Behind the scenes at the US OPEN
T
he 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines was remarkable for a number of reasons. Tiger Woods limped his way to his 14th Major victory, Mark J. Woodward, Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) and the new CEO of the GCSAA, did a fantastic job of overseeing the upgrade of a municipal course to ‘Open’ standard, and Candice Combs became the first woman Course Superintendent to be responsible for a Major course.
The watching world were suitably
impressed. Behind the scenes a plethora of technicians and maintenace staff worked tirelessly to ensure that the course was visually stunning and the equipment was in prime condition. Scott Hollister, Editor of the GCSAA’s Golf Course Management magazine, took this selection of images during the event. Not only do they give an insight into the logistics of the operation but may help greenkeepers answer that age old question from members “Why can’t our greens be like Augusta?” Just tell them you are short by about a couple of hundred qualified staff! Website:
http://gcm.typepad.com. With our thanks, all images ©GCSAA.
Each worker received a package that contained shirts paid for by sponsoring companies, hats and a handsome USGA blanket.
Mark and Jon Maddren (back left) talk to the team leaders prior to heading out to the course on Monday afternoon.
Volunteers and full-time staff gathered in the maintenance area at Torrey Pines for an orientation meeting on Sunday night.
Technicians working at the tournament load a trailer prior to Monday afternoon’s activities.
Some of the most popular folk around the maintenance area - the crew who were volunteering to prepare meals all week.
The maintenance crew scramble to their equipment to begin Monday afternoon’s course maintenance.
An orange ribbon on a piece of equipment indicates it has been fine tuned and is ready for action.
Can you guess which vehicles in this parade are not with the golf course maintenance department this week?
Just how firm were the greens at Torrey Pines? Look at the beads of water running down the fifth green like it’s been waxed.
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Mark J. Woodward (left) and his assistant Jon Maddern, CGCS, talk strategy prior to Monday afternoon’s round of maintenance.
Classroom time over, the greens rolling crew load up the equipment to head out on the course.
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