Building Toward Summer

The restoration project continues to make significant progress as we move deeper into May. Hole 13 is now largely completed, with only minor fine fescue seeding and detailing remaining. Across the property, the majority of Meyer zoysia sod installation is now complete, with only small tie-in areas remaining around select bunkers on Holes 1, 9, 17, and 18.

Bunkers Between 9 and 11 Greens

Bunker work continues to advance steadily. Hole 1 bunkers are now completed, while the fairway bunkers on Hole 9 have been finished and are awaiting final sod installation. Work between Holes 9 and 11 is nearing completion, and bunkers on Holes 2, 17, and 18 have now been roughed into final form.

The Hyde Park Grounds Team remains focused on the finishing details that ultimately define the project. Detailed seeding, erosion blanket installation, aeration, fertilization, and hand watering efforts continue daily throughout the golf course.

Aeration of greens, tees, and approaches is also completed as we continue preparing the turf for summer growth and long-term playability.

This past week also brought additional challenges on the bunker faces of Hole 14 following irrigation water moving behind a Zoysia sod seam. The Hyde Park team quickly repaired and stabilized these areas, and the remaining bunker and tee sloughing concerns on Hole 14 remain a high priority for the McDonald & Sons team moving forward.

Temporary Wire Mesh and Stakes to Stabilize 

The mounds between Holes 17 and 18 will also be a primary focus this coming week as final shaping, stabilization, and grassing work continue in that area.

Ley Irrigation remains on site working through final punch list items and irrigation additions on Hole 10. Final shaping around the bury pit on Hole 8 is also nearing completion.

Looking ahead, approximately 1.5 acres of turf-type tall fescue sod remain to be installed across the property. Final cart path overlay work is also planned for Holes 2, 7, and 8, along with several smaller sections on Hole 9.

The weather this upcoming week appears somewhat unsettled, but all teams remain focused on continuing progress wherever conditions allow.

As a reminder, we ask all members to please avoid walking directly up bunker faces both at the practice area and throughout the golf course once reopened. The newly established zoysia bunker banks are still developing root strength and maturity, and limiting traffic on these areas will help protect the turf and preserve the intended presentation and playability of the restored bunkers. Please use the low entry and exit points whenever possible.

A sincere thank you to the entire Hyde Park Grounds Team, Ley Irrigation, and McDonald & Sons for the tremendous amount of effort, long hours, and attention to detail that continue to move this project forward each day.

The golf course continues to take shape rapidly, and we appreciate the continued patience and support from the membership as all teams push through the final stretch of work.

Thanks again for your questions and feedback on the progression of the restoration. 

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent 

Steady Progress, Eyes on the Finish Line

#13 Fairway 

As we move through early May, the golf course continues to take shape with steady progress across all areas. While cooler temperatures have slowed turf growth, our focus remains on finishing details and positioning the course for the final phase of establishment.

Bunker shaping is ongoing on holes 1, 17, 18, and 2. Tyler Rae will be on site this afternoon to review and approve the final bunker shaping, marking an important step as we bring these features to completion.

Tee construction is now complete on holes 12, 13, and 17, and all have been fully sodded. Our team continues fine fescue seeding, including areas left of #8, while also completing aeration of approaches to promote rooting and long-term surface consistency. Weed control applications are ongoing across bunker faces and fine fescue areas, alongside fertilization of the rough to support establishment.

#13 Tees- Newly Sodded 

#18-Bunkers Forming 

We are now down to approximately one acre of Zoysia remaining to be laid, primarily on hole 13. Over the next 10 days, we anticipate completing the final rough sodding, a significant milestone as we near the finish.

McDonald & Sons has brought in an additional crew to increase manpower as we push through these final stages.

The Practice Area will open on May 12th and will feature a new synthetic hitting line. The facility will be closed on Mondays. As it becomes available, we kindly ask that members avoid walking up bunker faces and instead use low entry and exit points to protect these establishing areas. Our team will complete the range tee field once the remaining Zoysia is harvested for bunker faces.

Turf growth across all surfaces has been slower due to the recent stretch of cooler weather. Zoysia, in particular, requires sustained warmth—more typical of July conditions—to fully knit and establish. As temperatures rise, we expect to see continued improvement in density and recovery.

The Grounds team, along with McDonald & Sons, continue to finish strong. We appreciate the effort and coordination from everyone involved as we push toward reopening.

Please join us this evening at 5:30 PM for our Member Education Meeting, where agronomist Adam Moeller will discuss the current state of the golf course and what to expect in the coming weeks.

There is a great deal of progress behind us and a focused push ahead. Thank you for your continued support.

Thanks again for the questions and feedback.

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent