Keeping a tournament on a perfect course

Lolita Harper

NEWPORT BEACH -- Ron Benedict will stand by this week as a year’s

worth of labor-intensive work is literally trampled on before his eyes.

About 200,000 feet -- many of them cleated -- will tread over the

6,600 yards of perfectly manicured lawns at Newport Beach Country Club

for the Toshiba Senior Classic as Benedict tries to save as much of his

course as possible.

“It is not pretty when they leave,” said Benedict, the course

superintendent for the last 12 years.

But it sure is pretty before.

Benedict and tournament officials worked months to ensure proper grass

height, green speed, bunker firmness and hole location, said Bruce

Sudderth, a tournament director for the Senior PGA Tour. The past week

was spent fine-tuning the course.

The rough is higher this week -- now 3 inches -- and the 50-year-old

fairway is faster and more firm to allow for a competitive tournament,

Sudderth said. Holes were moved so the area surrounding them was

relatively level but still challenging. Many were also put in corners or

behind bunkers to make sure a lot of skill is required to get the ball

close.

Sudderth also made sure there were an even number of holes placed on

the left and right, so the course does not favor someone who draws or

fades the ball, he said.

The course was ready for tournament play Sunday, but the toughest

challenge lies ahead in maintaining that exact condition for the next

five days, Benedict said.Benedict arrives before sunrise to water and cut

the grass and stays on hand to monitor guests and golfers, ensuring they

do not disturb the course. He watches anyone who steps foot on his

course, be it for a gallery roping or setting up a portable toilet.

“We have to meet and escort people, show them where they can drive,”

Benedict said. “They keep us on our toes all week long.”

Benedict must also orchestrate the set up of bleachers, hospitality

tents, televisions and concession stands.

“They’ve got more than 1,000 4-foot stakes they need to drive, and I

have to show them where they can put them,” Benedict said.

While the various tents and stands are an integral part of tournament

play, they only add to Benedict’s job when it is all over. Benedict’s

grass is trapped under the various structures, deprived of light and

water and will be in bad shape when the last television stand is packed

up.

“I bring it all back to life as quickly as possible because the

members would like to get their golf course back,” Benedict said.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .