DETROIT (WWJ) - An act of vandalism at the Detroit Golf Club has officials racing to reverse damage that forced two holes on the North Course to close — and the clock is ticking as the Rocket Mortgage Classic kicks off next month.
As reported by the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Police Department is actively investigating a suspected chemical spill which took place sometime between April 16th and 17th. The alleged vandalism destroyed grass on the course's 11th and 12th greens, as seen in numerous social media posts.
While police did not address any details about the case, Stephen “Sam” Moynihan, head golf superintendent, sent out on email to members about what they had learned so far.
The email, obtained by the Detroit Free Press, stated that lab testing on the damaged greens found “the active ingredient of Round-Up, glyphosate” present.
According to Michigan State University, glyphosate is a weed killer which if sprayed on the lawn, will not only kill any weeds, but also the lawn.
"This is a nonselective herbicide that controls any green plant on which it is applied," MSU explained.
If the chemical is accidentally -- or intentionally -- applied to grass it was not intended for, it will take physical renovation, such as digging the grass out and re-sodding or re-seeding, to fix the affected areas.
According to Moynihan's assessment as written in the email, the greens sustained “very severe tip damage,” but luckily not enough to seep down and kill the roots of the glass.
Regardless, the alleged vandalism has closed both holes indefinitely.
“The greens will need to remain closed to allow the fastest possible recovery time and to keep any undue stress off the plants,” Moynihan told members in the email. “The length of time the greens will take to recover will continue to be weather dependent, the colder the weather, the slower the recovery. I will be working in conjunction with the PGA Tour Agronomy Department to develop an appropriate plan for optimal recovery.”
Whatever direction the Detroit Golf Club officials take, they are in a race against time.
The club will host the high-profile Rocket Mortgage Classic which runs from June 27 through July 2. While the greens should be back to pristine shape by the time golfers and guests arrive in Detroit, Michigan's up-and-down weather could complicate recovery efforts.
The Detroit Golf Club declined to make a comment about the incident when called on by the Detroit Free Press. So far, police have not specified if they have identified a suspect or suspects in connection to the case.