Led by Superintendent John Zimmers, the June 16-19 golf championship will be a historic moment for both the course and his career. In his 17-year tenure at Oakmont, Zimmers has hosted countless championships in managing one of the country’s most iconic courses. The secret to its grandeur is a tournament-ready mindset from the crew each and every day.
For Zimmers, there’s little difference in preparing for a tournament than there is in preparing for the next member-guest day. Sure, the mowing lines change and grass height is decreased, but 95% of tournament maintenance is the same as his day-to-day upkeep.
“We are really fortunate to have a longstanding relationship with Bayer,” Zimmers said. “They are very helpful and educate us on how to use products, especially when they’re new to the market and we aren’t as familiar with them.”
Prior to the launch of Signature XTRA Stressgard in 2015, Zimmers participated in a series of test trials to assess the product’s performance. Although he is usually reticent to engage in trials, he credited a long-standing relationship with Bayer and the Bayer sales team for his willingness to test the product.
According to Zimmers, there was a notable change to the turf quality after the initial application.
“Even when my staff wasn’t doing the application, they’d say, ‘the green has really changed over the last day or two. It looks greener and healthier.’ That goes right back to the Signature XTRA and the Stressgard in it.”
Like most superintendents, Zimmers feels most comfortable with products that he uses regularly and has seen great results from.
“Results are what it’s all about,” Zimmers said. “With Signature XTRA, it was a big question of if it would be compatible. We weren’t sure what it could be mixed with, but Bayer had done the research and testing and had the right information. As a superintendent, those are the answers you want. I commend Bayer for that. They’ve done great research.”
As Oakmont prepares for the tournament, Zimmers remains focused on the course’s membership.
“We want to make the membership and the industry proud. That is the biggest thing we focus on,” he said. “How can we walk away and have the best championship possible?”
It’s hard to say how many more championships will be held at Oakmont, but one thing is certain – Zimmer and his team will always be tournament ready.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) does not endorse or sponsor Bayer or its products. John Zimmers is Superintendent of Oakmont Country Club, which received funds from Bayer as part of a course and volunteer sponsorship. Bayer is not an official sponsor of USGA or the U.S. Open.
Bayer CropScience LP, Environmental Science Division, 2 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. 1-800-331-2867. www.backedbybayer.com. Bayer (reg'd), the Bayer Cross (reg'd), Signature™ and Stressgard® are trademarks of Bayer. Not all products are registered in all states. Always read and follow label directions. ©2016 Bayer CropScience LP.
