PGA WEST has announced the completion of extensive renovations to the Greg Norman Course which opened in 1999. The new improvements included turf replacement for all greens, refreshed bunkers, the addition of turf in strategic areas, and the enhancement of acres of desert landscape. The signature desertscape course is the only one of its kind in the Coachella Valley and is known for its challenging-yet-fair layout, designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman.
“This is all part of keeping our courses in top condition for years to come, and we’re very impressed with the results,” said PGA WEST Director of Agronomy Chris May. “Our goal is to continually improve course conditions and give golfers a top-notch experience.”
The improvements are part of an ongoing effort to reaffirm PGA WEST as The Western Home of Golf in America, including upgrades to all nine of its renowned courses, five of which are Resort Courses open to the public. Unlike any place else in the world, the course architects represent the best of the best in golf: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tom Weiskopf and Pete Dye.
Renovations to the Greg Norman Course include:
- Replacement of TifDwarf bermudagrass with TifEagle bermudagrass on all 18 greens
- Liners and sand in all bunkers replaced to improve playability
- 10 acres of turfgrass added
- Entire swaths of desert landscape restored and refreshed
“The greens roll much smoother and faster now,” May said. “Overall, the course has opened up a bit with the addition of turfgrass in strategic areas to make it more playable for golfers of all abilities.”
With only 68 acres of turf, tight fairways, and nine ponds, the 7,200-yard course challenges players to an authentic “outback” experience.
“The Greg Norman Course is the third course we have restored in the past two years,” said Executive Director Ben Dobbs. “We are thrilled with the way it turned out and can’t wait to share everything we’re doing with golfers around the world.”
