Celebrating TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda with Jason Hodges, Charlie Albone and Nigel Ruck
Three of the most respected lawn-loving, landscaping gurus that Australian television has produced combine to celebrate a very special lawn variety.
What is it you ask? ‘It’s TifTuf!’
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda has been taking the lawn and turf industry by storm in recent years. This grass has some exceptional qualities that make it unlike any other grass available on the market today.
Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) is the exclusive supply network for TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda in Australia. LSA has experienced a wave of excitement for TifTuf and wanted to reflect on the day-to-day interactions that TifTuf lawn owners have been experiencing right across Australia.
To do this, LSA brought together the best of the best in the lawn and landscaping world, current brand ambassadors Jason Hodges and Charlie Albone, plus former ambassador for Sir Walter (another hugely successful LSA turf variety), Nigel Ruck. Jason and Charlie are currently proud ambassadors for LSA, working together to share their support and love for turf.
Jason, Charlie and Nigel all have very successful businesses and tv careers and have joined together to celebrate their shared excitement for TifTuf. Plus, it was a good excuse for three good mates to catch up!
The result is a great new TV ad that shares a few lawn gurus commenting on how incredible ‘Hodgeys’ lawn is looking. What is it you ask? Just ask Hodgey. If you’re still not sure (yes we know we told you already), there are quite a few hints in the new commercial to look out for.
“It’s TifTuf!”
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda (couch) is an incredibly hard-wearing and drought-tolerant grass variety. Known as ‘The Smart Grass’ due to its formal recognition for its water efficiency – The Smart Approved WaterMark. TifTuf is the only grass to be awarded the Smart Approved WaterMark in Australia or anywhere in the world.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is leading the way in innovation, and performance, plus it looks incredible.
Jason Hodges
Jason Hodges has worked on some of the biggest gardening tv programs Australia has produced and is a fan favourite for many. Jason is currently very busy with his highly successful Buxus business, Buxus Balls of Berry. Jason supplies his Buxus to the best landscapers right across the country, with business absolutely booming in recent years. Jason is also heavily involved with a number of hugely popular gardening brands and is the leading role in the new TifTuf commercial.
Charlie Albone
Charlie Albone has a very successful landscape design business called Inspired Exteriors. Like Jason, Charlie has worked on two very popular tv programs, starting out on Selling Houses Australia and now Better Homes and Gardens.
Nigel Ruck
Nigel Ruck got his start on Backyard Blitz which was one of the most watched tv programs of its time. Nigel too has a very successful landscaping business that he has operated for many years, Greenology. Nigel is currently a host on the Garden Gurus tv program on ABC and LSA is very excited to catch up with Nigel after working together for many years with Sir Walter.
Now that’s a special lawn guru line-up!
Watch it below!
For more information on this special collaboration or TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda, please get in touch with us here at Lawn Solutions Australia.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda was a clear stand-out performer in this trial outperforming all other available couch grasses.
TifTuf was also the best performing couch grass in US turf trials called the NTEP (National Turf Evaluation Program). TifTuf led from the front and was in the top 25% of grasses across all states and measures trialled, over 92.9% of the time.
Which couch grass is the most drought-tolerant?
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the world’s leading turfgrass for superior water efficiency and drought tolerance. TifTuf is the first grass in Australia or the world to be awarded Smart Drop Certification for drought tolerance is TifTuf.
TifTuf was bred to be drought tolerant and save water. With TifTuf becoming the new benchmark when it comes to measuring the drought tolerance of turf. Read drought trial results here.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the most hard-wearing and has incredible recovery and self-repairing qualities. When subjected to a range of trials under different shade, irrigation and wear treatments, TifTuf was the best-performing turf grass trialled.
What grass do they use on sports fields in Australia?
Most elite sporting surfaces in Australia are couch grass surfaces. Hybrid couch (Bermuda) grasses in recent years show superior qualities and are the go-to surface for installation on new and improved sporting turf facilities. For sports fields looking to install the best grass for their facilities, the best couch grass is TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda.
