Lonnie Poole, Duke and Hillandale golf courses are investing in improved playing conditions.
Lonnie Poole GC in Raleigh will close June 15 for 8-10 weeks to replace the greens with ultra dwarf bermuda grass. Greens will play faster and more consistent during the peak season with less watering required. They plan to reopen in late August weather permitting.
LPGC said, “Over the last 30 years, average summer nighttime temperatures have risen by 3 to 4 degrees, making traditional bentgrass increasingly difficult to maintain at a championship level. In 2025, the course experienced six consecutive weeks in which nighttime temperatures remained above the critical 70-degree recovery threshold for bentgrass.”
Meanwhile, Duke put down 60K in sod that was damaged (winterkill) over the winter and made worse by the hot to cold to hot to freezing weather in February and March. Once that sod is fully grown in, Duke expects to be up to typical in-season excellent conditions, Duke golf officials said.
Occoneechee, Hillsborough, escaped winterkill by closing most of February and keeping the greens covered. They’ll replace sod in bunkers later in the year. Other area courses closed, opened later and covered greens during the cold snap.
Hillandale, Durham, is getting a $1.1M upgrade of driving range and putting green areas. The practice areas are closed for renovation.
J.B.