With Thanks: November Restoration Milestones
Restoration Update –
Since work began on July 14, significant progress has been made throughout the Hyde Park restoration project. Over 14 acres of turf-type tall fescue, 6 acres of zoysia, and 20 acres of fine fescue have been installed, and McDonald & Sons has completed roughly 80 percent of bunker construction, with active shaping on Holes 8, 17, and 2.
Despite challenging weather, our teams successfully installed 15 semi loads of sod over the past two weeks. Sod availability is dependent on the vendor’s ability to harvest, so we are taking full advantage of favorable windows and continuing to lay sod this week where conditions allow.
Recent rain and early-season snow have thoroughly tested the drainage networks, and all drainage systems are performing as intended. The majority of tees are constructed, with only a small amount of fairway drainage remaining on the left side of Hole 13.
Irrigation installation is approximately 95 percent complete, with punch-list work and central control setup underway. Cart path work continues to progress, with base asphalt in place and final paving nearing 80 percent completion. Additional touch-ups will occur in the spring after seasonal settling.
McDonald & Sons will remain on-site as long as conditions allow. If the ground becomes too frozen to complete finish work, they will demobilize temporarily and return quickly once weather improves to finalize bunker shaping, drainage, and spring sodding.
The Hyde Park Grounds Team continues detail work including compacting bunker sand, applying sand topdressing, small drainage tie-ins, compaction repair, and construction of the practice bunkers. Overall, we are pleased with the performance of the seeded rough, the bentgrass tees and approaches, and especially the bentgrass greens, which continue rooting and strengthening as temperatures cool.
We remain targeted for an early June opening, depending on weather patterns and the progression of turf growth heading into spring. A town-hall meeting in May will be held with our consulting agronomist to review spring conditions and outline expectations for the 2026 season.
As we head into the holiday season, we want to thank all members for their ongoing support. The number of on-course tours this fall set a new record – the most McDonald & Sons has ever seen on a restoration project. A special thank-you to our Golf Professional Staff and Nick Smithson for organizing, leading, and supporting these tours, and for helping educate members throughout the process.
For any feedback or questions, please contact us at grounds@hydeparkcc.com
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.
Pat O'Brien
Grounds Superintendent
