Preparing Marco Simone Golf & Country Club for the Ryder Cup has been a monumental task for Lara Arias and Alejandro Reyes, the co-head greenskeepers. As the stars of the competition, players and captains often take the spotlight, but it is the hard work of individuals like Arias and Reyes that make the event possible. With the course being a crucial aspect of the Ryder Cup, the duo has been working tirelessly to ensure that Marco Simone is in the best shape of its history.
Arias and Reyes have been leading the agronomy team at Marco Simone since February 2020. Prior to their roles in Italy, they were responsible for Le Golf National in Paris, where they prepared the course for the 2018 Ryder Cup. Their experience and expertise have been invaluable in the preparations for this year’s event.
The team at Marco Simone has been in constant communication with the Ryder Cup Europe and PGA of America teams regarding the course setup. Factors such as the length of rough and runoff areas around greens are discussed regularly. The Italian Open, which is held at Marco Simone every year, has been instrumental in providing insights for the agronomists and understanding the setup of the golf course.
To handle the increased workload leading up to and during the event, the team will be adding additional staff. From April to September, there will be 23 greenstaff members, and during the tournament week, they aim to have 100 volunteers. This is three times more volunteers than for the Italian Open, highlighting the scale and significance of the Ryder Cup.
For Arias, tournament preparation is a special and motivating experience. She compares it to being an athlete, striving to showcase the best version of the golf course during the tournament week. Her previous experience in the United States preparing tournaments such as The Players and PGA Championship has been invaluable in her role at Marco Simone.
The tee boxes and fairways at Marco Simone are made of paspalum (Pure Dynasty), while the greens are bentgrass (Pure Distinction). The rough consists of tall fescue. These grass types have remained consistent since Arias and Reyes arrived at Marco Simone.
Hosting the Ryder Cup in late September is advantageous for the course’s grasses. The previous Italian Open held at Marco Simone served as a good example of how the golf course will be during the Ryder Cup. The timing allows for optimal care and maintenance of the grasses, ensuring they are in prime condition for the competition.
Arias has her favorite holes on the course, particularly holes nine and twelve. However, she believes that hole sixteen will be the most spectacular one during the Ryder Cup. It is a par four with a lake on the right side, designed to create drama and an exciting finish.
Leading the preparations for a Ryder Cup course was not something Arias and Reyes expected, but they embraced the challenge when the opportunity arose. Despite the golf course undergoing full renovation and the added pressure of organizing three Italian Opens and the Ryder Cup in just three years, Arias feels proud and excited to host the prestigious event.
The hard work and dedication of individuals like Arias and Reyes behind the scenes ensure that the Ryder Cup can be a successful and memorable tournament. Their passion for their work and commitment to excellence are instrumental in creating an exceptional experience for players and spectators alike.
Original Story at www.rydercup.com – 2023-09-17 19:50:00
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