Page 25 - GreenMaster Winter 2025

Jackson shares
wisdom
Set against a backdrop of surrounding waters, Port Royal ranks among golf’s elite global venues.
“When I returned to Bermuda, I had
to learn quickly about warm-season
grasses – Bermuda grass, Bahia
grass, Zoysia grass, and St. Augustine
grass. These grasses are originally
from tropical regions, which is why
they thrive in scorching sun and high
temperatures.”
A CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE
Jackson’s current role at Port Royal
Golf Course places him at the helm of
one of the world’s most prestigious
golf destinations. The 18-hole, 6,842-
yard, par-71 course was designed by
legendary architect Robert Trent
Jones and built in 1971. Following
major renovations totaling $14.5
million in 2008, Port Royal has hosted
some of golf’s most significant events.
The course served as home to
the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from
2009 to 2014 and currently hosts the
PGA TOUR’s Butterfield Bermuda
Championship through 2026. The
facility’s tournament calendar
includes numerous international and
national events, from the Butterfield
Bermuda Junior Championship to
local qualifiers that provide pathways
to professional golf.
Managing such high-profile
events requires exceptional attention
to detail and substantial resources.
Port Royal operates with an annual
agronomy budget of $1.2 million,
reflecting the investment necessary
to maintain championship standards
year-round.
THE SCIENCE OF WARM-SEASON
SUCCESS
Jackson’s presentation delved into
the technical aspects of managing
warm-season grasses at the highest
level. His approach centers on
meticulous monitoring and data-
driven decision making. “We perform
quarterly soil and tissue samples and
carefully manage our nitrogen
inputs,” he explained. “This requires a
strong core team and clear
communication.”
The philosophy behind his
management style emphasizes
patience and consistency. “It’s a
marathon, not a sprint when it comes
to turfgrass management,” Jackson
noted. This long-term perspective
has proven essential in maintaining
GreenMaster • CGSA •
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