TurfNet RADIO
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, learn RW's secret for living a calm and peaceful life on the golf course, regardless of the challenges we face in the years ahead. *Note: This is not your daddy's podcast. It's more like your grandpappy's radio show from 1937.
Frank has a great conversation with old friend and repeat guest John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science at the University of Tennessee. John has been involved with sports turf since his early days at Michigan State University. He was a key participant with the 1994 World Cup games held in the Pontiac Silverdome where the concept of maintaining grass inside a dome began. Fast forward 30 years later and he is LEADING the effort for the multiple locations and fields in North America to host the World Cup in 2026. For those who like behind the scenes of big events, this is a must listen.
Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks with Illinois-based golf course architect Michael Benkusky of Michael J. Benkusky Golf Course Architecture about his start in golf course design and why some consider it the best profession in the golf industry. Benkusky also discusses how his business is one of relationships and the importance of designing golf courses that are fun yet also offer strategic challenges throughout. Finally, they discuss the camaraderie that exists between architects even in the face of competition for winning design and restoration projects.
Frank Speaks with Dr. Evan Mascitti of Infinite Athlete about his career, MS and Ph.D. at Penn State University, that has led him to be one of the leading thinkers in the study of baseball “dirt”. His pathway had mentors from WI, his role as Manager of Grounds for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and all fostered a keen interest -- bordering on an obsession -- “with the dirt”. You are not going to believe how complex the “dirt” is. Evan’s current position with Infinite Athlete is responsible for testing NFL playing surfaces and provides some insight into the issues and balancing field safety and performance.
Frank Speaks with Dr. Evan Mascetti of Infinite Athlete about his career, MS and Ph.D. at Penn State University, that has led him to be one of the leading thinkers in the study of baseball “dirt”. His pathway had mentors from WI, his role as head groundskeeper for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and all fostered a keen interest -- bordering on an obsession -- “with the dirt”. You are not going to believe how complex the “dirt” is. Evan’s current position with Infinite Athlete is responsible for testing NFL playing surfaces and provides some insight into the issues and balancing field safety and performance.
A New York Wiseguy and a Philly Punk walk into a Caddyshack with “ginned-up mobsters”… Frank sits down with the inimitable John Reilly, Director of Agronomy at The Resort at Longboat Key and discusses John’s thinking on managing resort golf in an environmentally sensitive area and why he will sometimes discuss the Kreb’s Cycle. John’s pioneering work on the use of data and his interest in sharing and learning and failing and growing are a model for modern professionals in the golf turf industry. As always, this is a fun listen!
Frank catches up with Charles Goode (@GoodeTurf), the Southeastern Sales Lead for GreenSight, a provider of digital cloud-based services for turfgrass professionals to manage all aspects of their operation, from mowing and remote sensing to soil monitoring and staff planning. Charles spent his career in the turfgrass industry from landscape and sod to golf and sports fields. A graduate of NC State and Penn State, Charles has been actively promoting the use of autonomous mowers in the turfgrass industry. This is a fun conversation getting to know a young professional!
In this episode, RW reveals one of the key methods behind the success of Rockbottum CC: the proper use of the New Year's Resolution. Also, Buddy gets "tooken" and Ludell, Willy and Momma form a posse to rescue Buddy.
Anthony Pioppi chats with Dane Wilson, golf course superintendent at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, IA, about the ongoing restoration of the 1922 Langford & Moreau design. Tyler Rae is the architect of the restoration.
In this month's Storytime, learn about the Christmas Miracle that led RW and familty to leave the nomadic military life and transition to the nomadic golf life. Also, we cover a few current news items in golf and maybe some non-golf stuff.
In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Frank speaks with Dr. Sara Stricker, the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Guelph Turfgrass Institute in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Sara and Frank chat about the people that support the education and research at one of the historically significant turfgrass science programs in the world. Sara expounds upon her wealth of experience in plant pathology, teaching and research that has shaped her perspective on her current role communicating science to the public and to the industry the GTI has so effectively served for over 30 years.
Bradley S. Klein talks with Nick Mazzella about consulting on golf course projects, including renovation projects as well as new construction jobs spurred by the resurgent golf economy. The discussion includes the increased need for a project manager as projects increase in complexity due to the many facets of each job.
In this episode Franks speaks with Amy Fouty, CSFM with The Motz Group as a Natural Grass Field Consultant. She was formerly at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, but before that in the golf industry. Amy speaks with great candor and professionalism about her career path, working in very high profile situations, and dealing with coaches and administrators. She shares her experience working with her mentors and building a network that helped her face some big challenges. She has learned the power of cooperating internally with your team and externally with administrators.
