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 corroboration 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