Managing the Transition: A GM’s Guide to Implementing Tif3D on Golf Course Greens

Making the switch to a new putting green turfgrass variety is never just an agronomic decision—it’s a strategic one. As a General Manager, you’re responsible for balancing player satisfaction, maintenance budgets, capital projects, and course reputation.

Tif3D, the latest ultradwarf hybrid bermudagrass developed by the University of Georgia, is quickly becoming the go-to choice for courses looking to elevate performance while reducing long-term inputs. But how do you make the transition from evaluation to execution?

This post offers a clear roadmap for GMs ready to adopt Tif3D—from planning and installation to post-conversion marketing.

Why Tif3D?

Let’s start with what makes the change worth it.

• Consistent ball roll and faster green speeds

• Exceptional density and dark green color

• Resilience to scalping, drought, and disease

• Reduced chemical and water inputs over time

• Faster recovery after maintenance and play

These performance characteristics are backed by more than 10 multi-state field trials, real-world superintendent feedback, and results from courses across the Southeast. Now, let’s talk implementation.

Step 1: Define Scope and Timing

Before any turf is touched, define your conversion goals and schedule:

• Are you converting all greens or doing a phased rollout?

• What’s your ideal playability date?

• Do you have a grow-in nursery on site?

  
  

Most successful Tif3D transitions are scheduled to maximize recovery time before peak season, giving your team adequate bandwidth for sprigging, grow-in, and surface prep.

Pro tip: Starting your project in early summer allows for optimal growth conditions and ensures greens are playable by fall or early the following year.

Step 2: Budget Planning and CapEx Approval

Turf conversions require capital—how much depends on your method:

Installation Method	Estimated Cost	Notes
Sprigging	Lower upfront, longer grow-in	Requires ideal weather + close supervision
Sod installation	Higher cost, instant coverage	Good for expedited timelines
On-site nursery grow-in	Mid-range, future savings	Great for phased implementation

Don’t forget to include irrigation upgrades, drainage improvements, and equipment needs (reel mowers, sprig spreaders) in your proposal.

Step 3: Coordinate with Your Agronomy Team

This is where trust in your Superintendent and Director of Agronomy is key. Make sure your team is aligned on:

• Soil testing and amendments before sprigging

• Moisture management during grow-in

• Fertility program for root establishment

• PGR (plant growth regulator) scheduling once canopy matures

  
  

Tif3D thrives at heights < 1/8", so it’s vital that mowing equipment is finely calibrated and maintained to avoid scalping—even during early grow-in stages.

Step 4: Communicate Internally and Externally

One of the biggest missed opportunities during a turf conversion is failing to tell the story. Don’t just inform members—excite them.

Internal talking points:

• Why Tif3D was chosen (performance + sustainability)

• Timeline and what members should expect

• How the change improves playability and course reputation

Marketing assets to create:

• Course signage during renovation

• Blog or newsletter features with superintendent interviews

• Drone footage of grow-in progress

• Social posts highlighting "sustainable greens coming soon"

Let your members, sponsors, and the public know that your club is investing in long-term quality and championship-level conditions.

Step 5: Prepare for Post-Conversion Maintenance

After your greens are reopened, your team should be ready with:

• Rolling frequency and mowing plans

• Nutrient and moisture monitoring

• Topdressing schedule to smooth surface

• Stress management protocols for seasonal transitions

  
  

Tif3D’s dense canopy and fast recovery time help mitigate downtime, but it’s still important to set expectations about minor variances during the first 6–12 months.

Also: Don’t overlook the opportunity to benchmark performance using moisture meters, ball roll measurements, and member surveys. Data will help justify the transition and improve next season’s planning.

Long-Term Benefits for Your Facility

The decision to convert greens is never taken lightly. But with Tif3D, GMs are seeing strong returns across several key areas:

• Improved greens quality = increased play and satisfaction

• Lower annual maintenance = more efficient use of budget

• Sustainability alignment = stronger PR and brand positioning

• Turf reliability = fewer headaches for your agronomy team

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If you’re planning your next capital improvement cycle or reacting to aging turf that’s underperforming, Tif3D is a powerful upgrade option.

Want to learn more?

Fill out the form at the bottom of the main page at www.TiF3D.com