It Takes An Army
Many of the lessons Holbrook carried home had little to do with mowing heights or green speeds. Instead, he watched crews navigate the course in darkness, saw how managers coordinated dozens of volunteers, and realized how seemingly minor details like strategic lighting, organized staging areas, and adequate break space could make a demanding week run more smoothly.
As Sain put it,“ Ryan can’ t do it himself. It takes an army.”
Those experiences became a blueprint not just for preparing a golf course, but for leading a team through tournament week. Combined with a management team that already includes several employees who have volunteered at professional tournaments, Holbrook will lead his first tour event with the benefit of lessons learned from those who have done it before.
BUILDING A CHAMPIONSHIP OPERATION Armed with firsthand experience shadowing Sain, Holbrook entered the planning process with a clearer understanding of what championship week would require. Over the past year, he has worked closely with Korn Ferry Tour officials and PGA TOUR agronomy staff to evaluate every aspect of The Federal Club’ s maintenance operation.
Together, they reviewed irrigation practices, aerification schedules, mowing heights, and equipment to ensure the golf course could consistently deliver the firm, fair conditions expected of a season-ending championship. Only a handful of physical improvements were needed. During the winter, Holbrook’ s crew rebuilt and re-leveled several tee boxes, stripping the turf before laser-grading each surface and reestablishing the grass well ahead of the growing season.
Throughout the process, Holbrook has relied on those with more tournament experience, including PGA TOUR Competitions Agronomist Tim Connolly. The two have remained in regular contact since first meeting at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic last fall, discussing everything from summer turf health to the details that will ultimately define championship week.
“ I don’ t feel like I’ m going after this by myself, which is nice,” Holbrook said.“ I feel like I have the support if I need it from them. They’ re willing to help us out.”
Although many details of the final setup will depend on conditions leading into October, the overall framework is already in place. Players should expect rough that’ s more penal than members typically encounter, firm fairways and greens, and putting surfaces rolling near 12 on the Stimpmeter.
“ You have to pace yourself. You have to take care of your people.”
— Christian Sain vsga. org S EPTEMBER / O CTOBER 2026 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 15