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Greens Get A New Hue

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By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 10, 2008

WESTCHASE - Golfers are seeing a new shade of green at the Westchase Golf Club, thanks to the completed renovations.

The golf course recently unveiled the final phase of its newly planted greens featuring SeaDwarf Seashore Paspalum grass.

"The grass is an amazing shade," said Clay Thomas, the club's general manager. "Some of our golfers say it looks neon at times because it so bright and vibrant."

Paspalum grass has other benefits. Since the grass features a deep root system, it is drought-tolerant and requires less water and fertilizer than Bermuda grass, the type previously used.

The greens were redone during the past three months and reopened at the start of September.

Here is how the process works: The top layer of soil is stripped, and a new mixture is added. Then sprigs are placed down and have to be closely monitored for several weeks until the grass grows in fully.

"You really have to do it over the summer because it's our slower time and the growing season for the grass," Thomas said.
Golf club officials won't say how much the renovations cost. Other renovations included renovated tee boxes, improved greenside bunkers and resurfaced floating greens on the driving range.

Earlier this year, the golf course unveiled clubhouse renovations that included new furnishings, televisions and gallery.

Golfers didn't waste any time trying out the new greens. Alan Darty, Dennis Blackmon, Scott Meier and Karl Furno traveled from Orlando for a round of golf on the greens.

"It's a beautiful day and a beautiful course," said Blackmon. "Why wouldn't we be out here?"

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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