Superintendent Readies Course for U.S. Open

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. -- Charged with preparing one of the country's most historic golf courses for the 2004 U.S. Open spotlight, Mark Michaud has absolutely no time to waste. 

The superintendent at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., surrounded himself with a dream-team grounds crew composed of leading superintendents from across the globe.  He also outfitted his crew with equipment from John Deere Golf & Turf One Source.

"Getting any course ready for the U.S. Open is enough by itself," says Michaud. "But with a course that holds so much history and tradition, our job
also included restoration and preservation. Looking back to old photos from
the 1930s, for example, we noticed many of the bunkers that stood out then
have a smaller presence today.  We redefined all 164 bunkers to bring them
back into view and into play."

For the second year in a row, John Deere has supplied support equipment
for the U.S. Open, providing everything from professional mowers and bunker
rakes to utility vehicles and portable power equipment.  Michaud developed his bond with the traditional green and yellow equipment as a volunteer for the
2003 U.S. Open at Olympia Fields in Chicago, Ill.

"Last year was the turning point for me," says Michaud.  "I had never
considered using John Deere until working at Olympia Fields; but after that
experience, I knew I could count on the quality and reliability of its
equipment for the extensive work ahead of us."

As Shinnecock Hills hosted the second U.S. Open Championship in 1896,
Michaud and his team are proud to be part of a full circle of golf tradition
at the historic Long Island course.  So many things have changed in the sport
over the last hundred years; Michaud's job is to make sure Shinnecock Hills
isn't one of them.