Greens and Grounds Committee Update May 19th, 2026

The Country Club of Hudson

Greens & Grounds Committee

Update May 19th, 2026

We are off to a very wet start to the season with 8” of rain in April well above average rainfall and May continues with this trend. The ground crew is doing their best to keep up with mowing while avoiding tearing up the course with ruts. The long-term forecast calls for some relief with warner temperatures.

The driving range has been opened for the season and will remain open “weather permitting”.  We will play off the mats more frequently because the ground being saturated.

The practice chipping area update is as follows: the upper half is fully operational and open for use, while the lower half is scheduled to open in early June. The newly established green and turf areas require additional time for maturity and establishment, ensuring optimal long-term playing conditions and durability.

A capital equipment purchase, approved by the Board and Finance Committee, is underway to enhance our maintenance capabilities. Two John Deere triplex greens mowers and two Toro 648 aerifiers have been ordered and were delivered this week, promising improved efficiency and consistency in greens mowing and aerification.

Construction of the new scoreboard behind the pro shop is nearing completion. We are waiting for a contractor to finish the remaining installation tasks, then our team will finalize the structure to ensure seamless integration with its surroundings.

All stumps have been ground and the areas seeded associated with the limited approved tree removal project. These areas should be played as grounds under repair. Remaining trees will be addressed next winter or selectively during the summer as conditions permit This will positively impact sunlight and air movement across key areas of the course.    

After the trees were removed the wood was burned over the winter in an area behind hole #4/6 greens. This site will be renovated and planted with fine fescue to tie in with the surrounding area. We saved money by doing this and adding this debris to the dump site which is nearing capacity. 

Installation and spreading of mulch is nearly complete. Plating flowers is on track with completion by the end of May. The irrigation system has been turned on for the season with five leaks already repaired and three others in process. The system is showing its age as it is beyond its useful life expectancy.

All penalty areas should be played as red penalty areas if not clearly marked. The Fine Fescue areas on the Right of #6 and Right of #8 are now open for play and played as unmarked penalty areas. All unmarked areas of native grass that border some holes are considered penalty areas.  If a player’s ball comes to rest in these areas, players are entitled to relief, under penalty of one stroke if they choose not to play it as it lies. When the penalty area is not defined by lines, the natural boundary of the native area and golf course will define the margin of the penalty area. Under penalty of one stroke, the player may take two club lengths from the spot where the ball last crossed the margin of the penalty area. Please do not drive carts in these areas.

Our primary focus remains thorough course preparation, attention to detail, and progressing toward full playing conditions. We appreciate your patience during this transitional phase and look forward to delivering excellent conditions as the golf season evolves.

Thank you

Bob Healey

Greens and Grounds Committee Chairman