Sunday, May 12
Preparations for the 101st PGA Championship kick off at Bethpage Black, with volunteers arriving from around the globe:
Andrew Wilson, director of agronomy at Bethpage State Park, speaks to his crew and volunteers during an afternoon meeting.
Monday, May 13
The crew and volunteers at Bethpage Black battle the weather as they hit the course to mow greens:
A misty Monday morning at Bethpage Black.
Andrew Wilson (far right) chats on Golf Channel.
Tuesday, May 14
Crew and volunteers head out for day two of preparations, focusing on rolling greens and dealing with wet areas after rain:
Stimp at No. 16.
Water Hog patrol in full force on a soggy Bethpage Black.
On a roll on No. 13.
The Long Island GCSA brought the chow and a whole slew of its members to Bethpage Black as volunteers.
The Toro Reelmaster out on the course late Tuesday afternoon.
Bethpage Black superintendent Michael Hadley spends some (pre-night work) free time with his wife, Christine, and kids, Evan and Sophia.
Wednesday, May 15
Bethpage State Park horticulturist Victor Azzaretto discusses the many ornamental plants throughout the property, including pollinator gardens and the native grasses that create contrast and definition in the golfscape:
Not your average Wednesday at Bethpage Black.
Breaking news: Sun and blue sky!
They’ve got next: Harding Park in San Francisco will host the 2020 PGA Championship. Their grounds leaders were at Bethpage Black to take in the action. From left: Almar Valenzuela, Kevin Teahan and Geoff Plovanich.
Rees Jones checking on Bethpage Black, which he revived more than 20 years ago. He likes what he sees: “The grass is on the upswing,” Jones says. “This rough is really going to test them. And this place doesn’t look like rain affected it. Greens are in great shape.”
Thursday, May 16
Something special on the horizon.
Morning drive.
A wave of activity as tee time draws closer.
Bunker duties on No. 13.
With the countdown to the 2019 PGA Championship drawing to a close, the Bethpage Black team reflects on their whirlwind week of preparations and the fruits of their labor:
Videos by GCSAA TV. Photos by Howard Richman, GCM associate editor.