Around the Grounds: Aeration, Intern Spotlight and Practice Like a Pro

Practice Area:

I have been asked a few questions on the proper etiquette on divot removal on the grass tees. Below are a few pictures of divot patterns that are exhibited at HP. Ideally there is one divot pattern that should be utilized for increased recuperation and the most efficient use of turf, better known as a “lineal” divot pattern. The lineal divot pattern is a series of divots connected in a lineal fashion with a minimum of 2-3” of turf between each strip. The creeping Bentgrass/Zoysia grass left between the divots will grow horizontally, decreasing the amount of time for recovery.

Aeration:

A big thank-you to the entire Grounds Team for their execution of the Spring putting green aeration. The greens continue to heal well as we hit the 2nd week of healing. 

Walk On/Off #7 Green:

The turf continues to grow through the matting on #7, we are hopeful this trial of this new material will aide in eliminating resodding this area year after year.

Almost 3 weeks post installation

Intern Spotlight:

Hello, my name is Ross Greenwood and I’ve come here from Swansea, Wales. Before making the trip across the pond I had worked at my previous course (Langland Bay) for the past four years. I started my time there after going from job to job with little direction. But before long I realized that this was going to be the career for me. I started to attend college in order to get qualified in Turfgrass Management. And it was during my time at college that I heard about the incredible programme run by The Ohio State University that has made it possible for me to be at Hyde Park today.

 

I have only been here for three weeks, but have already had the opportunity to talk with so many members and staff here. I’d like to say a big thank-you for the warm welcome. I look forward to meeting more of you and contributing to a successful summer season here.

 

I see a future for myself in the turfgrass industry. After my time in the States I would love to find a position back in the UK as an Assistant Greenkeeper, and then look forward to working abroad some more in the future. After my short time here I can already tell that the knowledge and experience I’ll  gain from working with the HP Grounds team is really going to give me the best chance of achieving my goals. Away from the job I’m excited to see as much of this country as I can in my spare time. So I welcome any suggestions, from restaurants and to the best state/national parks I should visit. I’ll also be trying to improve my golf game while here, so I apologize in advance for the numerous calls of ‘Fore!’.

See you on the course.

Ross Greenwood

Taking in FC Cincinnati Game

Thanks again for the feedback and questions about the golf course and grounds at Hyde Park. 

Sincerely,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent