by
David Dettmer
| Jun 28, 2024
GCSAA’s First Green program returned to the Pinehurst Resort and Country Club two weeks before Bryson DeChambeau’s final putt claimed the 124th U.S. Open Championship at No. 2. A collaboration effort between the Pinehurst Golf Course Superintendents Curtis Proctor, superintendent at courses No. 1 and 4, and John Jeffreys, superintendent at course No. 2, the USGA, and the First Tee-Sandhills was attended by 45 students from the community.
After a brief welcome, the participants got rolling into the four STEAM stations that provided exposure and engagement related to science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Participants planted wiregrass, a species native to the Sandhills Region on The Cradle native area berm, adding to the 45,000 plus wiregrass plants the Pinehurst team has installed since last fall. The planting was based on best management practices for establishment and the positive impact these native areas have on ecosystems including water conservation, nutrient reduction and wildlife habitat.
Data was collected and recorded on the 36-hole Thistle Dhu practice putting green. The stimpmeter and the USGA GS3 Ball technology determined green speed, consistency, and smoothness. With less than 11 days to the US Open Championship, the success of the cultural practices conducted on the greens was evidenced as the stimpmeter registered double-digit averages as the ball rolled smooth and true. A 15-foot roll was measured! Now that the U.S. Open is over, I am sure a few of the players would agree the Donald Ross design combined with the agronomic practices from the Pinehurst team made for very challenging conditions.
The fun continued on the green as moisture levels were determined using TDR moisture meters and variables impacting inconsistent moisture in the soil profile were discussed. Participants watched as sprinkler heads were controlled from the assistant's phone before having the opportunity to hand-water the dry spots identified with the moisture meters.
The architecture for the golf course design on the 18th green complex on Course No. 2 was reviewed by George Waters, USGA Green Section education manager and retired architect. Waters provided hand-drawn sketches by three golf course architects: Alister MacKenzie, Coore & Crenshaw and Tom Simpson. Participants utilized their art skills to capture the 18th complex on their sketch pads while adding their vision and design options as possibilities for changes before the 2029 U.S. Open.
As the group gathered for the walk-up on the 18th hole, they had an impromptu meet and greet with PGA Tour players Ludvig Aberg, Xander Shauffele, and Patrick Cantlay. It was a perfect intro for John Jeffreys and the Pinehurst Team to describe the work needed to prepare the course for the 124th U.S. Open.
Courtney Stiles, First Tee-Sandhills director said it best, “We never know when they will have an ‘aha’ moment that changes their future path, but Sunday could have been just that for a few of them!”
The First Green is a youth outreach program utilizing golf courses as learning labs. Please consider hosting or volunteering for a program. Young students are our future of golf. It’s easy, it’s fun, and you never know who you might meet!