Peeling Back the Turf at MVGC
Dublin, Ohio • June 6-9, 2024
As the 2024 Memorial Tournament approaches, all eyes are on Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. This prestigious PGA TOUR event, scheduled for June 6-9, promises to be a spectacular display of golfing prowess and meticulous course management. Under the expert stewardship of Chad Mark, GCSAA Director of Grounds, Muirfield Village is primed to challenge the world's best golfers with its immaculate setup and strategic design.
Meet the Grass Master: Chad Mark
Chad Mark, a GCSAA member for 26 years, has been at the helm of Muirfield Village for the past eight years. With a rich background that includes previous roles at Inverness Club, Sand Ridge Golf Club, and Kirtland Country Club, Mark brings a wealth of experience to his position. A graduate of Ohio State University, he has overseen the Memorial Tournament eight times and hosted the 2020 Workday Charity Open. His commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of course preparation.
Key Personnel and Infrastructure
Supporting Mark is a dedicated team, including assistant superintendents Drake Cleghorn, Mitchell Cofer, Seamus Foley, and Connor Quigley. The equipment manager, Bill Claytor, and tournament operations assistant, Eric Perkins, play crucial roles in maintaining the high standards expected at Muirfield Village. With 50 employees and 35 tournament volunteers, the club is well-equipped to handle the demands of a major tournament.
The Course: A Masterpiece by Jack Nicklaus
Originally designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1974 and renovated by him in 2020, Muirfield Village is renowned for its challenging layout and pristine conditions. The par-72 course spans 7,569 yards and features 68 sand bunkers and 13 water hazards. The average green size is 5,000 square feet, ensuring that precision and strategy are paramount.
Course Statistics:
- Par: 36-36—72
- Yardage: 7,569
- Average Green Size: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Acres of Fairway: 24
- Acres of Rough: 110
- Number of Sand Bunkers: 68
- Number of Water Hazards: 13
- Number of Holes with Water in Play: 13
- Soil Conditions: Clay
- Water Sources: Pond, well
- Drainage Conditions: Fair
Turfgrass and Mowing Heights
Maintaining the turf to tournament standards is a significant task, and Muirfield Village excels in this regard. The course features bentgrass on its greens, collars, approaches, and tees, with the fairways also predominantly bentgrass. The rough is a mix of Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue.
Turfgrass Details:
- Greens: Bentgrass, mowed to 0.090”
- Collars: Bentgrass, mowed to 0.275”
- Approaches: Bentgrass, mowed to 0.275”
- Tees: Bentgrass, mowed to 0.275”
- Fairways: Bentgrass, mowed to 0.350”
- Rough: Kentucky bluegrass/ryegrass/fescue, mowed to 4”
Notable Features and Challenges
The course has undergone several enhancements to maintain its status as a premier golfing destination. Noteworthy updates include the relocation of the No. 16 tee 25 yards to the right and the removal of a greenside bunker. Additionally, the maintenance crew now operates from a state-of-the-art facility that opened in October 2023.
The area has experienced higher-than-average rainfall in May, presenting unique challenges for course preparation. Despite this, Mark's team is adept at managing such conditions, ensuring that the course remains in optimal condition for the tournament.
A Family Affair
Chad Mark's dedication to the course extends to his family, with two of his sons working at the club. Notably, Drew Mark is a turf student at Ohio State University, following in his father's footsteps.
Conclusion
The 2024 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club promises to be an event to remember, thanks to the meticulous efforts of Chad Mark and his team. Their dedication to maintaining the course's high standards ensures a challenging and enjoyable experience for players and fans alike. As the tournament approaches, the golfing world eagerly anticipates another exceptional display of skill and strategy at one of the PGA TOUR's most iconic venues.
FULL TOURNAMENT FACT SHEET: CLICK HERE
