The United States Golf Association today presented Zach Reineking, CGCS, Erin Hills’ co-general manager, with the E.J. Marshall Platter after play wrapped at the 80th U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally.
Now in his 19th year at Erin Hills, Reineking has been involved in five USGA championships over the course of his tenure at the 620-acre facility. A 22-year Golf Course Superintendent Association of America member, Reineking and his team at Erin Hills worked side by side with USGA Senior Director of Championship Agronomy Darin Bevard to get the 6,835-yard, par-72 test ready for championship play.
Created in 2022, the E.J. Marshall Platter celebrates quality in golf course management, and acknowledges golf course maintenance leaders who demonstrate dedication, expertise and seamless collaboration with the USGA ahead of a national championship. The recognition also extends to the entire Erin Hills golf course maintenance team for their vital contributions.
“This was the fifth USGA championship that we have prepared for and conducted with Zach and his team at Erin Hills,” said Bevard. “He has tremendous agronomic knowledge, strong organizational skills and a willingness to do whatever is necessary for the success of the championship. Zach has been a great partner.”
Erin Hills recently underwent a regrassing effort, led by Reineking, which saw the course’s fairways converted from fine fescue to a combination of 007 and Flagstick creeping bentgrass, and has allowed for more consistent playability. The course also renovated its 132 bunkers since the previous USGA championship at Erin Hills, the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur, with the goal of improving infiltration rates of the 2006 Michael Hurdzan/Dana Fry/Ron Whitten design.
Reineking initially studied landscape architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, before changing to a degree in horticulture and agricultural science. After graduating, the Sheboygan Falls native interned at Blackwolf Run in Kohler before landing at Erin Hills full-time.
The E.J. Marshall Platter’s namesake was the chair of the green committee at the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, in 1920. After he approached the USGA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture for help at the course, the USGA formed the Green Section to provide course care expertise to golf facilities.