Reducing maintained turgrass by restoring natural desert landscapes

TPC Las Vegas

United States

Written by: Cody Sedlacek

To conserve water in the Las Vegas Valley, TPC Las Vegas has removed over 5 acres (217,800 square feet) of irrigated turf, replacing it with natural crushed caliche rock and native desert plants that thrive with minimal irrigation. This shift not only conserves water but also supports environmental stewardship, creating a sustainable landscape that benefits both the course and the local ecosystem.

Reducing irrigated turf offers key benefits. It significantly lowers water usage and irrigation costs—essential in this water-scarce region. Native plants attract wildlife, increase biodiversity, and require fewer chemicals, reducing runoff and supporting healthier soil. Maintenance costs are also reduced due to less frequent mowing and lower labour demands, which saves on fuel and emissions, thus shrinking our carbon footprint.

Aesthetically, the natural desert areas blend seamlessly with the landscape, enhancing the course's character and providing unique challenges for players. The drought-tolerant landscaping is more resilient to climate change, helping the course withstand extreme weather with minimal recovery efforts.

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