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.
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| #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
