From Blueprint to Bunkers: 26 Days

We’re just weeks away from breaking ground on our historic course restoration, and significant preparation is already underway to set the foundation for long-term course health, playability, and aesthetics.

While the visual transformation begins July 14th, important groundwork has already started — including installation of critical irrigation infrastructure — and detailed planning continues across all major restoration elements.

Irrigation Installation Underway

George Ley Irrigation began work last week, installing the main trunk wire lines across the property — a meticulous and highly detailed process as crews navigate existing drain lines, utilities, and past infrastructure.

Despite the complexity, their progress has been excellent and is helping to support overall project sequencing. Key materials include:
- 140,000 LF – Control wire
- 85,600 LF – HDPE pipe

Main Trunk Wire Install 

Drainage Planning Nearing Execution

Although drainage installation has not yet begun, our planning and material coordination are well underway. The restoration will ultimately include:
- 13,994 LF – 4" Internal Bunker Drainage
- 28,600 LF – Fairway Slit Drainage
- 12,290 LF – Approach Drainage
- 2,400 LF – Green Expansions
- 3,960 LF – In-Green Slit Drainage
- And more across 4", 6", 8", 12", and 18" lines

In total, the drainage scope covers more than 75,000 linear feet — over 14.25 miles — of pipe designed to improve surface conditions and long-term playability.

Materials & Logistics

Our team has worked hard to control material costs and streamline deliveries. Still to arrive:
- 102 truckloads – Bunker sand
- 60 truckloads – Green and tee mix
- 181 truckloads – Sod (fescue, zoysia, and bentgrass)

Coordinating these shipments is no small task — and  the team is handling with precision to minimize disruption and keep the project efficient.

Bunker Sand Storage 

Our Most Valuable Asset: Project Partners

We are proud to recognize the following project leaders contributing to this ambitious effort:
Golf Course Architect
Tyler Rae, Jim Ryan Jr., Matt Fauerbach, Dylan Stevens – Shaper

Irrigation Contractor
Jeff Martin – George Ley Irrigation

Irrigation Consultant / Design
Technical Choice

Tree Management
Guerrein Green

Golf Course Construction
McDonald & Sons

Cart Path Contractor
Ewers & Sons Paving

Project Liaison – Hyde Park
Arron Garrett, Senior Assistant Superintendent

Hyde Park Grounds Staff
The core team supporting daily logistics, field execution, and coordination throughout the restoration project

Bentgrass Greens Sod – Boyd Turf
Tall Fescue Sod – Turpin Farms
Zoysia Fairways Sod – Kentucky Zoysia
Aggregates – Arms Turf
Agronomic Consulting / QC Testing – Moeller Consulting

A Special Thanks to the Hyde Park Grounds Team

We want to especially acknowledge the Hyde Park Grounds Team, whose persistence, passion, and tireless dedication continue to be instrumental in the early success of this project. Their day-to-day efforts behind the scenes — from site prep to material handling — are laying the foundation for what’s to come.

Hillside Seeding of Fine Fescue 

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for more details as we finalize construction sequencing and ramp up site activity. During peak construction, over 70 professionals will be working on the golf course, all focused on delivering the project by our November completion goal.

We appreciate your continued patience as material deliveries arrive and staging ramps up. As always, dry weather will be key to staying on track.

Thank you for your support as we bring this exciting vision to life, please pass along any questions you may have? 

Regards,

Pat O'Brien 
Grounds Superintendent
Hyde Park Golf & Country Club

2025 Winter Injury on Zoysia- Surviving the freeze

The winter of 2024–2025 delivered a few challenges for warm-season turfgrass in the transition zone, and Hyde Park Golf & Country Club—among the northernmost clubs utilizing Meyer Zoysiagrass—was not exempt. While Meyer remains the most cold-tolerant Zoysiagrass cultivar available, the combination of saturated soils, shaded areas, and prolonged cold events resulted in measurable turf loss in several locations.

Recent post on X

Scope and Pattern of Injury

Approximately 15,000 square feet of Zoysiagrass was injured out of 26 acres of fairways—about 1.3% of the total surface. Most of the damage occurred in low-lying areas with poor drainage, especially where water moved and concentrated through surface flow paths, leading to prolonged saturation, crown hydration, and freeze injury.

Fairway 8 experienced the most significant damage. It is the flattest fairway on the course, with numerous low-lying sections that trap water and drain poorly, making it highly susceptible to winter injury.

Low lying areas on the 8 fairway

Why Recovery Can Be Slow in Cincinnati

Zoysiagrass is a warm-season species that grows best when soil temperatures exceed 65°F. In Cincinnati, this threshold is typically reached in late May or early June, depending on seasonal weather. Until that point, the turf remains slow to grow. 

 This results in delayed spring recovery, especially in shaded or saturated areas. Without consistent warmth and sunlight, the grass is slow to resume active growth, which prolongs the impact of winter injury. This spring is shaping up to be unkind for Zoysiagrass recovery.

 

Steps Taken to Mitigate Winter Injury

We have  implemented a comprehensive strategy to reduce winter injury and improve long-term turf health.

1. Drainage Improvements

Current Restoration Scope (2025):

Fairway drainage is being installed on Holes 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 13, covering approximately 7 acres of Zoysiagrass in areas with repeated winter damage. Drainage is also being added to bentgrass approach areas throughout the course to enhance playability, firmness, and surface consistency at green entrances.

Yellow boxes delineate areas of new drainage in Zoysia 

Past Drainage Installations (Pre-Restoration):

Prior to the 2025 restoration, partial drainage systems were installed in select fairway areas of Holes 2, 9, 17, 18, and at the zoysia practice tee area. These additions were targeted toward historically saturated zones and completed through operational funding and in-house resources. These efforts provided early infrastructure support and informed broader drainage priorities.

Budget limitations within the restoration project prevent full drainage installation across all vulnerable areas. Prioritization is based on observed historical turf decline and water movement. 

2. Low Spot Leveling

While not yet complete, proactive grading has been performed in priority areas ahead of the restoration to reduce ponding and improve surface drainage wherever feasible. This will most likely occur post restoration.

3. Shade Management

Strategic tree removals have been implemented to improve winter sunlight access across shaded corridors. Shade remains a limiting factor on the 18th fairway, where reduced sun exposure continues to hinder spring warm-up and turf recovery.

4. Winter Traffic Management

Cart traffic is restricted during dormancy in sensitive zones during transistion to reduce compaction and protect weakened turf from added mechanical stress.

5. Nutrient and Growth Regulation Planning

Low-rate, slow-release nitrogen is used in the fall to support healthy dormancy transitions. Late-season PGR use is avoided to prevent interference with cold acclimation.

6. Spring Monitoring and Recovery Support

Turf management is guided by soil temperature thresholds, not just calendar dates. Damaged zones receive sodding and rerouted traffic to facilitate recovery.

7. Turfgrass Research Partnerships

Hyde Park continues to collaborate with Purdue University and Ohio State University on warm-season turf research and winter injury monitoring. Purdue will host the 2025 Midwest Warm-Season Turf Field Day, where Hyde Park will share field insights and outcomes with regional peers.

Aaron Patton- Purdue University 

Genetics vs. Site Conditions

Meyer Zoysiagrass remains the most cold-tolerant commercially available cultivar, but drainage, shade, and topography must also be managed to prevent winter injury. Genetics provide resilience, but site-specific conditions ultimately determine performance and remembering that Zoysia is a warm season grass that has been at Hyde Park since the early 80s and will continue to be susceptible winter injury due to genetics. 

Strategic Outlook

With less than 2% of fairway turf impacted, Hyde Park positioned for a slow recovery. The 2025 restoration addresses some of the critical needs, while past drainage work and ongoing site refinements support phased, long-term improvement. Though budget limitations require prioritization, the club’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, agronomic integrity, and research collaboration positions it at the forefront of warm-season turf management in the northern transition zone.

Thanks for your feedback and questions. email- grounds@hydeparkcc.com

Pat O'Brien,

Grounds Superintendent 

From Petals to Possibilities: Tulip Recycling at Hyde Park

 

Aubrey and Bryan 

Tulip Recycling & Spring Bulb Update

From Bryan Miller, Director of Horticulture at Hyde Park CC

Another beautiful tulip season is in the books. This spring, we enjoyed nearly 10,000 tulips in a dazzling display of 10 different colors and patterns throughout the grounds. As their vibrant blooms begin to fade and petals fall, you may be wondering—what happens next?

To keep our landscape beds looking their best and to ensure fresh, uniform displays next spring, we remove all tulip bulbs at the end of the season. This prevents unintentional mixing of colors and gives us a clean slate for planting summer annuals, which will begin going in within the next couple of weeks.

As in previous years, we’re offering a tulip and daffodil bulb recycling opportunity for members who would like to take some of these bulbs home.

Here’s how it works:

• Spent tulip and daffodil bulbs will be pulled and placed in small piles within the landscape beds

• Members are welcome to collect bulbs from these piles at their convenience

• Please bring your own containers (buckets, boxes, or bags) to transport your bulbs home

While reblooming is not guaranteed, with proper care you can improve your chances. Here is a quick guide:

How to store and replant spring bulbs:

1. Lay bulbs (with leaves attached) in a dry, well-ventilated, shaded area. Make sure bulbs do not touch each other

2. Once leaves have fully yellowed and dried (this may take a few weeks), cut them back to the bulb

3. Store bulbs in a cool, dark, and ventilated space like a basement or garage until fall

4. In the fall, plant bulbs 3 to 5 inches deep in your garden beds

Feel free to reach out with any questions. This spring’s display was a great success, and we’re excited to transition into the summer season soon.

Thank-you,

Bryan Miller
Director of Horticulture
Hyde Park Country Club

From Tee to Green: Exploring Ross with Brad Becken

Agronomic Update:
We’re excited to announce that golf carts are now permitted to scatter on most fairways, a welcome sign of improving spring conditions. However, wet areas still exist, and we appreciate your continued caution.

Please remember:

• Do not operate carts in the rough, as these areas are still soft and prone to damage.

• Avoid all newly established fine fescue areas, which are marked with white flags throughout the course. These zones are essential to our long-term turf health and design goals.

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we transition into the active growing season and work to protect the integrity of the course.

From Tee to Green: Exploring Ross with Brad Becken
We are pleased to invite you to a special evening at Hyde Park Golf & Country Club featuring Bradford A. Becken Jr., president of the Donald Ross Society and one of the foremost authorities on Ross’s life and architectural legacy.

Brad will share insights from his journey to play every known Donald Ross course in the United States—more than 350 in total—and his work preserving and restoring Ross’s original design intent at clubs across the country. His recent publication, The Golf Architecture of Donald Ross, is already regarded as one of the most definitive works on the Golden Age of golf course design.

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who has studied Ross’s work in the field, supported over 125 restoration efforts, and helped lead a national movement to preserve strategic architecture for future generations.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: 6:15 PM
Guests Welcome

Please register through the Club website. ($25.00)

Whether you’re a longtime Ross enthusiast or simply curious about what makes our course so unique, this evening promises to be both informative and inspiring.

We hope you’ll join us for this special event.

Sincerely,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent 

Greener Days Ahead: Zoysia’s Slow Wake-Up

Zoysia close-up

Dormant No More: Zoysia Is Waking Up

As we move deeper into spring, signs of green are slowly returning to the Zoysia fairways. While it’s always exciting to see the course come back to life, it’s important to remember that Zoysia breaks dormancy gradually and on its own schedule.
Zoysia is a warm-season grass that typically greens up in mid to late April, though in cooler years it may wait until early May. Once active, it thrives in our hot Cincinnati summers, delivering the dense, resilient fairways HP is known for.

Why Zoysia Greens Up Slowly

Zoysia’s transition from dormancy depends on soil temperature, air temperature, and day length. Until those cues line up consistently, the grass remains mostly inactive.
Before allowing scattered cart traffic, we aim to complete:
• One full mowing
• A surface rolling
These steps smooth the turf, stimulate early growth, and prepare it to handle wear from play.

File Photo- Rolling of the Fairways

Cart Traffic During Dormancy

While Zoysia is dormant, it has very limited recovery ability. Cart traffic during this period—especially when conditions are wet—can cause lasting injury to the turf.
To help protect the course:
• Cart access to fairways is restricted until the turf is actively growing and soil conditions are dry.
• Never drive or park carts in the rough, regardless of conditions.
• Check the rooster book, golf shop, or cart signage daily for updates on cart rules.

Looking Ahead

We appreciate your patience as the course transitions into full-season mode. With each warm day, we’re one step closer to the lush, vibrant conditions we all look forward to.
Thank you for your continued feedback  and cooperation,

Pat O’Brien
Grounds Superintendent

A Historic Move: The Clubhouse, Streetcar and Ross

 

A Historic Move: The Clubhouse, Streetcar and Ross

The original Hyde Park clubhouse, located on what is now Marburg Avenue, just west of the second tee, was a central hub for members. However, on March 23, 1911, tragedy struck when the clubhouse burned down. Rather than merely rebuilding, the board saw an opportunity to enhance the club’s accessibility and future potential. They decided to relocate the clubhouse closer to Erie Avenue a larger plot of land and  where the streetcar line served the community, making it easier for both members and staff to commute. The move of the HP clubhouse paved the way for an eventual 55-acre purchase of land by the club. 

