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TurfNet personalities Frank Rossi, Dave Wilber, Randy Wilson, John Reitman, Jon Kiger and Peter McCormick interview a variety of turfies on a multitude of subjects... or just pontificate upon occasion.

TurfNet RADIO


    • Jan 21, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 509 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from TurfNet RADIO

    Renovation Report — Chad Goetz, Nicklaus Design

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 18:00


    In this episode of the Renovation Report, sponsored by Golf Preservations, Chad Goetz, senior design associate with Nicklaus Design, talks with John Reitman about a recent restoration of the Cochise Course at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona. Goetz talks about the history of this Nicklaus Signature Course that was the original site of The Tradition on the PGA Champions Tour, and the thought process that led to this restoration. Goetz also discusses some of the historic design features of the layout, the work that went into retaining them and turf choices then went into the restoration.

    Lifelong Education | with Dr. Mike Goatley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 53:00


    In this episode Frank speaks with Dr. Michael J. Goatley Jr., Professor and Turfgrass Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech. His contributions to sports turf management and turfgrass science have earned him numerous honors, including the 2023 PGMS Gold Medal Award and election as an American Society of Agronomy Fellow in 2018. Dr. Goatley and Frank do their best to not sound like the OG Muppets, covering topics such as nutrient management and training the next generation of turf professionals.

    Rockbottum Radio: Our Annual Prediction Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 9:00


    In this episode, we forecast what lies ahead for golf operations in 2025.  As with all Rockbottum CC intel briefings, it's in code, discernible only by a certain IQ level.  (Not too high, not too low.) In a bonus segment, Ludell gets to the bottum of this whole mysterious drone issue.

    Wilber and McCormick, Tag Team Unscripted, Round #8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 68:00


    Prior to delving into holiday glimmers, Dave provides a Walter update and Peter anticipates the arrival of his new rescue dog, Kobe, inbound from Georgia. One of Peter's glimmers involved a family horse-drawn sleigh ride experience for Patty's birthday, two days after Christmas. Peter laments a catastrophic moment of stupidity with a home project that cost him dearly. Foodie talk prevails with Dave's first pizza foray with his new Ooni oven while Peter waxes poetic about his marinated tenderloin for Christmas and his better-late-than-never discovery of the virtues of finishing salt, as a result of a gift of a tub of Maldon salt. Paul MacCormack's upcoming Mindful Super Leadership Master Class comes up for discussion, as does a tribute to the late Jim Husting, CGCS, who passed away just before Christmas.

    Renovation Report: Tony Pioppi with Eric Morrison, Shennecossett GC

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 36:00


    Tony Pioppi chats with Eric Morrison, CGCS at Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton, CT, about the seemingly perpetual (since 2009) gradual renovation of the 125 year old Donald Ross designed municipal course located on Long Island Sound. Many of the 100+ bunkers are being renovated for the first time, funded with non-traditional financing within a municipal setting. Plenty at "Royal Shenny" for fans of golf course architecture and history.

    Wilber and McCormick, Tag Team Unscripted #7

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 59:00


    In this pre-holiday episode, Dave introduces his new puppy, Walter, named after Walter Woods, venerable course manager at the St. Andrews Links. Peter laments a depressive nosedive since he lost his dog, Frosty... coupled with short day length and the upcoming holidays, both of which can be emotionally problematic for many people. He relates his challenges with Christmas tree stands this year, in particular. Moving on to turf, the talk ranges from Toro's newly introduced autonomous fairway mower all the way back to F-10s, HF-15s and Parkmasters. Dave recalls being considered a rebel when topdressing before aerating, and both Dave and Peter applaud the rising role of equipment managers. Peter waxes poetic about his Ooni pizza oven and the challenges of creating a great dough, along with the social benefits of making pizza for dinner guests... before announcing that he has given up mushroom coffee in protest of Facebook group censorship.

    Frankly Speaking | The First Green, Then and Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 32:00


    In this special episode of Frankly Speaking highlighting the The First Green program, Frank revisits his conversation with jeff Gullickson, the “Godfather” of the First Green program. The passion that Jeff discusses lays the foundation for the current program managed by Leann Cooper, the Director of First Green And Workforce Development at the GCSAA. Finally Frank catches up with Muhammed Ali, the former GC Superintendent at Morton Golf and now the Parks manager at Southgate Recreation and Park District in Sacramento, CA. Muhammed discusses his background in centuries of farming in Pakistan and bringing the First Green program to Pakistan, where he was able to inspire some local residents and plant the seed for a new generation!

    Wilber & McCormick, Tag Team Unscripted, #6

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 61:00


    After each experiencing the recent death of a beloved dog, both Dave and Peter look forward to the arrival of new puppies. Glimmers include Peter's hearing from many old friends about his written tribute to Frosty, and a barred owl on a nightime "business trip". They touch on triggers for depression, anger, and the state of social media and YouTube. Lastly, a taste test trial of Everyday Dose mushroom coffee.

    All Star of Turf: Bill Kreuser, Ph.D.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 31:00


    The latest TurfNet All Star of Turf is Bill Kreuser, Ph.D., of TurfGrade LLC of Lincoln, Nebraska. Kreuser has a wide range of experience in the turf industry. He is a former golf course superintendent and professor at the University of Nebraska, and along with Doug Soldat, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin, is the founder of TurfGrade LLC. TurfGrade is a multi-platform entity that offers science-based information to turfgrass managers in golf, sports turf, lawn care and sod production. Those offerings include Greenkeeper App, which helps turf managers schedule spray programs; Greenkeeper CIS that creates sprayer maps to guide GPS sprayers; and Greenkeeper University that offers specialized education from many leading university researchers. In this episode of All Stars of Turf, Kreuser discusses his varied background, the evolution of TurfGrade and future plans for the platform.

    Ballpark in a Box | Frankly Speaking with Murray Cook

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 43:00


    Frank speaks with Murray Cook, Head of Sports Turf Division at Brightview Sports and a 2025 Inductee into the Virgina Sports Hall of Fame. Murray and Frank discuss three decades of experience, in field construction and renovation for multiple MLB stadiums, Olympic venues, and World Baseball Classic facilities. His expertise spans from the major leagues to emerging baseball markets across Asia and Latin America, where he's helped develop both professional and grassroots facilities. Frank and Murray chat about prep for Field of Dreams, Rickwood Field and Next year at NASCARS Bristol Raceway!

    Rising Stars of Turf: Carson Letot, Ph.D., USGA

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 50:00


    Listen in as Carson Letot, Ph.D., joins TurfNet's John Reitman to discuss his less-than-traditional route from an intern on a golf course to becoming a school teacher to finally being named program coordinator of the USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program. A former TurfNet intern in Ireland, Letot fills us in on how the one-year GAP program works as it helps prepare non-traditional students in the North Carolina Sandhills area for careers in golf turf maintenance. He also addresses how he personalizes it to meet the needs of each participant based on their schedule, needs and previous experience. Finally, Letot talks about how he envisions the program changing in the future to meet the changing needs of those who are enrolled in the program.

    Wilber & McCormick, Unscripted: Round #5

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2024 57:00


    Glimmers galore in this somewhat music-themed show. Peter kicks it off with a glimmer about a hand truck and his mother-in-law, while Dave follows up with a nice reach out from Emily Casey about dear, departed Bruce. Stuck in a loneliness funk after being home alone (with two geriatric dogs) for a couple weeks, Peter's day is brightened by a package from an old friend. Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and the unifying joy of live music round out this show. Presented by turfRad. 

    Throughlines: Organic Matter and Nutrient Management | with Dr. Chas Schmid

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2024 49:00


    Frank speaks with Dr. Chas Schmid from Oregon State University on the evolution of his thinking on organic matter and nutrient management from early days meeting in Nebraska, a stint for Chas Ph.D. at Rutgers University and now as part of the thriving OSU Turfgrass Program. An in-depth discussion of modern-day organic matter management with particular reference to the new 5 yr project underway at OSU investigating cultivation and topdressing on Poa annua greens in the PNW is followed by the same throughline from Rutgers to OSU on nutrient management. If you are looking for a deeper understanding of organic and nutrient management, this is the listen for you.

    Renovation Report: Brad Klein with Emily Casey, Seven Canyons Golf Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 43:00


    In this episode of Renovation Report Emily Casey, assistant superintendent at Seven Canyons Golf Club in Sedona, Arizona, talks with Brad Klein about her non-traditional route into the turf business from the corporate world. Casey, who has been chosen to attend next year's BTME conference as part of the Links to Success program, never played golf before moving from the Midwest to Arizona, and discusses learning through on-the-job training and getting valuable renovation experience under superintendent Andy Huber.  Casey also discusses how her dog Barley has become the darling of the golf course, the presence of javelinas on the property and the resulting and sudden rise of her social media presence and how it has helped build a new audience of what takes place at Seven Canyons.

    Wilber & McCormick | Tag Team Unscripted #4

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 50:00


    In this post-election -- nah -- episode, Dave and Peter share some glimmers, chat about methods for dealing with unwelcome news and limiting the inroads allowed to stressors, talk about sore winners, and dump out the mailbag for comments and feedback. There's a bit of election rehash, the first Lesson from the Bus, and a reaffirmation of why we're doing this.

    Hoban's Digital Ball Secrets | Rockbottum Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 15:00


    This episode is a hybridized Podcast/Radio Show starring Mark Hoban, the Jedi Master of golf turf.  He forced his way into our studio and demanded we tell the truth about his USGA Metrics Ball methods and results.  We managed to trick him into going to lunch early so we could complete the show and slip in a bonus Story Time.

    “Reel” Solid Professional | Frankly Speaking with Kayla Kipp, CTEM

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 34:00


    Frank visits with Kayla Kipp, Certified Turfgrass Equipment Manager at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in western Pennsylvania. Kayla takes us through her journey as the daughter of a handyman-Dad to her current leadership role at Nemacolin as well her support of Equipment Managers and Technicians benefiting from her involvement in the GCSAA's education program. The conversation included a good ole' deep dive into Reel Theory, her approach to mower set-up and how data informs her decisions. If you are involved in producing golf playing surfaces with reel mowers, you don't want to miss this episode.

    Wilber & McCormick, Tag Team Unscripted, Round 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 64:00


    Dave and Peter ponder the passing of Dave's dog Bruce, touch on the US election, debate the value of social media participation, and answer the question of whether Turf Twitter is dead.

    Rising Stars of Turf: Scott Lambert, Atlanta Country Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 25:00


    Scott Lambert's career in golf began like that of many superintendents — working on a golf course as a summer job. His career shifted onto the fast track after nearly 10 years prepping under William Shirley at Peachtree Golf Club in Brookhaven, Georgia, Lambert ventured 10 miles up the road to Atlanta Country Club, a 1965 William C. Byrd design, where he has been head superintendent since 2019. Although he has been a head superintendent for a short period, Lambert's leadership and professional skills have been recognized by his colleagues, who voted to make him a member of the Georgia GCSA board of directors. In this episode of Rising Stars of Turf, Lambert discusses his start in the business, how he changed majors — and colleges — to pursue his passion and how a decade at Peachtree helped form his outlook on personnel management.

    Wilber & McCormick | Tag Team Round 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 45:00


    Striking while the iron is hot, Dave and Peter mix it up again with a convo on loneliness at the top and the value of regular face-to-face "safety meetings". Glimmers of the week are shared, as are updates on Bruce and Frosty. Good stuff. Presented by TurfRad.

