Golf Course Restoration Update

 The Grounds team over the past few months has been focused in the off season with a few items related to the restoration of the golf course. We been laser focused on the puzzle pieces of planning along with moving forward with the Tree Management Plan (TMP).  Being able to focus on the TMP prior to 2025 will assist in the execution of the plan in many ways:

• Flexibility with sequencing during the project, reducing the number of contractors in an area where many trees are being removed.
• The off-season offers a better opportunity to complete the work
• Reducing costs with in-house work by the Grounds team
• Opportunity to hone some of the processes and allow our team to partner with contractors
• Experiment with different grass types and establishment strategies 
• Work closely with Golf Course Architect Tyler Rae to ensure we are on target with both removals and planting plans

During the months of October and early November we focused on improving the sight lines with clearing over 1.5 acres of brush and trees on holes #5/6 and the left side of 13. In late November and December our team was on the course removing select trees indicated on the TMP.  All of the cleared areas are ready for seed and the majority of the stumps on the course have been removed, seeded and covered with straw blankets to enhance seed germination. 

Recently, we have partnered with Lefke Tree Experts and have been working on the largest segment of tree removal attached to the restoration, between holes 8 and 13. The infrastructure improvements related to the tree removal will help with the following:

• Increased air movement from the west to the 7th green
• Increased sunlight to the 7th green
• Significant shade reduction to the 8th fairway

The tree removal on the 8th is being utilized for the architectural enhancements with the expansion of the ravine closer to the fairway, while generating soil for other areas of the project. Selective removal of the trees has opened up sight lines from the 13th to the 6th hole as well. 

Rendering of the 8th-Jim Ryan Jr.

8th Hole-Fairway shifts closer to the exposed ravine 

As you can see on the image below of the 13th, the yellow line overlaying the google image is the new proposed fairway line on the left side bringing the natural topography into play. Selective tree removal has opened views through the wooded areas. 

13th Hole-Fairway shifts to the left side and cart is path re-routed.

Before....After on the 8th

Over the next couple weeks we will be working with Lefke Tree Experts to restore the site with detail work followed by stump removal and eventual grassing with fine fescues in the coming months. While the work continues on the 13th there will be periodical closures.

Here are a few more photos of the work on holes 8 and 13.....

Looking above from 13 tees

View from the 4th green to the 7th

From the 13th cart path looking towards 6

Thanks again for your feedback and questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via email at grounds@hydeparkcc.com

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent 

Around The Grounds-December

The month of November was a wonderful time for fall golf with dry and above normal temperatures. It also signifies that our guest workers from Mexico return to their homes near Durango, Mexico to be with their families. We appreciate their dedication and hard work throughout the 8 seasons they have been with us on our team. Navigating the H2-B guest worker program is always stressful, not knowing if or when we will have our team back based upon the demand for visas.  Before the majority of our team left we were able to focus on the Tree Management Program (TMP) for the Golf Course Restoration Plan. 

Background:

The (TMP) has been a multifaceted program, and began extensively in the early 2000's with these goals in mind:

• Reducing the inventory of trees to be able to manage and care properly from a cost, human safety standpoint,  and tree health prospective.
• Improving turf health by reducing shade, increasing air movement, reducing the use of inputs of herbicides and fungicides.
• Increasing the diversity of the plant population of the trees on the HP property because of age, species, and challenges related to disease and insects. 
• Planting of the proper species to enhance screening of the peripheries, and replacement of declining specimen trees.  
• Removal of invasive species; multiple varieties of Honey Suckle, Tree-of-Heaven, European Buckthorn and other plants.
• Exposing the natural terrain and making the game of golf more enjoyable.
• Over 400 trees on the property have been tagged with GPS coordinates outlining current condition and maintenance costs associated with each.
• Tyler Rae (GCA) and Bryan Miller, Director of Horticulture have partnered with Arborists and Extension agents to come up with a diverse plant list to enhance the natural environment at HP.

Changes to Playability and Views with TMP at Hyde Park - Where is this?

Oak Wilt:

In an update from early 2024, Bryan discusses the importance of enhancing plant diversity for both the short and long term goals at HP.  PLEASE CLICK HERE This summer our team noticed some concerning  patterns of decline in a couple of the Pin Oaks on the 13th hole. The signs and symptoms pointed to Oak Wilt (Link to Oakwilt) Unfortunately, a sample taken from a tree on the 13th hole came back positive for Oak Wilt.  This tree has since been removed and disposed of in an approved manner.  This diagnosis of Oak Wilt does not mean the remaining Pin Oak trees will be wiped out, but we need to be cognizant to identify possible signs and symptoms, properly test and plan for the future with increasing the Bio-diversity of the plant population of specimen and screening trees across the property.

Tree Planting:

Bryan, with the help of our partners have identified areas across the 153 Acre property to enhance periphery property line with plantings, along with key specimen tree replacement. This is a strategic plan that will be discussed with the Grounds and Golf Course Restoration Oversight Committee. The preliminary plan includes over 300 trees to be planted over the next 2-5 years.

Small Segment of Plant List 

 

Sample Slide Utilized for Budgeting and Areas to be Addressed 

As always we appreciate your feedback, and please send any questions regarding the Golf Course to grounds@hydparkcc.com. Please stay tuned for more information and links to updates for the Golf Course Restoration Plan. 

Merry Christmas,

Pat O'Brien 

Grounds Superintendent