This strategic move not only improved access but also freed up valuable land for a larger clubhouse and potential expansion of the golf course, allowing for future development and improvements to the playing experience. Originally designed as a 9-hole course, Hyde Park underwent significant expansion following the land acquisition, growing into the 18-hole layout that HP members enjoy today.  The redesigned golf course was guided by Donald Ross's architectural expertise, and helped shape Hyde Park into a premier golf destination in Cincinnati.

The decision to align the club’s location with Cincinnati’s growing streetcar system exemplified forward-thinking planning and a commitment to progress while maintaining the club’s rich heritage.

Streetcar line tracks passing by entrance of the club

Aerial view of HP front entrance 

Interesting Facts: Cincinnati's streetcar system operated from 1859 until April 29, 1951, spanning over 90 years. The first streetcar line was introduced in 1859 using horse-drawn cars, and by 1889, electric streetcars became the dominant mode of transportation. At its peak, the system covered 222 miles of track.

The Teeing Grounds

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Blending Tradition with Modern Improvements

This week's update focuses on the tee portion of the restoration. As we restore the tees, our goal is to honor the classic design principles of Donald Ross while incorporating modern techniques to improve playability and aesthetics. Ross’s original tee designs emphasized strategic shot-making, offering players a variety of angles and challenges—a philosophy Tyler is excited  to bring back to life. Ross liked to have tees that were a short walk from the green. Some tees were set diagonally to the line of play, while others featured L-shaped designs. He also incorporated multiple tee boxes adjacent to each each other, some spaced as far as 50 yards apart.

Hole 5- Multiple tees, adjacent to each other, oriented diagonal with a short walk from the 4th

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33 New Tees and Enhanced Playability

During the restoration, the construction of 33 new tees will occur throughout the course. The remaining tees will be laser leveled and equipped with improved drainage systems to ensure optimal playing conditions in all weather. 

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The Importance of Multiple Tees on a Hole

In many cases, Tyler is  introducing 4-5 teeing options per hole. This variety offers numerous benefits:

• Enhanced Strategy: Multiple tees allow players to approach each hole from different angles, adding new layers of strategy and excitement.

• Catering to All Skill Levels: Whether you're a seasoned golfer or new to the game, having varied tee options ensures everyone can enjoy the course at your comfort level.

• Pacing and Enjoyment: More tee choices can help maintain a steady pace of play, making rounds more enjoyable for all members.

  

  Runway tees at Cherokee in Knoxville 

  
  

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Agronomic Enhancements for Longevity

In line with our commitment to top-tier course conditions, all tees will be resurfaced with 777 Bentgrass. This advanced grass variety is known for its durability, smooth texture, excellent resistance to disease, and superior divot recovery, ensuring that our tees remain in peak condition year-round.

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If you have any questions or feedback about the restoration, please feel free to reach out to me at grounds@hydeparkcc.com.

Best regards,

Pat O’Brien
Grounds Superintendent
Hyde Park Golf & Country Club

Ross Riddles: Decoding the Art of Donald Ross Bunkers

On July 14th the golf course will undergo a transformative restoration, designed to enhance the beauty, infrastructure and playability of the course. This project will focus on reinstating the timeless strategy and artistry of Donald Ross’s bunkering design, honoring classic golf architecture while accommodating the modern game.

To bring Tyler’s vision to life, we have partnered with McDonald & Sons, one of the premier golf course construction contractors in the industry. Their reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail ensures that every aspect of this restoration will meet the highest standards.

What to Expect:

Our restoration will carefully integrate Ross's distinctive bunkering style, known for its strategic placement, natural appearance, and subtle challenge. 

Strategic Positioning
Bunkers will be thoughtfully placed to challenge players of all skill levels, encouraging strategic shot-making and rewarding precision. As Donald Ross famously said, “There is no such thing as a misplaced bunker. Regardless of where the bunker may be, it is the business of the player to avoid it.”

Natural Aesthetics
The bunkers will blend seamlessly with the course’s natural landscape, creating a visually stunning environment that reflects Ross’s minimalist yet effective design philosophy.

Enhanced Playability
While staying true to Ross’s vision, modern adjustments will ensure that the course remains enjoyable and fair, accommodating today’s equipment and playing styles.

