Samut Prakan, Thailand: A change of turf grass on Thana City Country Club’s renovated greens is poised to transform the playing experience at the Thai venue.

After nearly 30 years in operation, Thana City has converted its aged Tifdwarf Bermuda putting surfaces to the newly-developed warm-season grass, Primo Zoysia.

The decision was made with a view to enhancing the member and guest experience.

“The turf is amazing and demands much less proactive and reactive maintenance. Opposed to other turf varieties, the plant is specially engineered to thrive in our climate here in Thailand,” said James Shippey, Managing Director of Absolute Golf Services (AGS), the management company at Thana City.

Shippey, whose company is an Associate Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, added: “We are confident this will be a game-changer for Thana City Country Club, to have one of the newest innovations in terms of agronomic evolution, which will in turn transform the playing experience at the club.

“We didn’t take this decision likely. The turf has been tested in other locations within Southeast Asia and proven to perform extremely well in the tropical climate. We are expecting the green speeds to be between 10” and 13” (on the stimpmeter) throughout the year, which is very exciting!”  

Thana City will be the first facility in Thailand to transition to Primo Zoysia.

A club spokesperson said: “This project has been undertaken due to the progressive decline in the surfaces of the old greens, which have succumbed to mutation over the years. This has negatively impacted the greens condition and playability, especially during the challenging annual wet season.

“Primo Zoysia was chosen for the green re-grassing because of its tropical climate tolerance, ability to thrive in low light and shade, also being less susceptible to disease.

“We expect the change to deliver impeccable putting surfaces for 365 days a year, providing golfers with smooth, consistent and fast greens, which is currently a rare commodity in Thailand, while re-setting expectations from international tourists, members and guests.”

Thana City will undertake the works next month, without closing the golf course. “We are forecasting the works to be completed within 25 days, with minimal disturbance to our members and guests,” added the spokesperson.