Legacy Golf Links, the first course designed by Jack Nicklaus II, will become the first course in the Pinehurst-Southern Pines-Aberdeen area to install Mini Verdi grass greens.

Legacy closed for play June 13 to begin the work of installing the new ultra-dwarf Bermuda grass, which is known for heat tolerance and resistance to disease during the hot summer months. The course is scheduled to reopen Sept 19.

Some other notable courses that have installed Mini Verdi are East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, site of the PGA Tour Championship; and TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Fla., which hosts The Players Championship.

The installation project will be managed by head superintendent Michael Norton and assistant superintendent Shaun Kerr. Additional support will be provided by Modern Turf, a licensed grower and installer of Mini Verdi out of Rembert, S.C.

“This project started nearly four years ago with tree removal, green surround work, a test green, and lots of research and advice,” said Chad Derussean, Legacy’s general manager.

“The installation of the grass is actually the final step in a long process. This will be a significant capital investment but one we are excited about making in order to solidify our position as one of the best courses to play in the Sandhills for another 20 years.”

Built in 1991, the Nicklaus-designed Legacy course has received numerous awards, including “Top 50 golf courses in the country for customer service” by Golf Digest; and “Top 25 public courses in the country” by Golf World’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Its most famous hole is its 18th, nicknamed “The Bear.” This closing hole is known for both its beauty and difficulty, and was voted the best finishing hole in Moore County by Pinehurst Magazine.

Legacy is open to the public year-round. Green fees range from $49 to $109, depending on the season.