Restoration Update: Addressing Infrastructure Below the Surface

Restoration Update: Addressing Infrastructure Below the Surface

The grounds team continues to work diligently behind the scenes, tackling key infrastructure challenges as part of our restoration efforts.

Drainage Upgrade on 15

One of the most critical issues we’ve encountered is with the main outfall drain line in the swale on Hole 15. After thorough inspection using CCTV and flushing, it was determined that the existing pipe—original to the 1920s—must be replaced.

Clay Pipe 1920s

Location of Failing Drainage Pipe

New HDPE Pipe for Outfall

This pipe, which was not addressed during the 2005 improvements, will be upgraded to an 18-inch main line. A new, large catch basin will also be installed. The new pipe will be directionally bored through the swale to avoid surface disruption and will collect water from approximately 1,200 linear feet of 12”, 6”, and 4” drain lines servicing Holes 10 through 15.

Repairing Legacy Infrastructure

In preparation for the bore, our team has been locating and repairing old clay tile drainage dating back to the 1920s. These efforts are critical to avoid damaging historic infrastructure and ensure long-term reliability.

Equipment and Materials Mobilizing

McDonald & Sons has begun mobilizing multiple semis of equipment and drainage pipe. These materials are being staged behind the driving range and near the grounds building in preparation for full-scale operations.

Materials Staging at the Grounds

Weed Control Progress

We continue our spot-spraying program to eliminate stubborn turfgrass species like bermudagrass and yellow nutsedge. These species are particularly difficult to control and require targeted applications.

Bermuda Grass Spot Applications 

We’ll continue to share updates as this exciting restoration progresses. As always, thank you for your continued support and feedback.

Thank-you

Pat O’Brien

Grounds Superintendent

grounds@hydeparkcc.com

Questions about the rough?!

Common questions about the rough preparation?

Hole #2- (Image Credits- Brian Laurent) 

As part of our pre-restoration work, a key priority has been the removal of existing turf in rough and native areas. This process is essential to eliminate cool-season grasses and persistent Bermudagrass that compete with our desired turf varieties. Targeted herbicide applications are well underway to clear the way for re-establishment.

These areas will be replanted with a carefully selected blend of Turf-Type Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue, chosen for their durability, playability, and visual appeal. Strategic herbicide applications will continue in the rough over the coming weeks to ensure thorough control of difficult-to-remove species.

Here are a few common questions we’ve received from members since our last update:

1. Why are there still green patches in the rough?

Some areas may still appear green due to deliberate timing in our application strategy or because certain species—like Bermudagrass—are more resilient and require multiple treatments to suppress effectively.

2. What happens next?

Over the coming weeks, we will continue to lightly irrigate and apply small rates of nitrogen. This encourages the remaining turf to stay metabolically active, helping it fully absorb the herbicide. We will also mow periodically to stimulate new growth and open the canopy. 

Mowing of rough to expose living material

Hints of green in the Canopy

3. Can I drive carts in the rough?

We kindly ask that carts remain in fairways. As turf declines and soils soften—especially following rainfall—the rough areas become more vulnerable to rutting and compaction.

Your continued cooperation and support are appreciated as we prepare these areas for the restoration.

If you have questions or feedback, feel free to contact me directly at grounds@hydeparkcc.com.

Thank you,

Pat O’Brien, MSc

Grounds Superintendent

From the Ground Up- What to expect in July

We’re down to the 11th hour, and final preparations are underway as we get ready to break ground on the course restoration beginning July 14th. The project scope is being defined meticulously, and once finalized, a detailed construction sequencing plan will be shared with the membership.

McDonald & Sons Mobilization: July 7–11
McDonald & Sons will begin full mobilization between July 7th - July 11th. During this time, equipment and materials will be staged at multiple locations, including:

• The back of the driving range

• The area behind Hole 1 green

• Designated points across the golf course

Please be aware of increased activity and staging as we prepare for work to begin July 14th.

Rough Preparation: Eliminating Competition
A major focus of our pre-restoration work involves clearing existing turf from rough and native areas. This includes the elimination of cool-season grasses and aggressive Bermudagrass through targeted herbicide applications.

These areas will be re-established using a combination of Turf-Type Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue, selected for durability, playability, and aesthetics.

Fine Fescue & Nursery Progress

• A new 007 XL bentgrass nursery has been seeded behind 4 green and will be ready for fall use

• All remaining stumps have been removed and seeded to fine fescue

Fine fescue areas are performing well, with thinning planned for early fall to refine density and texture

Grounds Staff Responsibilities During Construction

The Hyde Park Grounds Staff will play a vital role throughout the restoration, including:

• Seeding roughs and naturalized areas with fescue blends

• Seeding tees and bentgrass approaches

• Overseeing turf quality and irrigation for nearly 30 acres of sod

• Working alongside contractors and architects to uphold quality standards

Capturing the Process
A professional drone video was recently completed to capture pre-restoration conditions. This footage will be paired with in-house photos and video collected over the past few seasons to visually document Hyde Park’s transformation — before, during, and after the work.

Restoration Tours Begin in August
Members will soon have the chance to go behind the scenes with guided restoration tours:

• Small group tours (5 members + 1 staff guide)

• Available Tuesday–Friday and bookable via the daily tee sheet

• Self-guided tours and carts will not be permitted

• Tours will be staff-led only, for safety reasons on the active construction site

Looking Ahead: Grow-In & Opening
Weather — especially dry conditions — will be critical to maintaining momentum and growing in turf successfully. While we are targeting a June 2026 reopening, the final date will depend on both weather and turf maturity next spring.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We’re excited to bring this once-in-a-generation project to life and look forward to keeping you updated every step of the way.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent 

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.