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 

The Snow Is Gone. The Finish Line Is in Sight

Following the melt of approximately nine inches of snow, our team completed a full evaluation of the golf course. Overall, the property transitioned through winter in good condition. Newly constructed areas handled the freeze–thaw cycle as anticipated, and turf surfaces remain stable thus far.

I met on site with the McDonald & Sons project manager to review remaining scope. We are aligned that approximately four to six weeks of finishing work remain, along with a limited punch list. Remobilization is planned for early to mid-March, pending consistent weather that allows efficient progress.

The remaining contractor work includes final bunker refinement (approximately 20,000 square feet), minor grading adjustments, completion of drainage outfalls, and general site cleanup. Heavy construction is behind us. The focus now is precision and finishing quality.

Irrigation – Ley Irrigation

Our irrigation partner, Ley Irrigation, will return shortly to charge up the new system. Only limited installation items and punch list adjustments remain.

Commissioning the system is an important milestone as we transition into grow-in. Proper testing and calibration now ensure uniform coverage and long-term efficiency.

Turf Update

Zoysia fairways are progressing as expected coming out of dormancy. As a warm-season grass, establishment will be gradual this spring until soil temperatures consistently rise. Early growth may appear slow, which is normal. Density and surface uniformity will improve as temperatures increase.

Approximately six acres of Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) remain to be grassed in designated rough and transition areas. These sections will be completed as weather and soil conditions stabilize.

Hyde Park Grounds Team Progress

While contractor work is staged around weather, the Hyde Park Grounds Team continues focused improvement efforts across the property.

We are completing targeted drainage projects on Holes 5 and 6 to improve subsurface water movement and surface consistency.

Construction of the walk bridges on Hole 3 and stair installation at the 7th tee are underway.

#7-Stairs will blend in with tall grass 

Our team is refining the bunkers on the practice area to ensure consistency with on-course standards.

Remaining fine fescue areas will be seeded as weather stabilizes.

Staffing & Timeline

Our H-2B team members and two seasonal interns are scheduled to arrive in early April. Their return will support the concentrated preparation period leading into opening.

We remain on track for a June opening!

Year One Expectations

In the coming weeks, we will host a town hall meeting with our agronomic consultant and myself to outline Year One expectations for the golf course. We will discuss turf maturation, conditioning standards, and what members can anticipate during the first full growing season.

Transparency during this initial year is important. Establishment takes time, and our objective is steady progress built on long-term stewardship.

We appreciate the membership’s continued patience and support as we complete the final phase of work and prepare the course for reopening. Please pass along feedback or questions to grounds@hydeparkcc.com

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien,

Grounds Superintendent

On Course, One Step at a Time

Throughout the winter period, the Grounds team has remained actively engaged in restoration-related improvements while preparing for a focused and highly coordinated spring remobilization.

Recent work has included reshaping and refinement of select areas, new drainage installation in the practice bunkers, and drainage tie-ins in known low areas along the cart paths on Holes 5 and 6. Cart path turning areas have been expanded in several locations to reduce wear and improve long-term turf performance. Additional attention has been given to bunker sand conditioning and compaction, along with continued erosion-control measures across the course.

New Drainage Shaping at the Practice Area

All newly established bentgrass areas have been carefully mowed and rolled as conditions allow, and older bunker sand has been repurposed and spread in new fine fescue areas to improve playability. New plantings and a refreshed pathway have been installed near the restroom facility on Hole 5, and former aggregate storage areas have been deconstructed and cleaned up as part of the broader restoration effort.

January Mowing of Fine Turf Areas

New Restroom Plantings 

Turf monitoring remains a daily priority, particularly with newly installed Meyer Zoysia sod entering winter under cold conditions. Moisture levels, surface stability, and overall plant health are being closely observed to protect long-term establishment.

Behind the scenes, significant coordination continues with our project partners. Tyler Rae is actively coordinating with McDonald & Sons to align remaining scope items, reconcile completed work, and confirm spring timing. Approximately 20,000 square feet of bunker work remains, along with preparation and seeding of borrow and bury pit areas. McDonald & Sons also has four remaining tees to construct. The majority of remaining Zoysia and turf-type tall fescue sod will be installed on Holes 1, 17, 8, 2, and 13, with final punch-list collaboration underway across all partners.

Looking ahead to spring, reseeding of turf-type tall fescue areas and new seeding of fine fescue areas will be a key focus as part of the continued grow-in process. As with any new turf, everything takes a bit more time and care during the first season, and we are continuing to develop a clear understanding of the logistics required to support successful establishment and play.

In parallel, our team has been actively preparing for the season from an operational standpoint, including staff recruitment, H-2B logistics, and onboarding seasonal team members. We are excited to welcome interns from South Africa and Japan this season, adding valuable support during a critical phase of the project.

We also plan to host a spring town hall meeting to discuss the agronomic realities and challenges of the first year following restoration, outline expectations for course conditions, and answer member questions directly.

Spring will be here before we know it, and while the coming months will be a dash toward opening the course, we are pleased with where we are and excited about the progress ahead.

Thanks again for the feedback and questions.

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent