Pete Dye Visit and the Florida Swing

Recently, I traveled to South Florida to visit and study 3 golf courses that are currently under construction. Along the way, I got to spend the day at Gulf Stream Golf Club with Mr. Pete Dye... which prove to be very educational. I was able to shadow Mr. Dye for the day as he worked along side the construction staff giving direction and creating his latest signature holes. In addition, Mr. Dye and I had ample time to discuss the upcoming project at Ford. Anticipation of ground breaking is building. I want to say thanks to Head Superintendent Mark Henderson for extending an invitation to me for the visit.

 

 

After my visit with Mr. Dye, I caught up with Alan MacCurrach, owner of the MacCurrach Golf Course Construction Company. Alan and I met at Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound where we were greeted by several individuals including the Golf Course Superintendent, Jason Jobson, The Club President, Architect Bobby Weed and  one of Alan's superintendents, Kevin Wachter. We toured the entire club and reviewed the work being conducted at the facility. Many conversations took place regarding the construction process and the entire day was very educational.

 

 

Finally, I ended the trip with a visit to recently renovated Palm Beach Country Club. Matt Tacilauskas, superintendent of the course toured Alan and I over the entire property. MacCurrach Golf completed the renovations of the property a while back and have now returned to do some more refining. I was impressed with the conditioning of the course despite the massive rains that pelted us while we walked all 18 holes. The superintendent is doing a fantastic job... the manicuring is exceptional. During the tour we discussed grassing schemes, bunker construction, and turfgrass contamination issues facing superintendents and modern day construction practices. The day at Palm Beach Country Club was worth the trip and strolling the grounds with the super increased my job knowledge. Thank you Matt and Alan for your time.  

The Gulf Stream Golf Club,  Club House. Situated just a few yards from Atlantic.

 

Matt Tacilauskas, Superintendent and Nelson at Palm Beach Country Club

Alan MaCcurrach and Nelson at Palm Beach Country Club

One of the recently renovated green sites at Palm Beach Country Club. I was particularly impressed with this golf hole. Narrow and slender, yet formidable. Only a calculated approach shot will be rewarded. From a maintenance and construction perspective, the grading and shaping work is admirable, especially around these steep bunker faces.  

Mr. Dye at Gulf Stream analyzing the latest soil pile that was generate from the bottom of one of the lagoons.

Mr. Dye toured me around the club house at Gulf Stream... I caught this shot of Mr. Dye calculating his next move for the 18th golf hole.

The back side of the new 18th green site... The Atlantic Ocean is this golf hole's backdrop.

One of Mr. Dyes famous pot bunkers protecting the back of this green site at Gulf Stream.

The tour of the reverse osmosis system at Palm Beach Country Club was impressive.  

 

Alan MaCcurrach measuring this extremely deep bunker at the Medalist Golf Club

 A picture looking back up the hill at Palm Beach Country Club



A tough tee ball awaiting players at The Medalist Golf Club... Its all carry.