Thank-You, Hyde Park

HP Grounds Team

What began as a conversation in late 2020 with John Gartner, Grounds Chair became a reality when the golf course closed on July 14, 2025, for the most significant restoration project in Hyde Park's history. This past weekend, we proudly welcomed members back to a restored Hyde Park Country Club.

Like any project of this size and scope, there were challenges, setbacks, and countless decisions along the way. Through it all, the support, patience, and encouragement of our membership never wavered. On behalf of the Grounds Department, thank you for trusting the process and allowing us the opportunity to bring this vision to life.

I would like to thank President Mike Misleh, Grounds Chairman Chuck Madden, and Golf Architect Tyler Rae for their kind words during opening weekend. Their comments were greatly appreciated and served as a reminder of the tremendous effort, dedication, and collaboration that made this restoration possible.

While many people contributed to the success of this restoration, none deserve more recognition than our Grounds Team and our partners. This project was truly built on their backs. Through long days, difficult conditions, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, they along with our partners transformed plans on paper into the golf course our membership enjoyed this past weekend.

I would also like to recognize our leadership team: Arron Garrett, Jared Marshall, Brad Leitz, Bobby Schenkel, Zach Neuhaus, Bryan Miller, and Sandi Wessendorf. Large projects require sacrifices that often extend beyond the workplace. This team devoted countless hours to the restoration effort, often at the expense of time with their families. To each of them, and to their families who supported them throughout this journey, thank you.

Our interns and H-2B team were also instrumental to the success of this project. Their energy, dedication, and willingness to embrace the challenges of a restoration of this magnitude were remarkable. Their hard work helped us reach this important milestone.

On a personal note, I would like to thank my wife, Jen, and our daughters, Brynna and Maeve. Restoration projects demand an extraordinary amount of time and focus, and their patience, support, and understanding throughout this process meant more than words can express.

I would also like to recognize Larry Drehs as he approaches his retirement. Larry has been a tremendous resource, mentor, and friend over the years. His insight, guidance, and commitment to Hyde Park have positively influenced countless decisions and people along the way. Thank you, Larry, for everything you have done for this club and for those of us fortunate enough to work alongside you.

While we are proud to have reached this milestone, our work is not finished. There is still much ahead as we complete the remaining construction items and continue the grow-in and maturation of the golf course. We remain committed to delivering the best possible playing conditions and will continue to keep the membership informed as progress is made.

Most importantly, thank you to the members of Hyde Park Golf & Country Club. Your patience, encouragement, and support throughout this journey made this achievement possible. Seeing golfers back on the course this past weekend made every challenge worthwhile.

This reopening marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. We are excited about the future and honored to steward this special golf course for generations to come.

Pat O'Brien, MSc

Grounds Superintendent
Hyde Park Golf & Country Club

Course Update

Bunker Repair Update

We are pleased to report that the Hyde Park Grounds Team, alongside McDonald & Sons, was able to complete repairs to the affected bunkers and restore playing conditions.

Today, our team completed moving and leveling bunker sand while continuing work to restore the affected areas. Due to recent rainfall, the bunker sand may not be as firm as we would prefer initially. However, we will continue working on sand compaction and detail work over the coming days.

McDonald & Sons continues to make excellent progress on remaining restoration punch list items, including sodding along cart path edges and moving soil behind the 1st green to complete final shaping work.

We were also fortunate to receive support from the grounds team at The Camargo Club. We are grateful for their assistance and willingness to help during a challenging day.

A special thank you goes to Marshall, the Golf Shop staff, and several members who generously provided refreshments and meals throughout the day. Their support and thoughtfulness helped keep our crews energized and focused during a long day of repairs.

Our teams will continue working into the evening to complete final details, and we are excited to welcome everyone back to the golf course.

Thank you for your patience, encouragement, and support throughout this process. We look forward to seeing you on the course very soon.

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent

Extraordinary Rainfall Leads to Bunker Face Failures

 

Last night, Hyde Park received approximately 4 inches of rain, including nearly 1.5 inches in less than 30 minutes. The severity of the storm prompted multiple National Weather Service Flash Flood Warnings throughout the night, highlighting the unusually intense rainfall and runoff conditions across our area.

As a result, several bunker faces on Holes 9, 11, 14, and 17 were damaged by the heavy runoff. While disappointing, this was an extraordinary weather event.

This morning, the Hyde Park Grounds Team and McDonald & Sons began repairs. The work includes:

• Removing contaminated sand
• Removing wet and unstable soil
• Rebuilding bunker faces using compacted clay soils for added stability
• Re-shaping affected slopes
• Re-sodding damaged areas
• Installing stabilization stakes and wire mesh
• Replacing contaminated bunker sand at the proper depth

There is no question this is a setback and not something we wanted to see. However, we have experienced teams on site, a repair plan in place, and work is already underway.

