Red Greens and Merion GC

As recently as yesterday, NCC members were playing golf in coats.  The 55 to 65 degree temperatures here on the lake really slow the growth of our two new greens. We need warm weather for the two new greens on red to get going.   Daytime temperatures need to be in the mid to high 80s for several weeks to stimulate growth.

   June 12th and NCC members are still in fall and winter attire.    

Below is a photo of #3 red green.  We have sodded and plugged the green in some of the thinner areas and once we get the warm weather, the green will be ready to open 2 to 4 weeks after that.  There thinner areas are around the edges of the green's surface here on #3 green but the interior of the green is doing good. 
                                               

The photo below is of the volunteer workers cleaning up after the thunderstorm at Merion GC two days ago.  This type of effort happens at many courses around the country, including NCC, before members ever get to the first tee.  It doesn't look like this year's US Open will be firm and fast.  Superintendent Matt Shaffer and his staff will have the course shining by the time the golfers tee off in the US Open.  Literally thousands of man hours go into turning a mess like this into a US Open quality venue.  There are 10 workers on this hole alone.