TPI VISITS TRUMP NATIONAL GOLF CLUB BEDMINSTER
Trump National Golf Club Bedminster is a private facility in Bedminster, NJ, covering an expanse of 515 acres with two 18-hole courses—the New Course and the Old Course. Te Old Course was the first stop on the TPI 2017 Summer Program on Tursday, July 20. Just days earlier, July 10-16, this course hosted the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open, a prestigious event viewed by golf fans world-wide. Te spectator stands, draped in black, are evidence of the surge of onsite spectators. Te media and all their equipment had moved on to their next event, leaving a few of the temporary structures and the inevitable trash cleanup to be completed.
Director of Golf Rob Wagner (at the left front in this photo) spoke to the group in a shady spot, one of the white tents not yet removed. Asked about the Women’s Open, he said, “We couldn’t have scripted it better. Te course looked great on TV and played great, too. Our crews took it all in stride.” Wagner introduced Eric Kelley superintendent for the New Course and Nate Spense, superintendent for the Old Course. All three fielded questions during the tour.
When Wagner reported he’d been with Trump National for ten years, he was asked what it was like working for Donald Trump. Wagner said, “He’s easy to work with; tough but fair. You know what is expected and when it is expected. He has a memory like none other; he doesn’t forget anything.” Te next question was the security issue. Wagner responded, “Security has always been strong here. When Mr. Trump was campaigning, government security stepped
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in and strengthened that. Now that he is President of the United State it’s exactly what you would expect it would be.”
Te Old Course was designed by Tom Fazio in 2004 and opened in 2008. Te two courses differ in design, providing players with two very different experiences. Te Old Course greens are USGA spec with straight A-4 creeping bentgrass. Te tournament height was .10-inch. Spense reported they roll the greens with a 100-pound roller, which he described as the “happy pounds for us.” Tees and fairways are L-93 bentgrass. Roughs vary depending on topography and microclimates, with 115 acres in sheep’s fescue and 140 acres in Kentucky bluegrass. Height ranges from two to three inches,
TPI Turf News September/October 2017
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