Hong Kong project becomes first in Asia to use Evolution (Low Rider) Zoysia.

Plover Cove Golf Club has selected a climate-focused turf programme for its championship course, marking the first adoption of Evolution (Low Rider) Zoysia in Asia. The decision forms part of a broader effort to address Hong Kong’s subtropical conditions, including high rainfall, humidity, and typhoon exposure. The club has appointed Turfgrass as agronomy consultant and Sustainable Turf Farm as official turf supplier to support the development, which is scheduled to open in 2027.

Dean Nelson, General Manager of Plover Cove Golf Club, said: “Our focus has been on long-term course performance. We selected partners with the expertise to deliver surfaces that can withstand local climate conditions while maintaining good playability.”

Agronomy Approach by Turfgrass
Turfgrass® will oversee agronomic planning, implementing systems designed for Hong Kong’s environment. The programme includes sand-capped fairways, engineered turf systems, and advanced sub-surface drainage with moisture management technology to support consistent year-round playability. The firm has worked on more than 270 golf clubs worldwide, including Rory McIlroy’s private academy, Adare Manor (2027 Ryder Cup host), and multiple Solheim Cup preparations.

John Clarkin, Founder of Turfgrass, said: “This project demonstrates how high-level playability and environmental considerations can be balanced in a technically demanding location.”

Turf Selection by Sustainable Turf Farm
Sustainable Turf Farm will supply three Zoysia varieties chosen for durability and performance in humid, high-rainfall conditions:

• Evolution (Low Rider) Zoysia (from BladeRunner Farms, USA): First use in Asia. Selected for its low growth habit, strong resistance to disease, insects and salinity, and lower maintenance needs. It will be used in shaded areas, bunker faces, out-of-play zones, and water feature banks.
• Stadium Zoysia: Planned for tees, fairways, green surrounds and rough. It offers a deep root system, fine texture, and good wear tolerance.
• Lynkz Zoysia: Selected for greens. Features a fine leaf blade and low thatch production, supporting firm and fast putting surfaces (up to 13 feet on the stimpmeter).

Sustainable Turf Farm has previously supplied turf to Stonehill Golf Club (Thailand), Hoiana Shores Golf Club (Vietnam), and Singapore Island Country Club. Brad Burgess, Owner and CEO of Sustainable Turf Farm, noted the importance of using grasses suited to Asian conditions for long-term performance: "Plover Cove is precisely the type of ambitious, quality-driven project we love. We take great pride in supplying our ITGAP-certified grasses and applying our extensive Asian experience to create resilient, consistent playing surfaces built for long-term success.”