Bunker Shape, Size & Grass Details:

Tyler Rae and his associate Jim Ryan Jr. will restore the bunkers to reflect Ross’s signature style, characterized by:

• Irregular, Free-Form Shapes: Natural edges with irregular shapes that seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape.

• Varied Sizes: A mix of large, sprawling bunkers and smaller precision-demanding bunkers. Average size: 1,200 sq ft, with some stretching 15-20 yards along fairways and greenside bunkers varying from 5 to 15 yards in diameter.

• Flat Bottoms with Steep Faces: Flat, playable bottoms with steep, grass-faced edges.

• Concave Bunker Floors: Gentle inward slopes ensuring balls roll away from edges, offering fairer lies.

• Zoysia Grass Faces: Dense, durable texture with a clean appearance, providing resilience and highlighting the edges.

• Strategic Depth Variation: Depths will range from 2 to 5 feet, varying based on location and strategic purpose.

  

  Concave Bunker Floor

Infrastructure Improvements:

Significant infrastructure improvements will ensure long-term durability and functionality:

• 17,000 Lineal Feet of Drainage: A comprehensive system to maintain optimal playability and prevent water accumulation, keeping bunkers dry even after heavy rainfall.

•  New Sand: Each bunker will be filled with 5-6 inches of compacted, high-quality sand to enhance playability, consistency, and drainage.

  

  General Observations & Characteristics:

Ross’s bunkering philosophy was as much about visual drama as strategic challenge. This restoration will bring several of his signature characteristics to life:

• Visible Sand: Bunkers will serve as visual focal points, increasing both aesthetic appeal and psychological pressure.

• Terrain-Dependent Shapes: Guided by natural terrain, many bunkers will be cut into existing slopes, seamlessly integrating into the landscape.

• Unique Mounding Features: Some bunkers will feature mounds in the middle, flanked by sand on both sides, adding unique strategic challenges.

  

  Barton Hills CC Ann Arbor, MI (Photo-Tyer Rae)

We Want to Hear from You!

Thank you for your feedback and questions. Please feel free to email me at grounds@hydeparkcc.com.

Best regards,

Pat O'Brien
Grounds Superintendent
Hyde Park Golf and Country Club

The Heart of the Restoration-The Putting Greens

Dear Hyde Park Members,

I’m excited to showcase some updates to the course with the upcoming restoration, focusing on the heart of every hole—the putting greens. Partnering with renowned golf course architect Tyler Rae, we aim to honor the original vision of Donald Ross while enhancing playability and strategy for today’s golfer.

Honoring Donald Ross’s Legacy

Donald Ross, one of golf’s most revered architects, designed greens that were both challenging and rewarding. Ross utilized grid paper in the 1920s—marked in many instances 10-foot increments—to create greens with wide fronts, allowing for a variety of shot-making options. His designs are known for their irregular shapes, subtle slopes, plateaus, and depressions, all contributing to a natural and progressive movement across the green surface.

In the restoration, these characteristics will be brought back to life, particularly on Greens 3, 14, and 15, which will be restored to Ross’s original drawings. These greens will regain their distinctive shapes and contours with over 12,000 square feet of green expansions across 15 holes- offering both tradition and an exciting challenge for players. You may enjoy to learn more about Donald Ross and his timeless designs; a few of the resources that I have enjoyed have included:

Donald Ross Society

Brad Becken

Bradley Klein 

Ross's 3rd at HP

Enhanced Strategy and Playability

With the expansion of 15 greens, we’ll be introducing new hole locations, adding diversity and strategy to your round. The widened fronts will promote creative shot-making, while the restored contours will demand thoughtful putting. This blend of classic design and modern strategy is sure to enrich your playing experience.

Tyer Rae and Jim Ryan Jr. Rendering-Hole 15

Agronomic Improvements for Superior Play

All of the greens will be regrassed with 007XL Bentgrass, a cutting-edge variety known for its exceptional smoothness, density, and resilience. Super bentgrasses like 007XL offer superior disease resistance, heat tolerance, and playability, ensuring the greens stay in pristine condition throughout the season.

Additionally, the 20 yards in front of each green will be seeded with 007XL bentgrass to enhance the ground game. This will provide tighter lies and smoother approaches, allowing for a wider range of shot options—perfect for those who love to play the ball along the ground.

Looking Ahead

This restoration represents a unique opportunity to blend the timeless artistry of Donald Ross with modern agronomic advancements. We’re confident that these improvements will elevate the golf experience, offering a course that challenges and is fun to play.

Thank-you for your continued support as we embark on this exciting project. I’ll keep you updated on the progress and look forward to seeing you on the course soon! Please pass along feedback or questions to grounds@hydeparkcc.com.

