We are building a house near Columbus, TX and will be planting grass sometime early Spring 2026 I would expect. The dirt is fairly sandy and level and fully exposed to the sun. I will install a lawn sprinkler system. I would like a grass that can be cut short (less than 1 inch) for a clean turf look. What variety would be best for these circumstances and be able to stand the Texas summer heat?

Sub 1" are you reel mowing?

I'd go Bermuda and either Tahoma 31 or celebration

Celebration Bermuda

TifTuf is what we've been using the past few years, love it.
Keep in mind that most sod suppliers will tell you the variety they sell is the best.
Honestly Celebration is great, but I think TifTuf is more drought tolerant.

Tahoma 31

Under 1" you will need a reel mower.

Any of TifTuf, Celebration, 419 or Tahoma would be fine. I'm not sure you will find much Tahoma as far south as you and probably wouldn't see the benefits (cold tolerance).

If I was going to keep grass below 1", I would choose one of the fine-bladed zoysias - probably Emerald. Diamond would be fine if you can find it anymore. If you have shade, Zeon might be better.

jamur zoysia