TifTuf at Redcliffe Dolphins Stadium
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is the product of almost 25 years of research and development from one of the world’s leading turfgrass breeders, the University of Georgia in Tifton. Tifton is famous for grasses like Tif Eagle, Tif Sport and now TifTuf.
TifTuf at Brighton Homes Arena
Out of tens of thousands of couch grasses, TifTuf was selected as the best performing and most drought-tolerant turf trialled.
There are new couch grasses that have entered the Australian market in recent years. But new grasses do not mean better. TifTuf also outperformed these grasses in the extensive trials conducted throughout the US National Turf Evaluation program and during trials here in Australia.
What grass has the best winter colour?
TifTuf features in the first and third plots in this image.
In the image above there are two different couch grass varieties, both subjected to the same difficult conditions. The first plot on the left and the third plot, are both TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. This photo was taken on the winter solstice, the shortest daylight hours of the year, when sunlight is limited and temperatures are low.
TifTuf has been shining in all trials for winter colour. We have seen this domestically, commercially and in Australian trials. The data from the US National Turf Evaluation Program replicated this as well with TifTuf (and Tifway) leading the way.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is available exclusively through Lawn Solutions Australia.
Brighton Homes Arena Hosts AFLW Grand Final on Smart New Turf Surface
On Sunday 28th of November, the AFLW Grand Final was played between the Melbourne Demons and Brisbane Lions at the new Brighton Homes Arena in Springfield QLD. The Melbourne Demons came out victorious with a narrow win.
Premium lawn care products proudly recommended by Australia’s best turf growers.
Lawn Solutions Australia supplies a great range of premium lawn care products. Our range includes fertilisers, herbicides, pest control, soil conditioners and wettings agents, along with a range of lawn care equipment and products from quality brands.
Lawn Nutrition and Colour
Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser
Supercharge your lawn with this premium lawn food that’s ideal for all lawn varieties.
Both fast and slow-release granules packed with essential nutrients and trace elements encourage strong growth and rich colour.
The slow-release granules will deliver a small amount of nutrients to your lawn each day for up to 12 weeks after the initial application to aid in sustained growth for best all-round results.
Contains 16% Nitrogen (N), 0.7% Phosphorus (P), 4% Potassium (K), 20% Sulphur (S), 1.5% Calcium (Ca) and 2% Iron (Fe).
Provides nutrients for turf growth and recovery.
Lawn Solutions Premium Lawn Fertiliser was developed specifically for use on Sir Walter DNA Certified Soft Leaf Buffalo and works equally well on other lawn varieties.
Lawn Rescue is a blend of liquid fertilisers, seaweed extracts and wetting agents and is ideal for use during establishment, post establishment and for post-winter revival.
Promoting the development of root systems and growth in new lawns, Lawn Rescue stimulates, supports and protects root growth in established lawns year-round.
Featuring both nutrient and rehydration properties, Lawn Rescue is the perfect solution for tired, slow-growing lawns.
Will restore colour and health to lawns that are looking dry and thin and is suitable for all lawn varieties.
A pre-emergent herbicide for most warm season turf varieties, OxaFert controls weed seedlings during germination.
OxaFert controls annual grass-type weeds including Winter Grass, Crowsfoot, Summer Grass, Creeping Oxalis and Crabgrass before they appear.
OxaFert will prevent the targeted weed seedlings before they take hold, preventing them from growing and spreading throughout your lawn for up to 12 weeks.
Fertiliser contains a balanced ratio of Nitrogen 16%, Phosphorus 2.0%, Potassium 6.0%, Sulphur 16%, Iron 1.5%, and Magnesium 0.2% to give your lawn a boost.
Lawn Solutions OxaFert won’t harm healthy turf or inhibit turf root growth or recovery from damage.
Fertilise your lawn and control weeds in one easy application.
Treatment for water repellent soil. A premium lawn hydration solution.
Lawn Soaker is a ready to use soil wetting agent specifically developed for use on lawns. It improves the penetration of water so it can reach deep down to the roots. Regular use will ensure the soil re-wets and prevents further dry spots from forming.
Apply as frequently as necessary to treat water repellent soil and improve drought resistance.
Lawn Soaker will help break down the wax like substance that is caused by the decomposition of organic matter, allowing water to penetrate.
