Plover Cove Golf Club, a new venue currently under construction in Hong Kong, has taken another significant step toward its 2027 opening with a strategic agronomy decision that will see the course prioritise innovative turf systems, becoming the first project in Asia to adopt Evolution (Low Rider) Zoysia as part of its championship course development.
The pioneering turf selection forms part of a broader strategy focused on sustainability, long-term course conditioning and climate resilience.
Supporting the initiative is the appointment of two leading agronomy partners – Turfgrass as agronomy consultant and Sustainable Turf Farms as official turf supplier.
Together, the partners will help deliver a course engineered to perform in Hong Kong’s challenging climate, where heavy rainfall, high humidity and seasonal typhoons place exceptional demands on turf durability, drainage and year-round playability.
Dean Nelson, General Manager of Plover Cove Golf Club, said: “From the very beginning, our focus has been on the future experience of our members and guests, every decision we make is guided by how the course will perform, feel and play long into the future.
Partnering with Turfgrass and Sustainable Turf Farms ensures that agronomic excellence sits at the centre of the project. Their experience and technical expertise give us the confidence to build a course that can withstand Hong Kong’s climate while delivering the best possible golfing experience.”
Turfgrass will lead the agronomic planning and delivery of Plover Cove Golf Club, implementing a climate-resilient turf programme tailored to Hong Kong’s conditions. The strategy includes engineered turf systems, sand-capped fairways and advanced sub-surface drainage and moisture-management technology to ensure consistent year-round playing surfaces.
The firm brings one of the most extensive agronomy portfolios in the industry, having worked with more than 270 leading clubs worldwide. Its projects include work with Rory McIlroy’s private golf academy, Adare Manor Golf Club – host of the 2027 Ryder Cup, JCB LIV Golf UK 2024, and The Solheim Cup, where Turfgrass has supported course preparation for more than 16 years.
John Clarkin, founder of Turfgrass, said: “Plover Cove represents a defining moment for sustainable golf development in Asia. This project goes far beyond traditional agronomy, it demonstrates how world-class playability, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience can coexist on one of the most technically demanding sites imaginable. We are proud to be involved from the outset in helping deliver a project that will set a new benchmark for golf in Hong Kong.”
Supporting the agronomy programme, Sustainable Turf Farms will provide three premium turf varieties selected for durability, playability and long-term performance in Hong Kong’s environment.
Central to the strategy is the Evolution (Low Rider) Zoysia, developed by BladeRunner Farms in the United States, which Plover Cove Golf Club will become the first project in Asia to adopt.
Evolution Zoysia is valued for its low growth habit and strong resilience to climate challenges, along with exceptional resistance to disease, insects and salinity, enabling reliable performance with lower maintenance requirements. At Plover Cove, it will be used in environmentally demanding areas such as shaded zones, bunker faces, out-of-play areas and water feature banks.
Two additional turf types, Stadium Zoysia and Lynkz Zoysia, have also been chosen for their adaptability and strong tolerance to climate stress, shade and wear, while requiring lower maintenance and chemical input.
With a strong, deep root system and fine texture, Stadium Zoysia will be planted across tee areas, fairways, green surrounds and rough to provide durable, consistent playing surfaces. Lynkz Zoysia, specifically selected for the greens, features an exceptionally fine leaf structure with minimal thatch build-up, enabling firm, fast putting surfaces capable of reaching green speeds of up to 13 feet.
Sustainable Turf Farms brings a strong championship pedigree, having supplied turf to leading courses across Asia including Stonehill Golf Club in Thailand, host of Asia’s first LIV Golf event in 2022; Hoiana Shores Golf Club in Vietnam, and Singapore Island Country Club, a long-time host of the storied Singapore Open.
Brad Burgess, CEO of Sustainable Turf Farms, said: “Plover Cove Golf Club is exactly the kind of project we are passionate about, innovative, ambitious, and uncompromising on quality. Supplying turf for a development of this significance is a responsibility we take seriously. Our ITGAP-certified grasses, combined with our experience across Asia, will deliver playing surfaces that are resilient, consistent, and built for long-term success.”