Best regards,

Pat O’Brien

Grounds Superintendent

Rooted in Success: Highlighting Our Turfgrass Intern! 🌱🌟 Abe Tebbe

Dear Hyde Park Members,

Hello, my name is Abe Tebbe. I grew up in Greensburg, Indiana, which is about an hour west of Cincinnati. I am currently a sophomore at Purdue University, where I am studying Turf Management and Science in hopes of one day becoming a golf course superintendent. I am looking forward to spending the summer at Hyde Park and learning from Pat and the staff. I am especially excited to work on and learn all aspects of the restoration project in July.

Growing up, I enjoyed playing golf, which led me to pursue a career in turf management and aspire to become a superintendent. I have had two previous work experiences in the golf industry. The first was during the summer of 2023, when I worked at Hillcrest Country Club in Batesville, IN, under Jacob Walston, a former intern at Hyde Park. Last summer, I worked at Otter Creek Golf Course in Columbus, IN, where I had the honor of preparing for and working the LPGA Epson Tour Otter Creek Championship.

I also have experience in sports turf management. While at school, I work for the Purdue sports crew, where I gain hands-on experience with football, baseball, softball, and soccer field maintenance. I look forward to bringing what I have learned to Hyde Park, where I can contribute to maintaining a top-tier course while continuing to grow and develop my skills.

Outside of work, I love playing sports, especially golf. I also enjoy basketball, tennis, and pickleball at the Co-Rec. I am a big Purdue basketball fan but enjoy watching all types of sports. When I’m not watching or playing sports, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially during summer cookouts.

I am excited to meet all of you and spend the summer at Hyde Park!

Sincerely,

Abe Tebbe

Purdue Turfgrass Intern

Reclaiming the Classics: Hyde Park’s Fairway Renaissance

Dear Members,

We’re excited to share updates on the upcoming restoration at Hyde Park led by Tyler Rae, he will bring the timeless design principles of Donald Ross back to life. One of the key elements in this restoration is the reintroduction of wide fairways, a hallmark of Ross’s Golden Age architecture, which enhances both the strategic and aesthetic qualities of the course.

The Importance of Wide Fairways in Donald Ross Design

Wide fairways aren’t just about giving players more room off the tee—they’re about bringing strategy and choice back into every round. Donald Ross believed that golf should be a thinking person’s game, where every shot matters and angles are critical. Here’s why wide fairways are central to this philosophy:

Holes 5 and 6 New Fairway Lines

Access to Challenging Pin Positions:

• Ross designed greens with distinct slopes and protective bunkers that make certain hole locations tough to approach unless you’re coming from the right angle. By widening the fairways and expanding the footprint by 7 acres, the average width will increase by 18 yards, Tyler is giving players the opportunity to position their tee shots thoughtfully to attack these challenging pins.

Rewarding Bold Play:

• With wider fairways, risk-reward decisions become more prominent. A tucked pin might be easier to access if you take on a riskier line off the tee, flirting with hazards or fine fescue to set up the perfect angle. Conversely, playing it safe might leave a more difficult approach.

Embracing Natural Slopes and Contours:

• Ross was known for his use of subtle contours that affect both fairways and greens. The restored fairways at Hyde Park will highlight these natural features, making shot placement and angle of approach even more critical for scoring.

Balancing Risk and Reward for All Skill Levels:

• The restoration aims to make the course enjoyable for all golfers. Wide fairways make it more playable for higher handicappers, while the strategic angles and elevated complex green sites challenge low-handicap players to think carefully about every shot.

The Outstanding Topography of Hyde Park

One of the unique aspects of Hyde Park Golf & Country Club is its outstanding topography. The natural rolling hills, ravines, elevation changes, and scenic vistas are being thoughtfully incorporated into the restoration, enhancing the strategic elements of the course. These topographical features not only create visually stunning holes but also introduce natural challenges that require precise shot-making and thoughtful navigation. Donald Ross’s design philosophy harmonizes beautifully with the land, making Hyde Park a standout example of classic golf architecture.

Hole #15

Hole #7

Bold Topography Highlighted

What This Means for You

As the restoration progresses, you’ll notice fairways opening up, giving you more options off the tee. But remember, wider fairways don’t necessarily mean easier golf—they mean smarter golf. Success at Hyde Park will come from thoughtful play, considering both risk and reward as you navigate the course.

Sincerely,

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent 

Hyde Park Golf and Country Club