    Golf Business Analytics with Jim Koppenhaver and Stuart Lindsay

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 49:00


    Frank got the band back together for their annual conversation about the business of golf. Jim Koppenhaver of Pellucid Golf and Stuart Lindsay of Edgehill Consulting join Frank for a lively chat about the 20 percent growth in golf since the Pandemic, the lower supply of courses, changing golf playing patterns due to remote work and a vibrant economy stimulating the golfing demographic. Always something new to learn about how golf performs as a business.

    Wilber & McCormick: Tag Team, Unscripted | Round 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 61:00


    Dave Wilber and Peter McCormick launch a new unscripted podcast series with an impromptu conversation between two old friends, riffing on Life and Health with a little Turf thrown in for good measure. Topics range from Dave's recent weight loss and new job with turfRad to glimmers, positive energy with aging dogs, food noise, mushroom coffee and the gut microbiome. All good stuff. The first round of hopefully many.

    All Star of Turf: David Webner, Westwood Country Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 26:00


    David Webner is winding up a 42 year career in golf turf management, the last almost-25 of which have been as the golf course superintendent at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River, Ohio, on the west side of Cleveland. Peter McCormick caught up with David and got some fascinating insight into what makes him tick.

    Frankly Speaking: Golf Turf Analytics With Dr. Brandon Horvath

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 52:00


    The inimitable Dr. Brandon Horvath from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville joins Frank to chat about his early days growing up playing golf, time with Dr. Joe Vargas, what makes a good candidates for the turfgrass industry, and  an elaborate discussion on the analytics of golf and course management. This concludes our interviews of ALL the UT faculty!

    Sustainable Grasslands | Frankly Speaking with Dr. Jay McCurdy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 44:00


    In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank speaks with Dr. Jay McCurdy, Associate Professor and Mississippi State Turfgrass Extension Specialist, about a variety of topics concerning his career that has spanned from farming in TN to working with Dr. Micah Woods in Asia and now as the Mississippi Turfgrass Extension Specialist. Dr. McCurdy has led the USDA Refuge Lawn project that some might say can look like a “grow'd up mess” when the Bermudagrass is actively growing in May. It is clear Dr. McCurdy has a keen sense of his stakeholders in MS and across the US. We are lucky to have him teaching, researching, and extending his knowledge into our industry.

    Renovation Report: Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., with Carrie O'Rourke

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 32:00


    Carrie O'Rourke, founder of COR Golf Fitness, teaches golfers how to increase mobility, balance, speed and power, regardless of age or skill level. In this episode of Renovation Report, Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks with Carrie about the early days of her career in the field of engineering and how she found her passion in helping people enjoy the game of golf more and lead better lives through improved health. Finally, Carrie discusses with Brad how the knowledge she shares with golfers can be beneficial to golf course superintendents in their job on a daily basis.

    renovation bradley s klein
    Rising Star of Turf: Carlton Henry

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 35:00


    Carlton Henry was well prepared when he earned his first head superintendent position three years ago at Dedham Country and Polo Club just outside Boston. A native of New York, Henry first prepped at golf courses in his home state, home to the nation's strictest pesticide regulations. A graduate of the Rutgers turf program, he eventually spent several years working for another Rutgers product, John Zimmers, at both Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh and later the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. As an AIT at Oakmont, Henry was part of a team that oversaw the 2016 U.S. Open and completed many changes and upgrades to the historic Henry Fownes design that is a regular USGA stop.  While at Inverness, the historic Donald Ross design underwent significant changes, including an Andrew Green-led restoration and a major tree-management project. During the Covid plagued 2020 golf season, the team at Inverness held an LPGA Tour event with barely a month's notice. Listen as Carlton discusses how his well-rounded past helped prepare him for his role at Dedham as he ushers the course into the future.

    Rockbottum Radio: Dad's Turf Secret Stolen by (REDACTED)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 14:00


    In this episode, old Boof hijacks the radio show and skillfully forces RW to answer questions he has long avoided, like Dad's most guarded turf secret. Storytime features one of Momma's favorite stories, specially adapted to the season we find ourselves in now.

    Sports, Education, and Biologicals | Frankly Speaking with Dr. Chrissie Segars

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 43:00


    Frank speaks in this episode with PBI-Gordon's West Research Scientist, Dr. Chrissie Segars. Dr. Segars received a BS at Clemson University, spent a short time as Grad Assistant at LSU “watching Les Miles eating grass”, then an MS and Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University under the tutelage of Dr. Dennis Martin. Short stints in academic life ultimately led to Dr. Segar's current role exploring Biological Control products as West Research Scientist for PBI-Gordon. This is a lively conversation with a passionate professional committed to educating, encouraging and doing some exploring for the next generation of turfgrass professionals.

    Renovation Report: Bradley Klein with Scott Ramsay, CGCS, of U.S. Pitchcare

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 38:00


    Brad Klein talks with Scott Ramsay, CGCS, about his career as a golf course superintendent as well as his new position as an ambassador for U.S. Pitchcare, a consulting service started by a trio of golf course superintendents to help other greenkeepers and sports turf managers find solutions to common turfgrass challenges.  Ramsay, the 2006 TurfNet Superintendent of the Year and a past president of the Connecticut GCSA, talks about his career managing a union operation at Yale Golf Club, his decision to retire as a superintendent and what led him to U.S. Pitchcare. Their discussion looks at how the job of a golf course superintendent has changed and the shifting demands placed upon the position, such as environmental and government regulations and challenges, golfer demand, labor issues and sacrifices on family time to name a few. Finally, as new course construction remains slow compared to golf's boom-and-bust era of a generation ago, the discussion includes the focus on restoration projects and the importance of investing in the golf course.

    golf renovation ramsay brad klein bradley klein
    Rockbottum Radio: Attack of the Screenagers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 12:00


    Things get a little touchy at Rockbottum Country Club as all sorts of factors converge to create a divisive, unstable golf course environment. Economic pressures mount, new regulations choke the workflow and another screenager joins the crew, driving Momma to the point of madness. Okay, maybe it's just a short putt.

    Turfgrass for the People | Frankly Speaking with Dr. Becky Bowling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 44:00


    This episode, with Dr. Becky Bowling, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Tennesee, focuses on the emerging need for working with people when studying and managing turfgrass systems. Dr. Bowling receved her MS at Texas Tech and Ph.D. at University of Georgia with Dr. Gerald Henry. Her research and extension efforts have focused on evaluating and communicating turfgrass best management practices to promote water efficiency, water capture, and water quality in turfgrass systems and related urban greenspaces.

    The Virtuous Circle of Golf Club Service | with Jim Croxton, BIGGA CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 53:00


    Frank catches up with Jim Croxton, CEO of the British and international Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to discuss their recent visit to join in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Icelandic Greenkeepers Association. Jim is a keen observer and insightful leader of one of the great employee organizations in golf. Lots of fun in this listen and lots to learn about advocating for greenkeeping around the globe!

    Environmentally OZ | Frankly Speaking with Kate Torgersen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 39:00


    Kate Torgersen is the owner and founder of Environmental Golf Solutions Australia and now the Torgersen Gilbey partnership, a new company Kate is founding (with Monina Gilbey of Green Gecko Studios) to address emerging needs in golf course environmental stewardship. Frank and Kate speak about the challenges and opportunities for expanding naturalized/native vegetation on your golf course working across staff, members, community groups, government, and anti-golf groups. Kate is a refreshing voice for the golf industry with other leaders such as Brianne Kenny nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship.

    Grass, Trains and Service | Frankly Speaking with Brian Stiehler, CGCS MG

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 41:00


    Frank has a lively conversation with Brian Stiehler, CGCS MG, the golf course superintendent at Highlands (NC) Country Club and Past President of the Carolinas GCSA. Brian discusses his beginnings in Pennsylvania, his years with the late Dr. George Hamilton at Penn State, and a stint at the Old Course in St. Andrews. The conversation makes its way to his passion for model trains and public service in his local community.

    Emerging Equipment Managers | Frankly Speaking with Trent Manning, CTEM

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 45:00


    In this episode Frank speaks with Trent Manning, Certified Turfgrass Equipment Manager and host of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast.  Trent is the equipment manager at Ansley Golf Club at Settindown Creek in Roswell, Ga, and recipient of the 2022 Edwin Budding Award from the GCSAA, recognizing an equipment manager who has made a significant impact on the golf course and turf industry. This is a far-reaching conversation that reviews the perceptions and stereotypes of the EM position and how real expertise contributes to the success of an operation. Trent clarifies some of the technical aspects of turf equipment and the vital importance of communication for a successful EM.

    Salinity stress, pigments and paints | Frankly Speaking w/ Dr. Manual Chavarria

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 42:00


    In this episode, Frank speaks with Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Turfgrass Stress Physiology at Texas A&M, Dr. Manuel Chavarria. Manuel and Frank discuss his progression from Forest Systems in Mexico through his years of study at Texas and brief stint at the former Prairie Turfgrass Research Center in Canada, to his current position at Texas A&M.  Manuel and Frank discuss research on salinity stress, pigments and paints and his pioneering effort to provide turfgrass education in Spanish!

    Rockbottum Radio: Rockbottum Lost A Family Member

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 17:00


    In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, we pay tribute to Matt Jones, longtime member of Rockbottum, former Golf Course Superintendent, GM, US Army vet and more. In the second half of the show, we experience a rather severe outbreak of gossip, back-biting, name-calling and false witness bearing, which leads to Momma finding a solution to this current social media plague.

    All Star of Turf: Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, Fairview Country Club, Greenwich, CT

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 45:00


    The latest TurfNet All Star of Turf is Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, of Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut. A graduate of the Rutgers University turfgrass program, Pavonetti has developed a reputation for providing exceptional playing conditions while also being recognized for his efforts at producing an environmentally friendly landscape. In his 17th season at Fairview, Pavonetti previously was superintendent at the Edison Club and the West Point Golf Course at the U.S. Military Academy. In this episode of All Stars of Turf, Pavonetti discusses the importance of his work in government relations and how it benefits the turf industry, his penchant for great golf course photography and the importance of superintendents promoting their efforts while also meeting the exacting standards of a largely New York City membership.

    Renovation Report: Bradley Klein with Bob Farren, CGCS, Pinehurst Resort

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 43:00


    Brad Klein talks with Bob Farren, CGCS, of Pinehurst Resort about his 40-plus-year career at the 10-course property in the North Carolina Sandhills.  Their discussion traces the progression of the property in general and specifically the storied history of Pinehurst's famed No. 2 course that was built by Donald Ross a century ago. Pinehurst No. 2 transformed throughout its history as a favorite course of the USGA from its original design to a tree-lined course with narrow fairways to the rustic gem it is today after the restoration by the architectural team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Finally, the discussion includes Pinehurst's role with the USGA, what is next for the property and its role with Sandhills Community College in helping groom the next generation of golf course superintendents.

    Renovation Report: Brad Klein with Bob Farren, CGCS, Pinehurst Resort

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 44:00


    Brad Klein talks with Bob Farren, CGCS, of Pinehurst Resort about his 40-plus-year career at the 10-course property in the North Carolina Sandhills.  Their discussion traces the progression of the property in general and specifically the storied history of Pinehurst's famed No. 2 course that was built by Donald Ross a century ago. Pinehurst No. 2 transformed throughout its history as a favorite course of the USGA from its original design to a tree-lined course with narrow fairways to the rustic gem it is today after the restoration by the architectural team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Finally, the discussion includes Pinehurst's role with the USGA, what is next for the property and its role with Sandhills Community College in helping groom the next generation of golf course superintendents.

    Renovation Report: Anthony Pioppi with Paul Jamrog, Met Links

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 33:00


    Paul Jamrog has returned "home" to oversee the transformation of the former Metacomet Country Club in East Providence, RI, into Met Links, an innovative 9-hole public golf course on a portion of the 90 acre Metacomet property. Jamrog was the golf course superintendent at Metacomet Country Club from 1994 to 2013, when he transitioned into sales. In financial difficulty for some time, Metacomet was purchased for development by Marshall Properties in 2020, with a desire to retain and redesign a portion of the golf course. Robert McNeil ASGCA and the Northeast Golf Company were brought in to spearhead the renovation, and Jamrog was called back to manage the transition. More on that here. In this conversation with Anthony Pioppi, Jamrog reflects on coming back to a very different property from when he left and was away for eight years. He also credits his time in sales with creating within him a greater awareness of the universe of turf care products available to the superitendent today.

    Emerging Trends | Frankly Speaking with Dr. Ross Braun

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 45:00


    Our 11th season of Frankly Speaking begins with a conversation with Professor Ross Braun, one of the great young minds in turfgrass science from Kansas State University. Director of the Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center, Ross received his MS and Ph.D. in Turfgrass Science with previous guest Professor Dale Bremer. After Kansas State Ross spent four years as a Research Scholar at Purdue University where he studied the family of fine fescues. Ross does a lot of teaching and is also the author of Decode 6, a blog of the Crop Science Society of America on the role of carbon in agriculture.

    Rising Star of Turf: Andrew Mallick

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2024 18:00


    Andy Mallick's trajectory as a Rising Star of Turf has been a long one, entailing stops at four golf courses over 14 years before landing his first head superintendent position. Now in his fifth season as superintendent (and 11th overall) at Metedeconk National Golf Club (Jackson, NJ), Mallick had interim stops at Pine Valley Golf Club, Country Club of Darien and Southward Ho Golf Club on Long Island, picking up valuable experience at each one. Mallick credits his girlfriend, Rachel, with grounding his peripatetic instincts and helping him settle down and find a home at Metedeconk. He looks forward to hosting another Korn Ferry Tour event this year and welcoming another Springer Spaniel puppy to their family this week.

    Rockbottum Radio: Tell it all, Brother, tell it all...

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 16:00


    In this sensitive and revealing episode of Rockbottum Radio, the entire crew tells it all, aided by literary inspiration from Matt Jones and Peter McCormick... and Momma's Mushroom Truth Serum. Learn what really happened on Ludell's honeymoon and how Rockbottum plans to handle the ball rollback and Golf A.I.  Buddy returns from working on Science Interfusional National, an A.I. course, and then RW screws everything up by telling why he's been deliberately provoking the Imperials for 50 years.

    Training the Next Generation | Frankly Speaking with Pam Sherratt

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 29, 2024 41:00


    Frank sits down with Pamela Sherratt, Turfgrass Specialist in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at THE Ohio State Unniversity. She has a BSc (Honors) in Horticulture from The University of Central Lancashire in England and her MS in Turfgrass Science from The Ohio State University.  In April Pam received the 2022-2023 CFAES Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer Award that recognizes her expertise as an educator. Frank and Pam cover a wide range of topics related to training the next generations of turfgrass managers.

    All Stars of Turf: Steve Ehrbar, CGCS, Panther National Golf Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 40:00


    TurfNet's latest All Star of Turf is Steve Ehrbar, CGCS at Panther National Golf Club, a private, single-owner facility in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A graduate of the two-year program at Ohio State, Ehrbar has been a legendary fixture in South Florida for years. His career includes stops at Jupiter Hills Golf Club in Tequesta, Old Marsh Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens and Lost Tree in North Palm Beach, the home course of Jack Nicklaus. Ehrbar has been involved in multiple construction projects and his career has been heavily influenced by names like Nicklaus and Pete Dye.  In this episode of All Stars of Turf, Steve talks about who and what helped form his career, the importance of leadership and mentoring assistants and team members, the challenges associated with managing a golf course on the edge of Florida's wetlands as well as labor issues, including how they affect the operation and steps toward solving them.

    Rising Star of Turf: Jeremiah Mincey

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2024 19:00


    Our first Rising Star of Turf for 2024 is Jeremiah Mincey, first assistant superintendent at Savannah Quarters Country Club in Pooler, Georgia. Many might recognize Jeremiah from his activity on TurfTwitter/X and as a recent recipient of a GCI/Aquatrols Super Social Media Award. Jeremiah, 26, graduated from Georgia Southern University with a BS in business management and then took the certificate program in turfgrass management from the University of Georgia. His first exposure to turf management was when he applied for a student job on the maintenance crew at the Georgia Southern U golf course, under then-superintendent Patrick Reinhardt. From there he interned at Atlanta Athletic Club before moving on to Savannah Quarters. He made a splash on the social media scene with a post asking people to post photos of their favorite golf holes, which generated almost 250 responses. His black Labrador Max is also a frequent subject of his social posts. More recently, he simply asked those more experienced than himself to offer words of guidance to those coming up through the ranks. That yielded a treasure trove of wisdom from over fifty superintendents and others. With an affable, respectful manner, a quick smile and a hearty laugh, Jeremiah is one to watch as his career ascends from here. We are proud to have him as a TurfNet Rising Star of Turf for 2024. Watch or listen, and enjoy the conversation.

    Patrick H. Sisk, CGCS, All Star of Turf: Open, Honest and Humble

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 71:00


    Our latest All Star of Turf is Patrick H. Sisk, CGCS, career superintendent, athlete, marathoner, inventor, entrepreneur and family man. Pat guides us through his path from a college transition to early adventures in Colorado and Arizona, then a career that took him from his native coastal Connecticut to 18 years in Milwaukee and recently back to western Massachusetts. It hasn't always been a cakewalk. Early on he fell into substance abuse but clawed his way to sobriety... and has been sober for 36 years. While Pat describes himself as a highly competitive achiever who has always looked for the next mountain to climb, he acknowledges that internal drive and competition can be a blessing and a burden. He values those he has learned from, worked for, worked and served with, mentored and otherwise befriended along the way. Pat invented and brought to market the Green Sweep blower attachment for incorporating topdressing sand with minimal leaf abrasion, which is currently marketed by PrecisionUSA. This All Star of Turf conversation with Peter McCormick ranks as one of the most open, honest and humble discussions we have had. Give it a listen to find out Pat's plans for the next mountain he is getting ready to climb.

    The Future of Herbicides | Frankly Speaking with Dr. Jim Brosnan

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 44:00


    Frank sits down with frequent guest and Professor of Weed Science at the University of Tennessee, Jim Brosnan. Jim and Frank cover a wide range of topics that turfgrass managers must be aware of as we confront the lack of new herbicides, the pressure of increasing resistance in weeds, and finish up discussing the recent herbicide restrictions associated with EPA re-registration of Oxadiazon (Ronstar and Andersons Goose and Crabgrass control).

    Mastering the employee and member experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 44:00


    Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks with Marcie Mills of the executive search and consulting firm of Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace about the evolving role of golf course superintendents, matching the right candidate with the proper opportunity and how the best customer experience first depends on delivering the best employee experience.  Their discussion includes a review of the skills clubs are looking for in superintendents, the responsibility of head greenkeepers to help tream members develop those skills while inspiring and motivating their teams to maximize the golfer experience.

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