock Golf Reserve and $1,100,000
from Unassigned General Fund balance is necessary in fiscal year (FY) 2025/26 to cover
the estimated costs to complete the turf replacement for the back 9 holes at SilverRock
as detailed in the table below:
Project Scope
Estimated Costs
Turf Replacement
$1,300,000
Contingency
$ 50,000
Total:
$1,350,000
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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 51" hole such as Coachella,
TifTuf and Latitude 36. The test results confirmed that these variants provide a stronger
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.
On April 1, 2025, City Council approved funding to proceed with turf replacement for the
front 9 holes. With the front 9 improvements completed, staff is now seeking to proceed
with the second phase of the project, consisting of turf replacement for the back 9 holes
in summer 2026.
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.
.LTERNATIVES
Council may elect not to authorize this request.
Prepared by: Claudia Martinez, Finance Director/City Treasurer
Approved by: Jon McMillen, City Manager
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