Mark Michaud

[Keith OHalloran]

I just finished my first leg of golf this weekend at Shinnecock, and I may be on an emotional high, but I can not imagine that any Super does a better job than Mark does at Shinnecock. There is just the right amount of brown, the greens are impeccable and general conditions were amazing. I am not putting any other supers down, just saying Mark really has his course perfect right now.

[Chris Tritabaugh]

Any pics?

[Scott Macpherson]

Didn't he use to be at Pebble Beach in the early 90's? If so, I remember him then and thought he was good then. Maybe for PB, it is a shame he is not still there now? Pebble's loss is SH gain. (I think he is from the East coast though.)

scott

[Mark_Fine]

Just played Shinnecock on Wednesday and spent some time with Mark.  Great guy and a super who is not only passionate about his golf course, but one who understands its history and architecture.  Here is one photo depecting some of the tree work recently completed.  Those familar with the hole know it used to have trees beyond.  It looks fantastic.  He also lowered the tees which looked great as well.  

#11 Shinnecock Hills

[John_Cullum]

You know you've been a GolfClubAtlas.com participant too long when you recognize the name of the superintindent at a course you've never been near. Pray for me, please

[Anthony_Nysse]

Mark is orginally from upstate NY and was the Superintendent at Pebble Beach for a good number of years. He left shortly before the 2000 US Open, which opened the door for Eric Greytok to become Superintendent in his late 20's, who later went on to Winged Foot, after Mr. Latshaw's retirement. Mark has certainly transformed Shinnecock to what you enjoy today.
  In 2001, I was required by Michigan State to do a summer internship and I chose to do mine at Shinnecock for Mark. About 3 weeks before my departure, I was contacted by Mr. Ken Bakst of Friar's Head, asking me if I would have any interest in working at FH that summer. Giving this some thought, I contacted Mark and explained the opportunity I had to go to FH. He said that he had seen the property and his response was, "Wow, that's going to be a good one!" I think that he was right!

[Adam Clayman]

Has there been any green expansions done since Wayneo and Tom found the old plans?

[Ryan Farrow]

I'd say its pretty hard to top the conditions next door at NGLA.

 Unfortunately all I got was the road tour at Shinny so its hard to compare. They are not too fond of outsiders and really don't care to answer their phones. Needless to say, I may never be inspired by Shinnecock, hopefully there is nothing of importance out there.......



But I know thats not the case....

[PGertner]

Mark is truly a great guy, excellent Superintendent and wonderful father to his boys.  He took great care of me as my Assistant Supt at Monroe Golf Club in Pittsford, NY from 1989 to 1992 or so.  He has excellent feel as a Super, and knows his golf course both from an architectural and agronomic standpoint...as well as anyone in the business.  Success in our business isn't an accident. 

I also taught him everything he knows.....

Patrick Gertner
Potowomut Golf Club
East Greenwich RI

[jkinney]

Mark Michaud is brilliant. Shinny is in the best shape that I've ever seen it in - by far.

[Joel_Stewart]

Hard to say if he's "the best" but it's well known he is one of the better supers out there.   John Zimmers at Oakmont and Scott Anderson at Huntingdon Valley are pretty good as well. Karl Olsen is another that comes to mind.

I was a little concerned that when Mark joined Shinny he over conditioned the course.  As an example, the photo of the 11th was just dead grass all the way up to the green.  After Mark joined, it became very plush and groomed.  Its good to see that he has let it grow back to a more natural state.

[TEPaul]

"Has there been any green expansions done since Wayneo and Tom found the old plans?"


Yes there have been even though we would like to see that kind of restoration work go a bit faster; but it isn't our place, our roll or our schedule that's involved----it's Shinnecock's.

Probably the most significant restoration green expansion in order of effectiveness and impact would be #12, #17 and #6. But there is one coming up on the back right corner of #5 which we feel will make that particular pin really awesome in the context of approach and/or recovery shots!

And, by the way, Adam, it's not Wayneo, it's Tom Paul and Wayno, the Pissboy! That company label has quite the catchy ring to it, don't you think? We also have quite the unique diversified historical/architectural offering to our services as Wayno is the main-man researcher/businessman in the outfit while I act in the roll of the classic "amateur/sportsman" who would never think of charging any of that filthy lucre for my services!

[Adam Clayman]

Tanks Tommy Boy.

I knew from the look in Wayno eyes when he rolled out the diagrams, that he was onto something uber special.

It's been too many years, but, do I recall correctly that those diagrams were found in some old barn somewhere? Or do I have them confused with some other rare find?