Course Update 5.22.26

It has been an exceptionally busy few weeks around the property. From hosting the U.S. Open Final Qualifier and conducting full-profile greens soil testing, to continued cart barn improvements and an aggressive schedule of cultural practices on the greens—including vertical mowing, light aeration, and sand topdressing—our team has remained focused on enhancing course conditions while preparing for a busy summer season. Check out the photos and information below to learn more.

Final Stage US Open Qualifying

First of all congratulations to DAC's own T.K. Kim who shot -4 over 36 holes - punching his ticket to  the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock! It was a windy and humid day with both courses holding their own as 123 players from around the world battled for 9 spots. See below for a few photos and hole by hole course stats: 

Wind blowing on 16 Blue (9th hardest hole in R1, 3rd hardest hole in R2.

Asst. Supt. Connor Hansen hand-watering 9 Gold green as USGA officials look on. The front hole location on this green resulted in 9 playing as the hardest hole on Gold during R1 and third hardest in R2.  

11 Blue back tee. The USGA used most of the new back tees added in 2025 on the Blue Course.

Travis Moore and long time USGA Official Jeff Kinsel inspect the hole location on 15 Gold.

Profile Testing on Greens

Last week, we collected "full profile" samples from greens on both courses. The samples will be sent to Thomas Turf Services who will evaluate the physical condition and performance of the entire rootzone profile. These samples extended from 18" to 21" deep, beginning at the turf surface and continuing through the sand-based rootzone mix, gravel drainage layer, and into the underlying subgrade. Testing will provide valuable information on root development, moisture movement, organic matter accumulation, layering, and overall soil structure, helping guide future maintenance practices and long-term agronomic decisions. This is particular true for the Blue Course greens as we work to determine the timeline for future renovations. More information will be provided once we receive the results!

Koby and Connor driving a PVC pipe into the green to collect profile samples. 

The sample from #3 Blue green required a depth of almost 24". 

Another view of the soil profile illustrating organic matter build up at the surface and root depth. 

Cart Barn Improvements

Aesthetic upgrades to the cart barn (next to 18 Gold Green) are nearing completion. Crews worked around the weather and busy tournament schedule to finish rock work, metal replacement, and painting. Our staff is now in the process of adding drainage around the building. 

Cart barn on May 18th.

Adding drainage to catch water from the newly installed gutters on May 21st. 

Cultural Practices on Greens

On May 4th we completed our second aeration of the year on the Gold Course greens. This aeration was relatively light - using a combination of sand topdressing, slicing aerators, and vertical mowing. We will repeat this process in a similar fashion this coming Tuesday on the Blue Course. Overall the goal is to improve putting conditions with the sand and and vertical mowing, while also preparing the root zone for the summer heat with light aeration. 

3 Gold green after sand topdressing and vertical mowing.

Close up of 3 Gold green after using slicing aerator. 

Close up of 3 Gold green after vertical mowing one direction. This process helps minimize the impact of grain on ball roll while also removing thatch. 

 

3 Gold Green on 5.2.26

It was a cool, wet week at the Club, with 0.67" of rainfall creating soft conditions across the property. Despite the weather, our crew did an outstanding job working around the rain to ensure all areas of both courses were mowed and prepared ahead of the 1919 Member-Guest, which kicked off on Friday. The sun is back out today, and conditions are shaping up for an excellent day of golf. Check out the video below for a few snapshots of our maintenance team in action this morning.  

Koby, Travis, and Connor during the hickory stick par 3

AI Generated 1919 version

While the wet weather limited progress at times, we were still able to make some headway on the cart barn upgrades and will continue pushing forward as conditions allow.

Cart barn rock facade is nearing completion. 

Looking ahead, we are scheduled to complete our second greens aeration of the year this Monday and Tuesday. This will be a relatively light aeration. While golfers can expect some temporary disruption, we anticipate a quick recovery, with greens returning to normal conditions by the end of next week.