the morning and afternoon matches. As Kerry and I stood at Augusta National Golf Club and discussed the Ryder Cup, I couldn’t help but smile.
this as a theme, but our approach to things this season will differ as little as possible from how we approach any other season.
If everything goes to plan, the Since arriving at Hazeltine, biggest difference between this season and any other golf season will my number one goal for the Ryder be the construction of infrastrucCup, well number two really, just ture, both on and off the course. It’s behind making sure the course is not every golf season that nearly great; is to make sure everyone in2,000,000 square feet of floorvolved has fun. Whether it is the ing and gravel are placed on a golf Hazeltine staff working during the golf season, or the 100+ volunteers course. PGA contractors will begin building the infrastructure on June coming to help during the week of the event, everyone should find the 1st and will continue right up to Ryder Cup to be a fun and reward- the beginning of Ryder Cup week. ing experience. This should be easy, While the Hazeltine turfgrass staff is not directly responsible for the but I also think it will be just as easy, if not easier, to lose the forest construction, we will need to confor the trees. Weather, time demands stantly monitor the contractors, in and who knows what could all cre- order to make sure our underground infrastructure is being protected ate stresses, which if not carefully managed, can trickle down and im- and avoided. Hazeltine’s irrigation pact the entire staff. Just like during tech, Keith Conway has been at HNGC for 20 years, while project any golf season, a cool head and decisive decision making will go a foreman Steve Giesen is in his 26th long way towards keeping stress at year. Both are veterans of multiple a minimum. Planning, organization Major Championships, which gives me and the rest of the staff a great and communication will all make deal of comfort. When a contracsure our goals are accomplished, while creating an enjoyable experi- tor needs an area marked, they will ence for all involved. You will note call Keith directly and he or another Page 20