It’s fairly well-known now that the main grass at The main grass at Miakka Golf Club, cuurently under construction in Myakka City, FL., is called “Stadium” zoysia. The grass was developed several years ago Bladerunner Farms in Bay City, Texas, in conjunction with the University of Georgia Turfgrass Management Program.
Bladerunner Founder David Doguet licensed the grass to Miakka Golf Club owner/developer Steve Herrig, who started Miakka Turf. Stadium zoysia, according to Doguet, making it easier to strike the ball – thus the grass is perfect for teeing grounds and fairways.
Miakka GC Owner Steve Herrig
The Lazer zoysia found on greens was developed at Texas A&M and is a much finer texture, Doguet said, providing superior speed and quality of roll.
In addition to using Stadium and Lazer zoysia on the golf course, Doguet said Miakka will be one of the first courses in U.S. to use a strain of zoysia so new it doesn’t even have a commercial name yet. The new grass, according to Doguet, is being used in all the areas where mowing isn’t wanted or accessible. No mowing means even less water and fertilizer, as well as diminished wear and tear on equipment.
The golf course architecture team of Jason Straka and Dana Fry have designed Miakka Golf Club, slated to be an ultra-exclusive private club about 30 miles east of Sarasota. PGA Tour legend Paul Azinger is serving as a consultant. The course is expected to open for full play in 2026.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Fry Straka Global Golf Course Design