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.

Zoysia Recovery: Progress and Persistent Limitations
This spring’s Zoysia recovery has been mixed. While many areas are rebounding, a few areas in fairways continue to struggle — not just from weather and wear, but due to drainage challenges.

Zoysia performs best under well-drained conditions. Unfortunately, many of the most problematic areas simply lack the subsurface drainage necessary to support consistent turf health, particularly after a wet winter and spring. As mentioned before the restoration will address many of these areas, a small percentage will fall outside the current project scope and could require future attention.

Fairway Restoration Scope Overview
The upcoming work will target key improvements through:

• Zoysia sod installation

• Drainage expansion in critical zones

• Subtle regrading in water-holding areas

  

  Yellow boxes delineate areas of new drainage in Zoysia 

McDonald & Sons Mobilization: July 7–11
McDonald & Sons will begin full mobilization between July 7th and 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