Behind the scenes, the recent U.S. Senior Open in Omaha earlier had a pronounced University of Nebraska-Lincoln flavor to it.
Zac Reicher, Turfgrass Science Cyril Bish Professor of Horticulture in the
Department of Agronomy & Horticulture, was one of about 80 turfgrass experts from all over the country who gave up much of his week to help with the tournament at the Omaha Country Club earlier this month.
Reicher said volunteers worked 4-9 a.m. and 4-9 p.m. shifts during the week to keep the course in pristine condition for the tournament. That included 10 people mowing fairways, 16 mowing greens and eight raking bunkers, all twice a day.
“What normally takes a full day with a staff of 15 we were accomplishing in three hours,” Reicher said.
Reicher encountered a dozen or so UNL alumni among the volunteers and he said it was a great opportunity for him to reconnect with them. He noted the Omaha Country Club allows UNL to do turfgrass research on the course, “so the least I could do is volunteer to say thank you.”
“This was a great experience, the best thing I’ve done professionally in a long time,” Reicher said.
For photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cxjjfbcbud47tnz/IBWZ0eUety?n=109308977#/
More details at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cxjjfbcbud47tnz/IBWZ0eUety?n=109308977#/