Now, as the course is closed to the public, writes Ross Biddiscombe, the work on Le Golf National’s Albatros course and the build of all the structures takes on a new dimension in time for next month’s match. With no daily golfers to worry about, the amount of incoming vehicles will increase, as will the number of people working at the venue to get it ready.
Course superintendent Alejandro Reyes is putting the final touches to his plans for the 7,331-yard course, but much of his work cannot be disclosed to the public. “There is a special programme that I cannot talk about, as it strictly confidential,” says Reyes. But he is certain that everything is going to be perfect, even after weeks of very dry weather.
“We are not worried about the lack of rain as the summer is gone and all is well on track. The surfaces are holding a first class cover of turf and minimal surface refinement is required for the next month,” he says.
For the next 30 days, Reyes’ team will carry on cutting fairways and greens as normal. “We will cut more often the week prior and we are repair the fairway divots with the only difference being that we are using green-coloured sand.”
Much of Reyes’ confidence dates back to work carried out on the course in 2015 when some greens were rebuilt (as shown in the pictures illustrating this feature) and massive drainage work was carried out.
In terms of the build, grandstands – the seats are already fitted into many of them – and hospitality units will be completed in the next couple of weeks and the venue will then be trimmed with all the Ryder Cup logos and branding.
Pictured top: Refurbishment work on the course shown three years ago is now paying off with just a month to go