Easy to use, clip on hose on attachment will make application easier than ever. No need to measure and mix up concentrates.
Lawn Solutions Lawn Soaker 2L ready-to-use bottle treats up to 150m².
Lawn Kelper Liquid Nutrient Package is a balanced formulation with the added additions of Trace Elements, Seaweed Kelp and Fulvic Acid.
This formulation is designed specifically for turf/lawns to increase turf vigour and stimulate and strengthen roots and shoots. Ideal to use year round to keep your lawn looking dark green and healthy.
Battle Insecticide is a powerful knockdown and residual pesticide that works through direct contact and by residual action as the pest comes into contact with treated surfaces.Battle is a liquid concentrate that contains the active ingredient Bifenthrin, plus a surfactant to help the product adhere on application.
Battle Insecticide can be used as a protective treatment when applied at regular intervals or as a knockdown treatment to control existing pests.
Lawn Solutions Grub Guard Ultimate Turf Insecticide delivers excellent preventative control against a large range of common lawn pests.
Optimal results are achieved when applied early in the season at the appearance of overwintering adult pests.
The long residual performance of Lawn Solutions Grub Guard Ultimate Turf Insecticide will provide up to 6 months of protection at the higher application rates.
Curative control of pest outbreaks later in the season can also be achieved using the higher recommended application rates.
ColourGuard PLUS is a liquid fertiliser and a natural grass pigment that instantly restores the colour of your lawn.
Apply this 100% natural grass colourant to keep your lawn looking green year-round.
ColourGuard delivers micron-sized pigment solids into the tiny pores of leaf tissues via water spray. The colour pigments are organic and natural making ColourGuard a safe product for the environment, pets, and people.
Once it’s dried, it’s locked in. ColourGuard won’t bleed, run, or stain once absorbed.
Easy to use, works on all lawns, in extreme heat, rain, cold and frost. Plus, ColourGuard reduces the amount of fertiliser and water your lawn requires.
ColourGuard 2L ready-to-use bottle covers up to 150m2.
Turf Talk is suitable for all turf professionals, from turf growers to landscapers, golf courses and sports ground curators, to government and related industry organisations.
Turf Talk is here to share with you the latest information on the turf industry, the exciting developments in turf research and to keep you up to date with everything you need to know about turf.
For any enquiries, submissions or to subscribe to either our digital edition or mailing list to receive a hard copy, please contact us at the following:
Sir Walter Buffalo today is an iconic ‘Aussie’ brand and is undoubtedly the most successful turf variety in Australian history.
Did you know Sir Walter has reached a sales milestone in the Australian turf industry? Sir Walter has passed the 100 million metres sold mark, an achievement no other buffalo grass or grass has ever achieved! This makes it the greatest selling grass of all time.
To put this into perspective, if you laid this much Sir Walter in a line it would be able to cover the entire circumference of the moon almost 10 times over. Or in terms of Australia, it would be like driving all the way around Australia’s coastline almost 4 times. It’s a truly extraordinary amount of grass.
2024 UPDATE!
Sir Walter DNA Certified has now sold over 120 Million Metres! That’s the equivalent of 1,250,000 Aussie homes!
The Birth of Sir Walter
Brent Redman discovered the great “Sir Walter” in the NSW Hunter Valley in 1996. Brent grew buffalo grasses on his farm, but there were always particular issues that prevented them from achieving high quality. This was until Brent noticed a small area on his farm where an off type was growing. This off type maintained a greener winter colour, had a healthier root system and it was taking over the existing buffalo. Brent realised the potential of this new variety and began propagating the grass to protect the purity and integrity of the variety. From these first few square metres, the superstar that would become known as Sir Walter was born.
The rest is history as they say, with Sir Walter being expanded and produced right across Australia through a network of licensed turf suppliers.
With Greatness Comes Great Responsibility
As a result of the success Sir Walter achieved, deception and substitution by competitors has occurred. Many varieties over the years have claimed to be ‘just like’, ‘same as’ or ‘bred from’ Sir Walter. None of which is true, which is why there needed to be a way to ensure the Sir Walter that consumers were buying was genuine.
