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Fairhope Golf Club to sprig TifEagle on greens; city to remove private trees shading green 18
Summary
Golf-course staff sought approval to convert 10 greens to TifEagle Bermuda and to remove three private trees that shade the practice green and green No. 18; staff said the hybrid grass will improve playability through most of the year and that tree owner agreed to cooperate.
City golf-course staff asked the council to approve work to renovate 10 greens (the practice green and holes 1–9) by sprigging TifEagle hybrid Bermuda and to authorize removal of three privately owned trees that shade a green, saying both steps will improve turf playability and durability.
Course staff described TifEagle as a fine-texture Bermuda hybrid that will provide improved speed, consistency and color retention during cooler conditions, and will reduce thatch buildup compared with the existing TifDwarf variety. Pat (golf operations) and Bobby (grounds superintendent) said the renovation will involve removing a few inches of topsoil, improving the soil profile with added organic matter, and sprigging in May with anticipated establishment by August; the course will use temporary greens and keep the course open during the work.
On the tree removal (agenda item 18), staff said they had contacted the property owner, confirmed the owner’s deed, and secured the owner’s cooperation to remove three trees located on private property that shade Number 18’s green. Staff said removal will improve turf growth and long‑term playability, particularly after the TifEagle renovation.
Why it matters: the changes are aimed at increasing playing season length, improving course condition and reducing maintenance problems in winter months when the previous turf struggled with compaction and reduced performance.
What’s next: if approved, crews will begin preparatory work and sprigging in May and will use temporary greens to keep the course open; a second phase covering the backside greens is planned for 2026.
