 |
the super man
Before taking the reins at Royal Melbourne in 2009, Richard Forsyth was course superintendent at Metropolitan for nearly 15 years. During that time, he prepared the course for numerous tournaments, including the 2001 World Golf Championships –Accenture Match Play Championship.
Have you already started preparing Royal Melbourne for The Presidents Cup?
In terms of the program for the next few months, we are scheduling all turf maintenance work to have the course in its best possible shape in November. In terms of specific preparation, we will be aiming to go in to winter with strong and healthy turf and start the intensive preparation when seasonal growth resumes again in spring.
Have you been given any specific briefs by the organisers about how they want the course to play during The Presidents Cup?
At this stage no specific instructions have been given but the priority for me will be firm and smooth greens. Speed is always controversial and the slopes at Royal Melbourne can make it difficult if the wind is up, so although we would like to have good speed to greens it will be governed by wind and weather during the tournament.
Are you going to make the course super-tough or merely difficult?
Being a match play format there is no intention to toughen the course, as spectators will want to see birdies and possibly eagles win holes. The course will play much as it does for members.
How will the course be different from 1998?
The composite holes are likely to be the same but the order has been altered to have the three finishing holes around the clubhouse and corporate areas. This should make for a terrific crowd atmosphere on the final holes.
Do you feel any extra pressure when you know the whole world will be watching on TV?
I am aware of the importance of the event and the expectation to present the golf course to the world in the best possible playing condition to both showcase Australian golf courses and Royal Melbourne.
The fact that Tiger Woods is likely to be playing must be a buzz?
If Tiger is back at the top of his game he will create a fantastic atmosphere for the event. I saw him in action in the JBWere Masters at Victoria in November and the excitement he creates when he gets on a roll is fantastic. We do look forward to seeing him play Royal Melbourne.
Do you think the International team, and specifically the Australian members, will have an advantage over the Americans?
The Australians will definitely have an advantage if the weather helps us produce the desired firm and bouncy conditions. The 1998 Presidents Cup saw victory to the International team due in part to the course and the conditions. We will be aiming to produce typical Australian sandbelt conditions. I am sure Greg Norman will be looking for that type of course for his team.
Is preparing Royal Melbourne for The Presidents Cup the highlight of your career so far?
Being appointed to the course superintendent’s position at Royal Melbourne has been a highlight in itself but a successful Presidents Cup, following the work that has gone into the courses, will be hard to top not only for me but for the staff, committee and management. We are looking forward to the challenge and we are confident of producing a great event on an outstanding golf course.
|
Comments
|
|
|
|
|
