Unique grass-cutting technique used by Oakmont Greenstaff during the US Open tournament
In the lead-up to the US Open, the rough's thickness and the steep slopes on the greens have been topics of discussion. But the real curiosity began on Monday, as people were intrigued to witness the extraordinary measures the US Open maintenance crew was taking to keep the peripheral areas pristine.
Five-time DP World Tour winner Matt Wallace, sharing a video on Instagram, showcased the diligent work of the staff at Oakmont Country Club, where workers were seen using barber-like clippers on the fringes.
While these tools may seem odd, their importance lies in managing the Poa Annua grass, which is used at Oakmont. This grass has a tendency to grow rapidly, creating an inconsistent playing surface. By using manual clippers and trimming by hand, a more consistent lie and length can be achieved. Consequently, the already tight fringes become slightly more compact, making chipping and putting from these areas equally challenging.
However, some comments on social media dismissed these efforts as merely for show, while others deemed them excessive. Nevertheless, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has set the green speeds at Oakmont to be in the high-14s on the stimpmeter. Although rain fell earlier in the week, the greens will still pose a significant challenge for the world's top golfers.
The biggest challenge, however, will be the rough that guards Oakmont, which has been made juicier due to the rainfall earlier in the week. Golfers have been observed dropping golf balls into the rough only to struggle finding them. This has led to players hacking out for mere yards due to the severity of the rough.
As we gear up for the US Open, it's clear that every aspect of the course, from the greens to the rough, has been meticulously prepared to provide a tough, fair test for the world's best players. No matter if some may perceive these preparations as excessive, the intention is to present the best possible challenge in golf's most prestigious championship.
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[1] Source: Golf Course Management Magazine and Turfnet.com articles on US Open course preparations.
Golf balls will be essential for players as they navigate the challenging rough at Oakmont Country Club, which has been made juicier due to the rainfall earlier in the week, making it difficult for golfers to find dropped balls. The US Open's maintenance crew has been working tirelessly to keep the peripheral areas pristine, using manual clippers and trimming by hand to manage the Poa Annua grass and create a more consistent playing surface for various sports like golf.