The repairs are focused not only on restoring the damaged areas, but also on improving long-term stability where these washouts occurred.

We will continue to keep the membership informed as repairs progress.

Pat O'Brien, MSc

Grounds Superintendent

Almost in Sight

The Finish Line

As we approach opening weekend, it is hard to believe that the planning for this restoration began back in late 2020. After nearly a year of construction, grow-in, and preparation, the Grounds Team and I are excited to welcome everyone back to the golf course following last July’s closure.

You will notice many changes throughout the property, and part of the fun will be getting reacquainted with the course and discovering the strategic enhancements that have been made along the way.

Over the past several weeks, the McDonald & Sons team has completed repairs to the bunkers impacted by the heavy May rain events. To help protect several of the steeper bunker faces while the zoysia continues to establish, temporary stakes and protective grid fencing remain in place. These measures will remain in select locations a little longer to allow the sod seams to fully knit together and mature.

Stakes and Wire Mesh

A few final detail items remain, including shaping behind the 2nd Ross tee, completing cart path work on Holes 2 and 8, and finishing sod installation along select cart path edges and other minor areas throughout the property.

The Hyde Park Grounds Team has been focused on the finishing touches—correcting minor settling, completing seeding projects, detailing playing surfaces, and preparing the course for its return to play.

Many of you will remember Adam Moeller from our Member Education Town Hall in May. Adam recently returned to Hyde Park to conduct an independent pre-opening agronomic review of the golf course. His assessment confirmed that all major construction work has been completed, the restoration features look outstanding, and that the scheduled opening remains appropriate from an agronomic and turf health perspective. He noted that the new bentgrass greens, tees, and approaches are maturing nicely and are ready for play, while the Meyer zoysiagrass fairways will continue to improve as summer temperatures increase.

As expected with a project of this scale, some rough areas, bunker faces, and peripheral turf established late this spring remain younger and will continue to mature throughout the summer. Adam emphasized that careful traffic management and member cooperation will be critical during the first season to protect the club's investment and allow the course to continue improving throughout the growing season.

While opening day marks a major milestone, the work for our team is just beginning. The primary playing surfaces are ready for golf, but many of the peripheral areas remain in earlier stages of establishment. Throughout the summer, our focus will be on growing in new turf, refining details, addressing minor settling, strengthening bunker faces, and continuing to improve the overall conditioning and presentation of the golf course.

This restoration represents far more than a construction project. It is a generational investment in Hyde Park Golf & Country Club and the future of our golf course. The patience, support, and enthusiasm shown by the membership throughout this process have been greatly appreciated by everyone involved.

On behalf of the entire Grounds Team, thank you for your trust and support. We are proud of what has been accomplished and look forward to welcoming you back this weekend.

See you on the first tee and please enjoy this video of the course outlining many of the changes!

Pat O'Brien,
Grounds Superintendent

Rain, Repairs & Resilience: Spring Keeps Testing the Course

Good Morning Members,

The golf course received approximately 2.6” of rainfall Friday night (close to 6" for the month) with periods of very intense rain across the property. As a result, several bunker faces on holes 9, 11, and 14 sustained damage from washouts and sloughing along the steep bunker banks.

The primary challenge continues to be the combination of saturated conditions and young Zoysiagrass sod on bunker faces that is still in the process of fully establishing and knitting together. To date, Hyde Park has received approximately 5.6” of rain during the month of May, creating extremely difficult grow-in conditions during a period when zoysiagrass naturally establishes more slowly due to cooler spring temperatures. Unfortunately, the continued unfavorable weather pattern and latest forecasted rain events are expected to further delay overall progress and recovery efforts in the affected areas.

As mentioned before, Mother Nature can certainly be in control at times. Importantly, this is not a construction defect, but rather part of the challenge associated with establishing steep grassed bunker faces during a wet spring weather pattern. In the affected areas, bunker sand has become contaminated and portions will need to be removed and replaced as repairs are completed.

Our Grounds Team and McDonald and Sons have already mobilized repair efforts and are proactively working to protect vulnerable areas ahead of additional forecasted rain chances throughout the upcoming week. Temporary measures including plastic coverings and bunker face stabilization are currently being utilized to minimize additional damage. 

Plastic Covering Protecting Faces

Despite these weather setbacks, meaningful progress continues across the property. It has certainly been a typical spring filled with ups and downs, and hopefully we will not lose any additional days to weather this week. The project is now down to the final three bunkers requiring internal drainage work on holes 2 and 17. In addition, most of the mounding work between holes 17 and 18 has now been completed and sodded. The Ley Irrigation crew also has 6  more sprinklers to install, along with completion of remaining punch list items as weather and field conditions allow.

Drainage Install Yesterday on #17 

While these setbacks are frustrating for everyone involved, the course continues to make significant progress overall. The restoration teams remains focused on delivering the highest quality finished product possible while navigating a spring season that recently has brought persistent rainfall and difficult establishment conditions.

We appreciate the continued patience and support from the membership as we work through these weather-related challenges. Additional updates will continue to be shared as conditions evolve.

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent 

Building Toward Summer

The restoration project continues to make significant progress as we move deeper into May. Hole 13 is now largely completed, with only minor fine fescue seeding and detailing remaining. Across the property, the majority of Meyer zoysia sod installation is now complete, with only small tie-in areas remaining around select bunkers on Holes 1, 9, 17, and 18.

Bunkers Between 9 and 11 Greens

Bunker work continues to advance steadily. Hole 1 bunkers are now completed, while the fairway bunkers on Hole 9 have been finished and are awaiting final sod installation. Work between Holes 9 and 11 is nearing completion, and bunkers on Holes 2, 17, and 18 have now been roughed into final form.

The Hyde Park Grounds Team remains focused on the finishing details that ultimately define the project. Detailed seeding, erosion blanket installation, aeration, fertilization, and hand watering efforts continue daily throughout the golf course.

Aeration of greens, tees, and approaches is also completed as we continue preparing the turf for summer growth and long-term playability.

This past week also brought additional challenges on the bunker faces of Hole 14 following irrigation water moving behind a Zoysia sod seam. The Hyde Park team quickly repaired and stabilized these areas, and the remaining bunker and tee sloughing concerns on Hole 14 remain a high priority for the McDonald & Sons team moving forward.

Temporary Wire Mesh and Stakes to Stabilize 

The mounds between Holes 17 and 18 will also be a primary focus this coming week as final shaping, stabilization, and grassing work continue in that area.

Ley Irrigation remains on site working through final punch list items and irrigation additions on Hole 10. Final shaping around the bury pit on Hole 8 is also nearing completion.

Looking ahead, approximately 1.5 acres of turf-type tall fescue sod remain to be installed across the property. Final cart path overlay work is also planned for Holes 2, 7, and 8, along with several smaller sections on Hole 9.

The weather this upcoming week appears somewhat unsettled, but all teams remain focused on continuing progress wherever conditions allow.

As a reminder, we ask all members to please avoid walking directly up bunker faces both at the practice area and throughout the golf course once reopened. The newly established zoysia bunker banks are still developing root strength and maturity, and limiting traffic on these areas will help protect the turf and preserve the intended presentation and playability of the restored bunkers. Please use the low entry and exit points whenever possible.

A sincere thank you to the entire Hyde Park Grounds Team, Ley Irrigation, and McDonald & Sons for the tremendous amount of effort, long hours, and attention to detail that continue to move this project forward each day.

The golf course continues to take shape rapidly, and we appreciate the continued patience and support from the membership as all teams push through the final stretch of work.

Thanks again for your questions and feedback on the progression of the restoration. 

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent 

Steady Progress, Eyes on the Finish Line

#13 Fairway 

As we move through early May, the golf course continues to take shape with steady progress across all areas. While cooler temperatures have slowed turf growth, our focus remains on finishing details and positioning the course for the final phase of establishment.

Bunker shaping is ongoing on holes 1, 17, 18, and 2. Tyler Rae will be on site this afternoon to review and approve the final bunker shaping, marking an important step as we bring these features to completion.

Tee construction is now complete on holes 12, 13, and 17, and all have been fully sodded. Our team continues fine fescue seeding, including areas left of #8, while also completing aeration of approaches to promote rooting and long-term surface consistency. Weed control applications are ongoing across bunker faces and fine fescue areas, alongside fertilization of the rough to support establishment.

#13 Tees- Newly Sodded 

#18-Bunkers Forming 

We are now down to approximately one acre of Zoysia remaining to be laid, primarily on hole 13. Over the next 10 days, we anticipate completing the final rough sodding, a significant milestone as we near the finish.

McDonald & Sons has brought in an additional crew to increase manpower as we push through these final stages.

The Practice Area will open on May 12th and will feature a new synthetic hitting line. The facility will be closed on Mondays. As it becomes available, we kindly ask that members avoid walking up bunker faces and instead use low entry and exit points to protect these establishing areas. Our team will complete the range tee field once the remaining Zoysia is harvested for bunker faces.

Turf growth across all surfaces has been slower due to the recent stretch of cooler weather. Zoysia, in particular, requires sustained warmth—more typical of July conditions—to fully knit and establish. As temperatures rise, we expect to see continued improvement in density and recovery.

The Grounds team, along with McDonald & Sons, continue to finish strong. We appreciate the effort and coordination from everyone involved as we push toward reopening.

Please join us this evening at 5:30 PM for our Member Education Meeting, where agronomist Adam Moeller will discuss the current state of the golf course and what to expect in the coming weeks.

There is a great deal of progress behind us and a focused push ahead. Thank you for your continued support.

Thanks again for the questions and feedback.

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent 

Member Education Meeting May 7th

 

Member Education Meeting – May 7

5:30 PM | Clubhouse | Members Only

As we approach reopening, we encourage members to attend an evening focused on the restoration and what to expect this season.

We are pleased to welcome Adam Moeller, founder of Moeller Consulting, LLC and former USGA agronomist with over 30 years of experience. He has consulted with more than 370 courses worldwide and helped prepare over 20 USGA championships, including multiple U.S. Opens and the Solheim Cup.

Topics will include:

• Course establishment following restoration
• Importance of early-season maintenance
• Expected playing conditions during opening
• Steps being taken for long-term turf health

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you.

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent

A Lot of Rain, A Lot of Progress

Bunker work continues to advance. The bunkers on Hole 1 continue to take shape and reflect the style and design after the winter break. Tyler Rae was on site this week reviewing and approving bunker work on Holes 1, 13, 17, and 9.

Sodding operations have accelerated. Over the past week, we’ve laid 10 semi loads of turf-type tall fescue and 2 loads of zoysia. Hole 8 is nearly closed up — a major step forward visually and functionally. Our Hyde Park team also began installing bentgrass sod on tees that arrived today, while continuing to seed and erosion mat fine fescue areas, covering over two acres.

The Ross tee on 13 Complete 

At the practice area, bunker construction at the chipping green is now complete.

The team is preparing to aerify greens, tees, and approaches — an important step to promote rooting, smooth surfaces, and improve consistency as we move closer to opening.

Weather has presented typical challenges. After over 2 inches of rain last night we've been cleaning silt from bunkers and addressing areas where zoysia has not fully rooted, leading to some sloughing on steeper faces. These are expected grow-in conditions and are being actively managed.

The 14th 

Below the 15th Tee

McDonald & Sons continue to be an amazing partner assisting with cleanup and minor infrastructure adjustments, and an additional crew is expected next week to help maintain momentum. Ley Irrigation is also back on site working through final items.

There is still work ahead, but each week the golf course continues to gain definition.

Member Education Meeting – May 7

5:30 PM | Clubhouse | Members Only

As we approach reopening, we encourage members to attend an evening focused on the restoration and what to expect this season.

We are pleased to welcome Adam Moeller, founder of Moeller Consulting, LLC and former USGA agronomist with over 30 years of experience. He has consulted with more than 370 courses worldwide and helped prepare over 20 USGA championships, including multiple U.S. Opens and the Solheim Cup.

Topics will include:

• Course establishment following restoration
• Importance of early-season maintenance
• Expected playing conditions during opening
• Steps being taken for long-term turf health

We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you.

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent

Please do not hesitate to reach out to grounds@hydeparkcc.com for any questions or feedback.

A Course Taking Shape

April 21st Update 

We continue to make steady progress across the golf course as we move through the final stages of grow-in.

Sod installation is advancing well, with most of Hole 8 now in place along with select areas near the green on Hole 2. These areas are beginning to establish and will continue to strengthen with consistent weather and continued care.

Hole 8- Fine Fescue Bunker Faces 

At the same time, our team remains focused on seeding and erosion control. Fine fescue has been established in key areas, with straw matting utilized to improve surface stability and protect against recent winds. While rainfall has been below average, it has allowed us to maintain construction momentum. In turn, our staff has been actively hand watering to support germination and early turf development.

Chipping Green Bunker Construction 

Work on tees and bunkers is also progressing. Final detailing is underway on Holes 12, 13, and the forward tee on 17, while bunker shaping continues on Hole 13 and will transition to Hole 9 as work progresses. At the practice area the HP team is shaping and reconstructing the chipping green bunkers  with a mid-May opening of the range anticipated.

Chipping Green Bunker 

Closeout list for cart path work continues to move toward completion, with final tie-ins and paving underway in remaining areas, particularly on 5 and 6 and small extensions near 4 tee area. 

