COURTESY: The Cut EBulletin:
One of the most anticipated Open Championships in history teed off this week on the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland, with 11 Aussies vying for the most coveted trophy in world golf. Queenslander Cameron Smith is the pick of the bunch sitting atop the leaderboard after the second round at -13. While there is a distinct Aussie flavour on the scoreboard, behind the scenes there is also a significant Down Under presence this week with a number of Australian and New Zealand superintendents having made their way over for the tournament now that COVID-related travel restrictions have eased.
After a past 12 months to forget during which his course was inundated by floods on a number of occasions, Manly Golf Club course superintendent Luke Partridge (CSTM) (pictured below) is one of a select handful to join the St Andrews Links crew as a tournament volunteer courtesy of ASTMA Platinum Partner Toro. Partridge has also been joined by Commonwealth Golf Club superintendent John Mann, Jack’s Point (NZ) superintendent Simon Forshaw and former Royal Sydney Golf Club superintendent and now NZ-based consultant Steve Marsden.
Partridge arrived in St Andrews on 4 July, his first trip to the ‘Home of Golf’, and needless to say has been astounded not only by the course and the manner in which it is prepared, but the entire atmosphere surrounding the event.
“It’s my first time here and I couldn’t be more impressed,” Partridge told The Cut following preparations for the opening round. “It is an absolute privilege to be given the opportunity to play a small role in assisting with preparations for the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews thanks to Toro. Sandy Reid, Gordon McKie and the agronomy team have the surfaces in terrific shape.”
Although unable to disclose too much information about their preparations, Partridge has been mowing green surrounds in the morning (pictured above) and handwatering greens in the afternoon, including the famous 18th (see photo top). Mann has also been doing similar, but on a fairway mower for the morning preparations.
“There is a big push on sustainability for this year’s Open,” explains Partridge. “The 2.6 hectares of greens are being single or double cut at 3.5mm (green speed target dependent) with eight Toro 3370 electric units. Fairways are being cut daily at 7.5mm and tees and green surrounds at 7mm, although barely any grass is being taken off any surface. The weather has been windy and dry and the course is presenting firm and fast. Without disclosing too much information, there is very little difference between green and fairway stimp and firmness readings!”
ED NOTE:
Luke was last seen sipping a Guinness and sketching a new hotel to sit alongside the right side of 17th hole at Manly protruding into the line of play and writing a submission to NB Council for Kenneth Road to be widened and come into play for any shots hit just over the 17th green.
