Post Aeration Update

 

Over the past few days the Grounds team continued to move forward with the fall putting green aerification. We displaced roughly 8 percent of the surface area on each green, aiding in water infiltration, root growth along with improving overall long-term playability. We used about 65 tons of sand over the three day period. The team was mindful to be careful when performing the aeration because of the stress on the turf from the multiple practices to obtain consistent championship putting quality for the Member/Guest. Over the next few weeks, the greens will continue to heal, unfortunately the recuperation will be slower due to the use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) prior to the Founder’s Cup and the cooler temperatures expected in the 10-day forecast. PGRs are utilized for many reasons but for our purpose we wanted to slow the growth of the turfgrass plant to allow consistent ball roll throughout the day during the event. It worked!

The team and I will smooth the surfaces post aeration with lightweight rolling, timely applications of fertilizer and monitoring soil moisture closely.

Here are a few pictures of the practices that took place over the past week.

If there are any questions or feedback please forward to grounds@hydeparkcc.com

Thank-you,

Pat O'Brien

Grounds Superintendent 

 

 

Agronomic Update July 15th

The summer continues to roll-on with some very typical heat and humidity. The fairways have recovered well from the aerification and we continue to repair low areas that had water sitting for a long period in the winter and late spring. 

Healthy Zoysia-Post Aeration 

Water Collection Area- Drainage needed

Sod Repair #4 Fairway 

Many of these low areas are in need of drainage to allow water to move off of the surface and reduce the chances in the future of damage. We have been utilizing sod from the 12th fairway because it aligns much better in density and height of cut in comparison to the zoysia from our nursery located behind the green on the 4th hole. We will replace the sod on 12 when we are finished with repairs.



The 3rd hole continues to mature quite nicely, overall we are pleased with the progress. The Zoysia was aerified this week and the mowing heights have been lowered again. The new tees on 3 and 9 have done exceptionally well. The new 4th blue tee has seen plenty of traffic this year, we have been shifting the teeing area between the old and new tees; to reduce some of the traffic and allow for recuperation of the new turf.

Over the past 15 years we have partnered with many schools and students around the world with our turfgrass intern program. Needless to say 2020 has brought many challenges but we have been fortunate to have another fantastic group of interns that have helped every step of the way. This year the class includes:

Casey Williams- Ohio State

Mark Niehaus- Cincinnati State

TIzz Sithole- Ohio State International Intern Program - Zimbabwe

Ryan York-University of Tennessee 

Here is a little more about Ryan....

Hi, I am Ryan York.


I am a Turfgrass Management Intern here at Hyde Park. I am from a small town in Tennessee just outside of the Nashville area. I am currently enrolled in the Turfgrass Science program at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. I will be graduating this December with my Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Science with a concentration in Turfgrass Science and Management.


I can trace my first steps in this industry back to helping my father with his lawn care business at an early age. This developed my work ethic and love for the outdoors. Another step along the way was helping maintain the athletic grounds and facilities at my High School.


My first true job in Turfgrass Management  was at Foxland Harbor Golf & Country Club in Gallatin, TN the spring and summer before I began my college education. This is where I developed a true passion for the green industry. Since my time began at The University of Tennessee I have been able to work at great places. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work on the UT campus at all sports facilities; football, baseball, softball, soccer, golf, track & field, and tennis, as well as in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, in Georgia at McLemore Golf Club, and in Texas at Dallas National Golf Club.


I am thankful for this opportunity to work with Pat and his great staff and learn from each and everyone I come in contact with. I am looking forward to a great summer here and helping make Hyde Park the best it can be!
---------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks again for the feedback and questions.


Pat O’Brien

Grounds Superintendent