On September 6th, Bob Brame from the USGA Green Section conducted an agronomic consultation at Hyde Park. This was the first visit since I began my tenure in late 2004 and prior to that the last consultation from the USGA was in 2002. This visit was an excellent opportunity to evaluate recent course enhancements such as the new irrigation system, bunker renovation, capital leasing programs and drainage projects across the course. Moving forward, the continued focus on the tree management program along with increasing cultural practices on the putting surfaces, such as aeration and reducing annual bluegrass populations were hot topics during this visit. To view the complete report please click on the attached link.
Thank-you,
Pat O'Brien
Grounds Superintendent
With the fall weather upon us, there are several improvements to the golf course that will occur. As many people have noticed there are white paint lines located on/ near the bentgrass approach areas on holes 2, 13 and 17. Next week we will begin to remove these bentgrass areas, reshape and lay Zoysia sod in its place. The recontouring is to bring the bunkers more into play and to make it consistent with the rest of the course. The rationale behind the zoysia grass is to improve the playability of these areas, with increased firmness and ball roll for the “ground game”. These enhancements will further reduce expenditures with the reduced inputs that Meyer Zoysia provides. These areas will see reductions in mowing frequency, fertilization and chemical inputs, as well as aerification and sand topdressing. Hyde Park continues to utilize this competitive advantage, shifting resources to other areas of the golf course while enhancing the playability. Over a three year period we plan to convert the remaining approach areas to Meyer Zoysia.