You should have heard the roars at Hazeltine National Golf Club.
People took images on their phones. Others cheered. Some even looked a bit startled, inquisitive, here in Chaska, Minn., where something really big is happening this week.
This long, red line of Toro machinery, operated by superintendent Chris Tritabaugh's staff and volunteers, set out on business late this afternoon, their task being to groom the course for tomorrow's events as the 41st Ryder Cup that starts Friday draws closer. It appeared as if many, and I mean many, of the patrons found this massive workforce quite intriguing.
For Tritabaugh, it is simply business as usual.
"Things have been running pretty smooth," Tritabaugh says. "Not too many things to feel nervous about."
Hazeltine National seems to have recovered nicely from heavy rains last week, which were part of 16 inches of rainfall the facility has received since Aug. 10.
"It's a beautiful golf course," U.S. Ryder Cup team member Jordan Spieth said earlier today.
Debris from heavy winds during some of those storms may have been as much of an issue as anything for Tritabaugh, but recent winds have helped dry out the golf course.
For Lee Strutt, CGCS, MG, from The Royal Automobile Club in England and a volunteer on Tritabaugh's crew who is working at his third Ryder Cup, this experience, this golf course that he is helping prepare, was shining even on an overcast, chilly afternoon.
"This place is stunning," Strutt says.
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