Legacy reopened recently with greens resurfaced in the same grass as East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta where the Tour Championship was played.
Legacy invited the media out Tuesday to have a look and it was impressive.
The grass is called MiniVerde, a new strain of Bermuda. Legacy is the first course in the Sandhills to use it.
"This is the future of golf maintenance in the Southeast," said Craig Current, president of an Atlanta company that manages Legacy. "These greens have turned out wonderful."
Bermuda grass had a bad reputation in years past of producing slower putting surfaces. But not this strain. There is no grain to slow down putts or bump them off line.
Legacy's greens are flawless and plenty fast. It is doubtful any greens in the area roll as smooth as Legacy's.
"Our company has a lot of experience with this form of grass," Current said. "We've been highly successful with it."
The course closed in June for three months to install the grass. The move was made because MiniVerde is much more heat tolerant and can handle the scorching summers in North Carolina.
But the work on the course actually began about four years ago.
"This project started with tree removal, green surround work and lots of research and advice," said Legacy general manager Chad Derusseau. "The installation of the grass is actually the final step in a long process."
The greens also react the way they are supposed to - they hold long shots but chip shots land, release and roll to the hole.
The renovation also enlarged the greens because the collars had encroached on the surfaces over the years. Now, more pin positions are available.
The greens are on a fine Jack Nicklaus II layout that is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
My favorite hole is the 391-yard, par-4 10th. The tee shot is across a body of water but it is angled so the golfer can decide how much of the hazard he wants to take on. If you play it safe, you have a longer second shot.
Water hazards also come into play on the par-3 holes but there are no forced carries. Nicklaus leaves room for bailouts.
The signature hole is also the most difficult - the 459-yard, par-4 18th. It is nicknamed "The Bear" for good reason with a water hazard guarding most of the front of the green.
Players are also advised to stay out of the rough. You can spend time just trying to find your ball, much less hit it out.
"We worked all summer on growing grass," Current said. "We have a lot of healthy grass out there."
Green fees at Legacy range from $49 to $109 depending on the season. To make a tee time, call 800-344-8825.
###
