The challenge of replicating the greens was met using differing technologies. The pre-construction documentation began in 2008 with the scanning of the existing greens contours. Color-coded plans illustrating percentage slopes for each green were then created for a detailed slope analysis of each green.
The greens’ elevation data was then saved and imported into a Trimble Robotic Total Station. This advanced surveying equipment was used in verifying the sub-grade floor, gravel layer, and finish grade elevations of each green during the construction process. Upon completion, the green mix, or finish grade level, was then given a final check and points were recorded to supply the Club with documentation that the greens were replicated as they existed prior to construction.
With the construction completed on the Blue Course, Congressional Country Club is now preparing to host the 111th U.S. Open Championship. McDonald & Sons is proud to have played a part in the major tournament preparation at Congressional. Our attention to detail and commitment to quality brought us to Congressional, as well as many other prestigious Courses.
Other Clubs that have teamed with McDonald and Sons to prepare for Championships:
Baltusrol
C.C. for the 2004 PGA Championship
Bethpage
State Park (Black) for the 2002 & 2009 U.S. Open
Caves Valley
G.C. for the 2002 U.S. Senior Open
Hayfields
G.C. for the 2003 through 2006 Constellation
Energy Classic
Hobbits
Glen G.C. for the 1998 and 1999 Senior State
Farm Classic
Merion
G.C. for the 2005 U.S. Amateur Championship
Oakland Hills
C.C. for the 2008 PGA Championship (past
featured course page)
Our current featured project is the recently completed, three month renovation of the Blue Course greens at Congressional Country Club, located in Bethesda, Maryland. The Club, which has a storied history of hosting tournaments, most recently played host to the Tiger Woods’ AT & T National and is scheduled to host the 2011 U.S. Open. It will be the fifth major championship hosted at Congressional. We worked alongside Michael Giuffre, Congressional’s Director of Grounds, and his talented maintenance staff to ensure the project was a success. The greater part of the project included reconstructing the greens following USGA Green Specifications, documenting existing contours, and restoring them to their existing elevations. Other work completed in preparation for the tournament was the reconstruction of select tees and bunkers, fairway contouring, and the reconstruction of a new Short Game Practice Facility. Click below to see a slideshow of the progression of construction of the 10th and 18th greens: 