Fred Taylor, CGCS, retired in early October, 2023, after a 43-year stint working exclusively at Mankato Golf Club in his hometown of Mankato, Minnesota. Fred followed in the "bootsteps" of Boots Fuller in 1992, becoming who would wind up as only the third superintendent at MGC in almost 100 years. Fred takes credit for all that goes wrong and give his staff credit for all that is right on the golf course. He has over the years served as a buffer between the staff and club membership,"running interference" for his staff and allowing them to do their jobs unhindered by the inevitable politics of private club operations. Listen in as Fred, a long-time TurfNet member, recounts some of the highlights of his career and the enjoyment he has gotten from it. Fred will also be honored this December by the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association with their Distinguished Service Award.
In this episode Vice President of Hanse Design Jim Wagner has a chat with Frank about the creative process in designing golf courses. Jim and Frank discuss how the renewed excitement for golf, climate change and a good owner are all impacting golf course architecture.
Sam Moynihan took over the reins at Detroit Golf Club this spring just 90 days prior to hosting the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Soon thereafter vandals painted two greens with Roundup as a "welcome" present. The challenge for Sam was on. A graduate of West Virginia Univiersity with a degree in agriculture, Sam kicked off his turf career with a stint at Muirfield Village Golf Club, first under Paul B Latshaw and then Chad Mark. He then moved over to Caves Valley Golf Club for the next five years as first assistant, including hosting the BMW Championship in 2021. Listen in as Sam relates his stressful first months at DGC, repairing the two vandalized greens and hosting a successful RMC event. Find out what Sam can't do without on the golf course, while we take a peek at his rrelationship with his wife Emily since getting married at Muirfield Village.
In this episode, RW hands out the coveted Rockbottum Major Award for the best TurfNet Forum Topic ever. Momma has a lively discussion with a government official who mistakenly believes Social Security is an "Entitlement" while helping him realize the folks north of Richmond need to improve their listening skills. Also, RW explains how to achieve positivity on the golf course by being positive, not just sounding positive.
James Morgan was fresh out of Lake City Community College (now Florida Gateway College) and a summer/part-time stint at the Country Club of Orlando when he followed CCO superintendent Kasey Kauff to build Trinity Forest in Dallas. Morgan started as an assistant and was promoted to superintendent during his 5+ year stay at the Coore/Crenshaw layout. That Coore/Crenshaw connection led him to being selected to grow in Wicker Point Golf Club on Lake Martin, the first new golf construction in Alabama since 2004. Wicker Point opened for play last week, culminating Morgan's efforts since he arrived there in March, 2021. In this conversation with Peter McCormick, James relates how his experiences and connections (including Green Start Academy) led him to this point in his career and as a TurfNet Rising Star of Turf.
Rob Munro is finishing up his third season at Cabot Cliffs in Inverness, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the #1 rated golf course in Canada. Rob landed there with a turf degree from Olds College in Alberta and Poa-and-bentgrass experience at Capilano Golf & Country Club on Vancouver Island, BC. This winter he will travel to New Zealand to satisfy both his yearning for travel and to also put another bullet in his agronomic holster. Have a listen and see why Lee Strutt, Director of Agronomy at Cabot Cape Breton, described Rob as "a leading superintendent of the future for all the right reasons."
Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks with golf course architect Dan Hixson on his career in the Pacific Northwest. Hixson's career started as a golf pro, from competing on mini tours to attempting to qualify for the PGA Tour. With a nose for good golf course design, he studied golf course design and eventually shifted his career to that of a golf course architect. After 23 years in the business, he has built a reputation for restoring and designing courses throughout the Oregon and Washington on time and on budget.
Our latest All Star of Turf is Jason Haines, whom many in the industry will remember for his high profile social media presence (as @PenderSuper) that suddenly went dark several years ago. As the golf course superintendent at Pender Harbour Golf Club and later Sunshine Coast Golf Club in British Columbia, Jason developed (by necessity) a low-input, minimalist turf maintenance strategy that he shared and brainstormed with his Twitter following of 8,000+ before deciding to step away from social media entirely. In the interim he was invited to speak at turf conferences in the US, Canada and internationally. In April of 2023 Jason made the leap from British Columbia 3000 miles east to take over the reins at Cabot Links on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Along with Cabot Cliffs and a newer 10-hole short course, Cabot Links is part of Cabot Cape Breton and is ranked #35 on the World Top 100 golf courses. Cabot Cliffs is ranked #1 in Canada. In this fascinating conversation with Peter McCormick, Jason recounts the reasoning behind the advent of his minimalist turf maintenance programs, explains his departure from social media, and the positive move east to Cabot Cape Breton for him and his family. He uses the term "awesome" quite a bit in the conversation.
Lara Arias, golf course superintendent at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, speaks with Frank about her career and what led to her current position. She explains in one of the five languages she speaks how she grew as a professional both in the US and then returning to Europe. Lara has worked on crews at RTJ in VA, TPC Scottsdale, Congressional, and Quail Hollow and developed her expertise in tournament golf that she applied at Le Golf National in 2018 for the last Ryder Cup on Euro soil. She is ready for the challenge of hosting the 2023 Ryder Cup and as a member of the team that will host the event in 2025 at Bethpage in NY we are all rooting for her!