Overall, the golf course is responding well. While there is still meaningful work ahead, the progress being made each week is encouraging. Our focus remains on building a strong, consistent foundation as we work toward reopening.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent 

Spring Progress Continues Across the Course

#8 Approach and Green

Spring Progress Continues Across the Course

As we move through mid-April, steady progress continues across the golf course as our team and partners remain focused on finishing details and advancing turf establishment. Favorable weather over the past stretch has allowed us to maintain momentum and continue pushing key areas forward.

Bunker work has resumed in several areas, with shaping currently underway on Holes 2 and 8. These finishing touches are an important part of the project, ensuring both playability and visual consistency across the course. Over the coming week, additional refinement will take place as we continue to move toward completion.

Cart path improvements are also progressing, with crews addressing punch list items on Holes 11 and 15. These adjustments are focused on long-term performance and overall course presentation.

From a turf standpoint, our team has been focused on stabilization and establishment. This week, we completed seeding and installed straw blanket for erosion control on Holes 4, 5, 7, and 13. These areas will continue to develop as temperatures improve and consistent growth begins to take hold.

Looking ahead, we are targeting the completion of sodding on Hole 8 by late next week, pending favorable weather conditions. In addition, bentgrass sod for several tees—Holes 12, 13 (Ross), and 17 forward—is scheduled to arrive next week and will be installed shortly after.

We are also pleased to have our H-2B team members and seasonal interns now on site. Their arrival comes at an important time and will allow us to continue building momentum as we move through this critical phase of the project.

Intern Andy From Japan

Intern Thio From South Africa 

While there is still meaningful work ahead—primarily focused on bunker completion, grassing, and final detailing—the course continues to progress well. Each week brings us closer to the finish, and we appreciate your continued support and patience as we work toward reopening.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at grounds@hydeparkcc.com.

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent 

The Luck of the Grow-in

16 Bentgrass Approach 

As we move through March, our focus remains on preparation, refinement, and positioning the golf course for a successful grow-in ahead of our June reopening. While the heavy construction phase is behind us, this is a critical time where many of the details that define the playing experience are coming together.

With St. Patrick’s Day here, we’ve been greeted with plenty of green grass across the course—no Irish luck needed, although a little cooperation from the weather would be welcome.

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Weather & Conditions

March has delivered typical early-spring variability, with temperatures swinging between brief warmups and colder stretches. These fluctuations naturally slow consistent turf growth but are expected for this time of year.

We’ve also received approximately five inches of rain so far this month. While beneficial long-term, the added moisture has required us to closely monitor surface stability, manage minor erosion in open areas, and evaluate drainage performance following storm events.

Sodded areas from late last fall continue to establish well and are beginning to respond to longer days and warming soils. Areas with exposed soil remain more vulnerable and will continue to be a focus as we progress through spring.

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Turf Development

Mowing continues across all playing surfaces, and turf density is improving steadily.

Even though the course is closed, frequent mowing is essential. It encourages the plant to produce additional shoots, creating a thicker, stronger turf canopy that will better handle traffic and improve overall playing conditions.

Think of it as training—just like preparing for a marathon, the turf is being conditioned now so it’s ready for the demands of the season.

During grow-in, the turf also requires additional fertilizer inputs to build a strong root system. These inputs are temporary and will taper as the turf matures.

You may also notice sand applications on tees, approaches, and greens. This helps smooth the surface as the turf develops, improving consistency and playability.

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Course Work & Refinement

The team continues to focus on key finishing details across the property, including:

• Monitoring drainage following recent rain events

• Addressing erosion in exposed areas

• Ongoing cleanup and detail work

• Refining bunker faces and sand conditions

• Preparing surfaces as turf establishment continues

Bunker faces, constructed with Zoysia sod, will continue to strengthen as temperatures rise. Some  movement occurred during recent rain while the turf is still dormant, but all areas have been repaired and will continue to improve as active growth begins in late spring/summer.

All Bunker Faces Have Been Repaired 

Recent weather has also helped identify areas where surface water collects, allowing us to make adjustments now to ensure proper performance at opening.

Our team has completed bridge work between Holes 3 and 4 and installed new stairs on Hole 7 to improve access around the course.

Walking Bridges on 3

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Looking Ahead

There is still important work ahead this spring with McDonald and Sons returning soon with hopes of consistent weather,  but progress across the course continues to be steady and encouraging.

Remaining efforts will focus on punch list items,  bunker infrastructure, grassing, cart paths and finishing a few tees as we move toward reopening.

Our seasonal H-2B team returns in early April, along with two international interns from Japan and South Africa, adding valuable support during this final phase.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to welcoming you back to Hyde Park soon. 

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent