Will the golf course be open?

After a string of the coldest weather of the year and some snow to make travel around the city challenging, Mother Nature is throwing another curve ball with a wonderful weekend of weather ahead of us. With full sun and highs in the low 60's this weekend, the million dollar question is: will the golf course be open for play? The short answer is it will not be open for play on Friday, the snow is receding slowly on the surface but what is most important for the health of the turfgrass plants are the roots below.

 

On many of the putting greens the rootzones are thawing slowly, damage can occur when the roots are sheared from mere foot traffic where the frozen and thawed interface meet. This photo below, from the USGA is an example of just how many footprints can occur from one foursome of golfers.

In order to reduce damage to the putting surfaces that could linger into the spring, we will continue to evaluate the conditions on a daily basis for any possible opening, please check with the Proshop (after 9:30am) club email and or Twitter for the latest. Also, Please keep in mind that all golf courses are different with, varying microclimates, soil condtions and grass types that will impact the decision to open the facility.

On the topic of winter damage, we recently at HP have seen the impact of another form- "sled riding". Sled riders took upon themselves to disregard signs, ropes and our staff to have some good old fashioned fun. The only problem was the 7th green was damaged from event. The picture below does not look good, however I believe that the damage is superficial at this point, we will continue to monitor and update as we see changes.

As always we welcome you're feedback and questions, please email us at grounds@hydeparkcc.com or follow us on Twitter @pobrienhpgcc for the latest initiatives and updates on the golf course and grounds.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

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The Drehs Cup

Last week the staff had an opportunity to showcase the golf course and grounds to the HP members and their guests for the Drehs Cup. This event was concieved to honor Larry for his over 30 years of service at HP as the Head Golf Professional. I am very fortunate to work with Larry and his staff, day in and day out they are the most determined, engaged and professional group I have ever worked with.

Larry Drehs

The Grounds staff did a wondeful job behind the seens to produce championship conditions for the event. The rough was dense, the greens were rolling smooth and the property was detailed. In order to produce these conditions, the staff worked very long hours, double mowing and double rolling the putting surfaces well in advance of the event. The focus is on repetition, not lowering mowing heights to condition the Turfgrass plant to remain healthy with all of the stress. In fact, the staff in the 36 hours prior to the event, mowed and rolled the putting surfaces 5 times to achieve the desired smoothness. These practices are only for tournament preparation and would not be sustainable for the Turfgrass plant on a daily basis.

The final shoot-out to determine the eventual winner of the Drehs Cup was picturesque on holes 6 and 7. The longterm tree management program was showcased with the wonderfull views from 7 tee, 4 green and 14 tees. The tree removals have enhanced turfgrass health by reducing shade but as an added bonus the topography has been enhanced with low maintenance fescues to accent the surrounding areas. It is hard to believe that HP is located in a dense urban area.

View from 14 tee before tree removal

The View from the 14th Tee During the 2015 Drehs Cup Shoot-Out

 

A view of the 7th

Thanks to the entire Grounds Staff for their hard work and determination for maintaining this property at such a high level.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien,

Grounds Superintendent

 

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Grounds Update November 11/21/14

The grounds at HP continue to thaw out, however there are many areas of the golf course that are still hanging onto some snow cover along with frozen soil. During this time of year with winter play we have concerns of frost and frozen ground that will impact the turfgrass plant and root systems, particularly on the greens. Over the past week the near record low and high temperatures have created on some of the putting surfaces a 3-4" frozen layer in the soil.

The freeze and thaw periods help relieve compaction in the soil, which is a positive. The negative is; damage can occur when walking on the putting greens when the frozen soil layer has not not thawed out completely. Roots in the top 3-5" are prone to shear from foot traffic where the frozen and thawing layers meet.

With the current forecast trend, thawing of the putting surfaces will occur over the next couple days, but it will not be enough to open for play on Saturday and there will be a slim chance for A Sunday opening. We will evaluate conditions for Sunday closely for a possible opening. Please check with the Proshop for possible opening or follow us on Twitter @pobrienhpgcc for the latest updates on the grounds. If there are any questions please email us at: grounds@hydeparkcc.com

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

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November Update Golf Course and Grounds

The grounds staff at HP over the past few weeks have been in full throttle trying to prepare the golf course for the winter months. Some of the Iniiatives that have been completed thus far include:

• Leaf clean up (Almost completed)
• Tee reconstruction
• Irrigation winterization
• Rough Aeration
• Spot seeding of rough
• Removal of cool season grasses in the fairways
• Preermegent and post emergent herbicide applications to the rough areas
• Planting of Tulip bulbs

Double deep tining and heavy top dressings to all greens

Leveling and reshaping of the 8th tee complex

Compressor used to move air through the PVC pipes

Drainage added to 2, 10, 11, and 16

Selective herbicde to remove cool season grasses in Zoysia

Planting of thousands of Tulips

An early November snowfall has put tee renovations on hold for now! Pease check with the Proshop or follow us on Twitter @pobrienhpgcc for the latest on golf course conditions.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien,

Grounds Superintendent

 

Grounds Update

The staff continues to move forward but at a slightly slower pace due to the seasonal fluctuations in staffing and Mother Nature has created some cooler wet conditions. With the guidance of golf course architect Tim Liddy, the Hyde Park Grounds staff finished all renovations/zoysia grass conversions on the approaches 4,6 and 8.

4 before

After

These renovations will enhance playability, consistency, and reduce expenses with fewer inputs, utilizing Zoysia grass. The 6th hole will also offer new shots utilizing the natural contours and fairway mowed short grass off of the bank directly behind the green.

6 before

6 after

The Zoysia grass will take roughly a full season to look and play the same as the existing fairway grass. All new Zoysia can be played off of, but please refrain from driving carts on the new sod.

In the coming month, frost delays will be common and more cart traffic will be restricted to the cart paths because of the dormancy of the Zoysia grass. Zoysia grass is not growing this time of year and unfortunately, any mechanical damage from carts will not heal until next year. We will expect to restrict cart traffic on the fairways sometime in early November pending weather conditions.

The final deeptine and solid tine aeration of the greens will occur in November, allowing to fracture the compacted soil condtions deep in the profile. This process will be followed by topdressing and rolling for smoothness.

Also, beginning in early November, internal drainage will be added to greens 2,10,11 and 16. This process has been completed on 7 of the greens with excellent results, allowing for improved turf health and reducing closure times. Only one green will be closed at any one time for 2-3 days during the first two weeks of November.

 

10 green- Labor Day

2 green-Labor Day

The 11th..

For more information on the current initiatives and course conditions please follow us on Twitter @pobrienhpgcc Or contact us via email.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

 

 

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Summer is here at Hyde Park!

The grounds of Hyde Park are buzzing with activity, the Grounds staff and I are engaged with many projects and daily maintenance. A couple key projects that continue to move forward are:

• Last of the zoysia plugs and sod in weak areas will be compete this week. All of the sod requires a little more attention; added water, sand and fertilizer to enhance the playability
• The fan located near the 3rd green has been placed and is operational. The fan will remain mounted all year round and covered during the winter months.

 

Great job by staff!

High rough renovation on 4 hillside will begin with multiple applications of Round-up followed by seeding of fine fescues right of the forward tee on 4. We will begin to renovate other areas of the course, in time for an early August seeding.

4 hillside- invasive weeds in background

As the summer progresses areas of the rough will thin due to tree root competition, traffic and poorly drained areas. These areas are composed of annual bluegrass (Poa annua) we will continue to work to reduce Poa and continue to innerseed desired species of tall fescue. Along the same lines as the above mentioned the Poa on the greens is becoming stressed allowing bentgrass to out compete this weed. Yellowing of Poa can be noted in some areas. In order to enhance, the putting surfaces during stress periods the greens are periodically vented, leaving small holes on the surface that are smoothed over with a couple rollings.

Drought stress Poa turf under trees

Plugs of bentgrass integrated into 7 green

Venting before rolling....

After Rolling!

We would also like to thank everyone that was able to attend Les's wine tasting/ Proshop and Grounds open house. It was a fun event, with a lot of great questions concerning operations and equipment, our staff had a great time!

Wine tasting!

If you have any questions or feedback please send us an email, or ask us on the course. For more information on course conditions or projects please follow us on twitter @pobrienhpgcc.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

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Aerification is complete- what's next?

Aerification of the putting surfaces was recently completed with excellent results even considering the warmer temperatures. The timing of aerifcation has been much earlier compared to past years because:

• Warmer temperatures allow for faster healing
• Slower golf calendar of events
• Allowing to promote bentgrass over the dreaded Poa

The healing process has begun with the turf growing well. The recent trials prior to this aerifcation have yielded 75% recovery in 6 days. Thanks for your patience during this important process.

Thanks to all the staff for their efforts!

Interseeding in the rough areas continues with germination occurring after 5 days. Please remember to operate the golf carts in the Zoysia fairways to allow increased germination.

Aerification and seeding equipment

Recently questions have been asked about the white dots on the putting green? These white dots outline plots set-up by Ohio State to evaluate products that may reduce the impact of Fairy Ring. Fairy Ring is one of key plant pathogens we target each season.

Dominique making applications to putting green

 

Another great intern project this season was the expansion of the bentgrass sod nursery near the vegetable garden behind the 4th green. Germination is moving nicely and this areas will be ready to mow within a week. Two different bentgrass cultivars have been planted to evaluate eventually on a small scale on the putting surfaces at HP. Once established, please come and roll a few balls on these fine surfaces.

 

For the latest on the Grounds of Hyde Park please follow us on twitter @pobrienhpgcc or find us on the HP App.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

Golf Course Update-July 6th:Course Closed

Unfortunately, Mother Nature is not cooperating, we have officially have accumulated over 4 inches of rain since July 1st. The golf course will remain closed today (July 6th) and we will continue monitor conditions for a possible opening on Sunday. Please stayed tuned for the latest updates concerning course conditions on twitter (@pobrienhpgcc) the HP App. or contact the golf shop.

-Hole 5- July 6th 9:15am-

Thank-you for your patience.

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

Golf Course Update-July 5th- Course Closed

Over the past 24 hours the golf course and grounds of Hyde Park has received 1.69" of rain. The past week we have received over 3.25" of rain. The golf course is saturated with many of the fairways and greens having standing water. Adequate drainage not only aids in improved playability but provides an environment conducive to growing healthy Turfgrass. Unfortunately, the forecast is not looking favorable to help dry out the playing surfaces. The Golf course will remain closed today (July 5th, 2013) and reevaluated throughout the day to determine an opening time on Saturday. Please check with the Golf Shop, Hyde Park App. or twitter @pobrienhpgcc for the latest updates.

-6th fairway July 5th

- 4th Fairway July 5th

Thank-you for you patience.

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

Golf Course Update- Arrival of Turfgrass Interns

Over the past few weeks the conditioning of the golf course and grounds has been evolving with warmer temperatures and the influx of seasonal staff. The Grounds Staff and I have been focusing on enhancing the overall playability of the golf course.

The Zoysia grass continues to move in the right direction with warmer temperatures and even the sodded Zoysia areas from last season are improving with a little help from paint and pigments to improve the playability and aesthetics of these areas.

This time of year also ushers in the new class of Turfgrass interns to Hyde Park. Each year HP has 2-3 interns from various schools across the United States and internationally. This year is no different, with an eager group to take on many roles within the department.

Meet the Interns:

Jason Cox

Joins us from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He is originally from Columbus, Ohio and has worked on golf courses in both Ohio and Florida. Prior to working in the golf industry, Jason was involved with transportation logistics for 15 years.

Tian Xinyu (Tim)

Tim joins Hyde Park from the Ohio State International Intern Program. Tim is from Nantong, China and graduated from Nanjing University where he was a double major in computer science and business. Tim has worked at Xiao Yangkou Country Club in China.

Nate Benter

Nate is a sophomore at Purdue University majoring in Turf Science and Management from Seymour, Indiana. This will be Nate's first season on a golf course but he is an avid golfer and has work experiences on the agricultural side.

The turfgrass interns are involved with many key components of the organization from pesticide and fertilizer applications, training of new staff and trials of new products. Interns are exposed to all aspects of managing a grounds department. The Turfgrass Intern program at HP has been a great opportunity to provide mentoring and development of Turfgrass professionals in the industry and develop future HP staff members.

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent

 

Staff Update

Mike Keller

After five years of dedicated service to Hyde Park Golf and Country Club, Mike Keller is moving on to help with The Highland Support Project in Guatemala (http://www.highlandsupportproject.org) aiding in improving drinking water infrastructure. Mike was a key employee with an excellent work ethic and dedication to make HP better. He began his tenure at HP as a Turfgrass Intern and was promoted eventually to Irrigation Technician and finally took on the role on as Assistant Grounds Superintendent. Good Luck!

Dan Lawendowski will be promoted to Assistant Superintendent to help out current Assistant, Greg Nickerson.

Regards,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent