Turf management experience at Merion

[LilGasPasser]

Wasting time at work, and came across this:

http://www.hort.iastate.edu/turfgras...rts/merion.pdf

Pretty cool! Looks like a student majoring in turf management spent a summer internship at Merion near Philadelphia, and this must have been his "how I spent my summer" report.

It gives some insight into the effort and expense that goes into maintaining great conditions, especially given the recent heat wave we've had in my area (Mid-Atlantic). Some course pictures too.

If you read it, let me know something; if Merion uses wicker baskets instead of flags, how do you know what the wind is doing?

Also, if you look through the pictures, you'll notice that some of volunteers were utilized as "fluffers" for the rough before a tournament. I always thought that meant something else

[Franco!]

If you read it, let me know something; if Merion uses wicker baskets instead of flags, how do you know what the wind is doing?

That's sort of the challenge to them.

Usually, the trees around that area sway enough to give you a good idea. My home course isn't too far from there and I haven't come across many swirling winds that mess with my ball too much.

[MrKadash]

It gives some insight into the effort and expense that goes into maintaining great conditions, especially given the recent heat wave we've had in my area (Mid-Atlantic). Some course pictures too.

Yep, that was from the '05 Amateur. Merion is an unbelievable course with a rich history. I think they are hosting the '09 Walker Cup matches, as well as the '13 U.S. Open.

The interns routines that year, while common practice for what they were trying to achieve, are atypical for 99% of courses worldwide, which makes it so unique. I was astonished to hear that Merion installed drip-irrigation in the bunker edges recently to ensure long, wispy fescue or heather assumed to be in prep for the upcoming big events. They will spare no expense, for sure. Note I have never been there, but have a couple of acquaintances who have played the course.