To remedy this, Sir Walter supplied by accredited and licensed suppliers is now known as Sir Walter DNA Certified. This extension of the Sir Walter name was developed to provide the assurance to consumers that the Sir Walter they are buying is DNA tested and the genuine product. This turf matches the original breeder Sir Walter plant material bred at Brent Redmans farm developed over 20 years ago.
Lawn Solutions Australia
Sir Walter DNA Certified is now part of a greater stable of turf varieties supplied nationally through the Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) network. Members of LSA are the only turf suppliers who can provide Sir Walter DNA Certified with this ‘Original Breeder’ guarantee. If you want genuine Sir Walter, validated by DNA testing, look for Sir Walter DNA Certified from accredited suppliers with the Original Breeder Guarantee.
Sir Walter continues to lead the turf world here in Australia and even after 25 years, is still considered the benchmark for Aussie lawns.
Here’s to another 100 million metres of the great Sir Walter!
Finding the best soil and irrigation techniques for establishing new turf
Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) commissioned soil scientist Dr Mick Battam to conduct a trial to determine the best method of establishing new turf. The trial was performed near Richmond NSW, with the turf installed in October 2021.
Trial Layout
The trial used a latin square experimental layout to examine the impact of soil and syringe watering on the rate of turf establishment of Sir Grange (zoysia), Sir Walter DNA Certified (soft leaf buffalo) and TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda (couch). The trial consisted of 72 plots which included 3 replicates for each treatment.
What is the fastest way to establish turf?
Turf was established consistently quicker when installed on a base of 150mm or more with some organics incorporated into an 80/20 soil mix. Sir Grange was significantly quicker to establish with organics incorporated, whilst TifTuf was slightly quicker and Sir Walter DNA Certified wasn’t affected. Organics refers to recycled soil, compost or cow and other manures. These products are readily available at all soil yards. This particular soil type was 80% sandy loam (80/20) and 20% organics.
What was the impact of syringe watering?
Due to its shallow rootzone, new turf is very susceptible to heat injury. Syringe watering involves applying 3-minute watering events at about 1pm and 4pm on hot days to cool the turf so it is less likely to get scorched.
The LSA trial found syringe watering resulted in the turf roots growing more rapidly in the first 4 days after installing the turf. It is recommended on hot days for new turf.
What was the impact of not mowing?
The cuts on the leaves take several hours to seal after mowing. Until this occurs, the turf is susceptible to drying out. The LSA trial found that not mowing Sir Grange had minimal impact on the rate of turf establishment. However, this may have only occurred because the trial took place in a wet summer. To be safe, it is recommended that turf (especially Sir Grange) is not mown prior to hot weather. If this cannot be avoided, then water the turf after mowing.
Other benefits of using Soil Type 1
Soil at least 150mm deep also provides a means for minimising the impact of drought. This occurs because soil that is at least 150mm deep typically holds 3 to 5 times the amount of water held in sands.
So what soil should I use?
If you are installing Sir Grange, it is best to incorporate organics into your sandy profile and ensure you are syringe watering as outlined. 150mm depth of soil should be the minimum. If you have an existing Sir Grange lawn on straight sand, you can incorporate organics as a top dressing. If you are installing TifTuf or Sir Walter DNA Certified, standard 80/20 sandy loam is suitable but for best results incorporating some organics is recommended. Again, a minimum of 150mm soil depth is recommended. Syringe watering is always recommended on hot days.
Where can suitable soil be purchased?
Your local Lawn Solutions Member will be able to direct you to a local soil supplier that has turf underlay mixes which will be perfect for under your new lawn. To get in touch, please give us a call on 1300 883 711 or email [email protected]
Lawn Solutions Australia and Local LSA Member Lilydale Instant Lawn are Turfing The Block!
The Block is set for a “tree change” featuring TifTuf!
We’re excited to announce Lawn Solutions Australia has teamed up with the Block and will be the exclusive turf supplier with thanks to Lilydale Instant Lawn for this season!
The reality TV show The Block, returns to Channel 9 and 9Now, swapping the city for the green grass of the countryside. The Block heads to Gisborne South in Victoria’s beautiful Macedon Ranges, where five couples will each build a 500-square-metre house, tennis courts, wineries, and even a lake with TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda being the turf of choice!
That’s right TifTuf will be featured on this year’s season of The Block! Beautiful TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda will be supplied by local Lawn Solutions Australia Member Lilydale Instant Lawn.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda
TifTuf was hand selected out of almost 30,000 different varieties, showing superior qualities in drought tolerance, shade tolerance, wear tolerance and winter colour. These qualities make it the perfect option for the climate experienced in Gisborne.
Award Winning TifTuf
TifTuf is the only grass to be awarded the Smart Approved WaterMark for water efficiency, it is Australia’s best couch grass (proven through extensive independent trials) and it’s exclusively available from Australia’s best turf suppliers, Lawn Solutions Australia Members. These reasons and more are why TifTuf has been selected as the exclusive turf variety for this season of The Block.
Each team has been given their own house to renovate and landscape. Each home needs to qualify for a 7-star energy rating, incorporating solar panels, sewage recycling, and water tanks. Sustainable and environmentally friendly products have long been a focus of the program. TifTuf perfectly fits the bill for these large lifestyle properties.
TifTuf is also going to be featured front and centre as contestants arrive at Block HQ for judging. Host Scotty Cam is also getting in on the TifTuf action, with his very own involvement. He’ll be renovating the property’s original homestead built in the mid-19th century. The team at Franklin Landscapes has done an incredible job with the landscaping for this part of the project, which provides plenty of lush green TifTuf surrounding the rejuvenated homestead.
We can’t wait to see how this incredible grass is used on the show to create beautiful and environmentally friendly landscaped garden areas.
If you are looking for a new lawn worthy of The Block, you just found it. It’s TifTuf.
Tune into The Block on Channel 9 and 9Now to check it out.
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding the right grass for your lawn. Some grasses perform best in particular climates or environmental conditions, some have specific traits that enable them to perform in the way that you require. When choosing a turf variety for your front or back lawn (or golf course for that matter), these factors need to be considered so that your grass will thrive once installed.
To help you through this process, Lawn Solutions Australia has put together a simple guide for choosing the right grass for your home lawn.
If your lawn will receive a lot of traffic from pets, kids, or backyard games, choose grass with a high wear tolerance. It is not only important to consider how much wear the lawn will receive now but, in the future, as well.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is a great performer in high-wear areas. It has a fast-repairing nature, so when it does get damaged by pets and kids your lawn will be able to repair itself fast. TifTuf is a great hard-wearing option that golf courses can utilise for areas like fairways and tees as well.
Sir Walter DNA Certified buffalo is a great performer for many backyard footy games! It can withstand high wear and will stay soft and lush for you to enjoy.
Zoysia Australis is new variety which has recently hit the market! Zoysia Australis has the ability to stand up to wear from pets and kids, all while looking and feeling great underfoot.
Another turf variety that has can stand up to high wear conditions is Eureka Kikuyu. Eureka Kikuyu is a vigorous grower and can stand up to a wide range of conditions. It has a fast-repairing nature, so when it does become damaged it is able to bounce back quickly.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is Smart Drop Certified due to its drought-tolerant qualities. TifTuf needs a fraction of the water other varieties require for establishment. It can maintain a green colour under drought conditions where other common couch grasses will fail. Golf courses such as West Wyalong that are in drought-prone areas have seen TifTuf provide superior quality under these conditions.
Sir Walter DNA Certified buffalo too has a high drought tolerance and can stand up to the hot Australian climate. On hotter days, its broadleaf will curl up to help retain moisture. When the lawn does receive its next good water, the leaf will roll out again.
What is the most shade-tolerant grass type?
Soft Leaf Buffalo grasses like Sir Walter DNA Certified in Australia tend to do the best in the shade with most tolerating 50 to 70 per cent shade. This is about three to four hours of direct sun each day, or speckled sunlight from trees for the majority of the day.
Zoysia Australis will have a similar shade tolerance to Sir Walter DNA, needing a minimum of three to four hours of direct sun per day.
Sir Grange Zoysia has a very high tolerance of shady situations also once it is fully established. Shade performance is maximised when wear in the shaded areas is minimal. Many golf courses have utilised Sir Grange on shade-affected holes with pleasing results.
In the Southern States of Australia, including Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart both warm and cool-season turf varieties are ideal.
For climates that do reach higher temperatures over summer but cooler temperatures in winter, have a look at TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda. TifTuf has a high drought tolerance that can survive with little water during summer. TifTuf will also be able to recover quicker than other warm-season varieties coming out of winter.
Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo is another great option for the southern states. Sir Walter loves both shade areas and full sun. In the cooler months when there is less sun it can still thrive in areas where other turf varieties will struggle to grow.
In climates that often deal with cooler temperatures throughout the year, a cool-season variety like RTF Fescue is an option to look into also.
What is the best grass for more northern states?
For the sun-loving states, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns and Darwin there is a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing turf.
Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo while shade-tolerant does love full sun. This turf variety does have a high drought tolerance and has stood the test of time in extreme heat and drought.
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is another great option for the northern states. TifTuf loves full sunlight and can stand up to hot and dry conditions. It is the only turf variety in Australia to receive the smart approved watermark for its superior drought tolerance.
Zoysia Australis loves the warmer temperatures and can perform in hot and humid regions.
Sir Grange Zoysia is another great grass that can handle full sun and has a high drought tolerance once established.
Eureka Kikuyu is a sun loving turf variety that is best suited to areas where it will receive full sunlight. It is a hardy, fast repairing variety that is friendly on your wallet. Beware however, it can be extremely invasive and does not perform well in shade.
What grass should I choose for a high-end manicured lawn?
Sir Grange Zoysia is a fine-bladed premium turf variety with a beautiful dark green leaf. This grass can either be mown short for a more manicured look, but also can be left unmown for a more textured look. This makes it a great option for sporting surfaces, with it originally being bred for the golf industry where it is used for its versatility and superior ball lie. Sir Grange’s qualities make it an ideal choice for any show garden or high-end lawn.
What is the best grass type to mow low for a bowling green look?
TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda is another fine leaf turf variety that looks great when mown low. TifTuf has a dense growth habit and fine leaf. This makes it ideal for regular low mows that are needed to maintain a bowling green look.
Sir Grange Zoysia can also be mown down to 6mm and has a densely matted leaf, great for the bowling or putting green look which has led to it becoming known as a ‘golfer’s grass’. It’s fine leaf and beautiful dark green colour can look like a lush green carpet when maintained. It has a strong, upright leaf structure where a golf ball tends to sit up on top of the leaf rather than sinking into the profile.
Sir Grange Zoysia is making its mark on some of the country’s top golf courses. Here’s why it could be here to stay
IN THE hinterland between Ballina and Lismore on the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales lies a renovated nine-holer winning plaudits from locals and interlopers. Teven Valley Golf Club [pictured] is the inspiration of former Westpac banker Curt Zuber who purchased the fledgling course in 2016.
Determined to create something special, Zuber commissioned former tour professional Craig Parry who had previously designed a backyard hole at Zuber’s Sydney residence. To construct the new layout, Zuber approached Paul Gumbleton, superintendent at his home club of Monash Country Club, and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Gumbleton and former Kingston Heath assistant super Bob Simmons spent three years building the new Teven Valley one hole at time.
Such has been the quality of the redesign that it’s created insatiable demand to play a par-31 layout that maxes out at just 1,705 metres. The $60 green fee for nine holes is yet to curb the enthusiasm of visitors, while Teven Valley’s membership is fully capped at 400 with another 50 golfers on a waiting list to join a club with an annual sub of $1,500.
What makes Teven Valley unique is the turf composition. With the exception of its greens, Teven Valley is the only Australian course that features Sir Grange Zoysia on the entire layout. The finely bladed Sir Grange Zoysia is known as a ‘golfer’s grass’. It has a strong, upright leaf structure where a golf ball tends to sit up on top of the leaf rather than sinking into the profile.
THE STORY BEHIND SIR GRANGE ZOYSIA
In America, Sir Grange Zoysia is known by the name of Zeon Zoysia. It was developed by turf breeder David Doguet at Bladerunner Farms in Poteet, Texas. The storied Atlanta Athletic Club and the Rio Olympic course are two prominent tournament venues to feature Zeon Zoysia. Lawn Solutions Australia is the licence holder here under the label Sir Grange Zoysia. It produces more than 50 per cent of all turf sold in Australia from 43 turf production farms under the Lawn Solutions banner. One of those farms, Daleys Turf on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, supplied Sir Grange Zoysia to Teven Valley.
While a variety of couch grasses were considered for Teven Valley, the decision came down to three important factors: playability, environmental suitability and cost savings over the long term. As a boutique golf course, Sir Grange Zoysia offered an opportunity to have a point of difference to other clubs. For Teven Valley course designer Parry, the selection of Sir Grange Zoysia was straight-forward once he realised it was readily available here in Australia. Parry appreciated the qualities of zoysia while playing the PGA Tour event at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm near Washington D.C. “They have extreme weather conditions. So they get really hot in summer and it snows in winter. So if a grass can actually get through that, it would be a really good surface to play on. It was a no-brainer as far as it was going to do well in Teven,” Parry says.
“It’s a very hardy grass. The ball really sits up on a tee. [With] some grasses the ball sits down and it’s difficult to get underneath it. Whereas when you’re playing off zoysia, it sits up and it’s just looking at you all the time. It’s a fantastic grass.” From an environmental perspective, Sir Grange Zoysia was a good choice for the humid sub-tropical climate of the Northern Rivers. It needs probably half the amount of fertiliser as other turf grasses.
In fact, some of Teven Valley’s fairways haven’t been fertilised for three years. “They are pure. It’s an incredible surface. The golf course always stays in immaculate condition,” Gumbleton enthuses. So fewer chemicals and less disease. Hence, it’s good for golf clubs from a financial perspective. And as a relatively slow-growing grass, Sir Grange Zoysia also made sense given Teven Valley was initially maintained by just two turf managers.
“For what we were planning to do with a small team,” Gumbleton adds, “[Sir Grange Zoysia] was going to be a better grass, especially for this Northern Rivers area where the grass will grow around your feet if you stand still long enough.”
As to the cost-savings, Gumbleton says: “Expensive grass to put down. We put down 76,000 square metres, all laid by hand. But we could see the benefits. If I was to do a cost-benefit analysis now, we’d be nearly back in front.” Sir Grange Zoysia is also resilient and withstood the epic floods that engulfed the Northern Rivers during the past two years. Teven Valley hadn’t lost any turf, apart from where the force of the water ripped turf out of the ground. Elsewhere at Killara Golf Club on Sydney’s affluent north shore, Lawn Solutions Australia provided 75,000m2 of Sir Grange Zoysia in solid turf from its Jimboomba Turf farm in Queensland. Sir Grange was used on tees and tightly mown surfaces surrounding all 18 greens, offering a neat contrast between the bentgrass putting surfaces and kikuyu fairways.
Apart from being a beautiful surface from which to chip, pitch and putt, Sir Grange Zoysia is not invasive like kikuyu where the runners tend to creep into a green. That was an incentive for Killara, which spent $1 million alone on Sir Grange as part of a $5.6 million renovation. The overall refurbishment has been a resounding success, vindicated by Killara’s re-appearance in Australia’s Top 100 Courses at No.83 after an absence of almost two decades. Zoysia performs particularly well in shade-tolerant areas. On the NSW South Coast, Catalina Country Club at Batemans Bay laid 2,500m2 of Sir Grange on a shade-affected hole with pleasing results. Wollongong, Narooma and Pambula-Merimbula golf clubs have also trialled Sir Grange Zoysia.
Mollymook Golf Club is considering laying Sir Grange at its Hilltop course (currently No.92 in Australian Golf Digest’s Top 100) after a successful trial at its nine-hole Beachside course, which led to maintenance savings.
When posed a question as to whether Sir Grange Zoysia sounds as though it’s a ‘wonder grass’, superintendent Gumbleton paused for a moment before replying: “That’s a pretty fair statement.”
