Summer heat offers Broadmoor staff no relief

I met up with Fred Dickman, CGCS, director of golf course maintenance at the Broadmoor, this morning as yet another hot, dry day loomed -- conditions that have had Dickman and East Course superintendent Mike Sartori scrambling in recent weeks during their preparation for the U.S. Senior Open that got underway today.

The summer thus far in Colorado has been one of the driest on record, plus, for the past 20 days temperatures up and down the Front Range have been in the mid- to high 90s. Here in Colorado Springs, Dickman says it's the driest its been since 1948. Such conditions had the Broadmoor maintenance leaders doing a double take as early as a couple of months ago.

"We wanted the course to be as healthy as it could be for the tournament," Dickman said. "But when we saw the long-range forecast we knew we had our hands full." Extra watering and wetting agents were used in the weeks leading up to the Senior Open, but as the tournament dates neared they had to switch gears despite the weather trend.

"The USGA wants the course as firm and fast as possible," Dickman said. "But, they've been great about it. They understand we're back in business after the tournament."

While firm and fast conditions are reasonable considering that the East Course at almost 7,300 yards is the longest in Senior Open history, there are some concerns that mid-day heat and persistent low humidity could turn the already-treacherous greens to nearly unplayable. Since no break in the heat wave is expected before Sunday, one might expect some spot syringing to occur on the greens before it's over.

Weather conditions aside, the greens on the East Course are the storied Donald Ross venue's last great line of defense and their speed and subtle and not-so-subtle breaks have had most of the field befuddled throughout the week.

"These greens are some of the most severe and punishing I have experienced anywhere in the world," no less than the well-traveled Bernhard Langer told the media after his practice round Wednesday. "As they get a little firmer, the ball is not going to stop, it's going to bounce."

"The greens are what the Broadmoor is all about," Dickman said referring to the pros' laments. And a slight smile of approval creased his face as he hurried to an early morning meeting with USGA tournament officials.