GCSAA Podcast

66. Looking back and looking ahead with Rick Tegtmeier, CGCS, MG Jul 10, 2024

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we visit with Rick Tegtmeier, CGCS, MG, director of grounds at Des Moines Golf and Country Club who is on the brink of retirement after a hall-of-fame-worthy, 40-year career in golf course management. Rick talks about his start in the industry at a local nine-hole course, some of the technological innovations he's seen, events he has hosted, projects he has undertaken, and accolades and awards he has won.

The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

65. Boots on the ground: A conversation with Envu’s Todd Lowe Jun 16, 2024

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we sit down with Todd Lowe, a former USGA agronomist who now is part of Envu’s Green Solutions Team. Lowe provides great insights into the El Niño weather pattern that was so nettlesome for golf course superintendents in Florida this past spring and whose effects are still being felt. Lowe shares his personal journey within the golf industry, from early days working with his father to his academic pursuits and various career transitions. He also provides some insight into his role with Envu and the kind of assistance he can provide for turfgrass managers, particularly in the Sunshine State.

The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

64. A conversation about women in turf for Women’s Golf Day 2024 May 18, 2024

As a part of a partnership between GCM and John Deere, this episode of the GCSAA Podcast celebrates Women's Golf Day 2024 — which runs an entire week this year, May 28-June 4 — with a panel discussion among four women working in turfgrass management about the state of the women-in-turf movement. Devon Carrol, solution development manager with Envu, serves as the guest host for this episode and is joined by Carol Turner, superintendent at Bigwin Island Golf Club in Baysville, Ontario; Andi Meadows, assistant superintendent at TPC San Antonio; and Andrea Salzman, assistant superintendent at Pinehurst No. 2 and The Cradle in Pinehurst, N.C.

The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

63. Fairways to Leadership: A conversation with GCSAA President Jeff White, CGCS May 06, 2024

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast features GCSAA’s 87th president, Jeff White, CGCS. Jeff and podcast host Scott Hollister peel back the turf to reveal the meticulous craft of keeping a club like Indian Hills Country Club in pristine condition while navigating the strategic fairways of the GCSAA. Jeff talks about his introduction to the industry, his mentors along the way and his vision for GCSAA.

The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

62. Reflecting on a Legacy: A Journey Through Golf Management with Scott Hollister Apr 15, 2024

This episode turns the tables on the longtime host of this podcast, Scott Hollister, as he prepares to depart GCSAA after 26 years on the job. Scott offers us a candid look into his long tenure with GCSAA and GCM , from the adrenaline of the 2000 U.S. Open to the solidarity felt during the industry's trials post-9/11. Alongside Howard Richman, Scott reminisces about the serendipitous turns and the cherished camaraderie that have punctuated his journey.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

61. Jason Sfire on Breaking Barriers in Golf for Adaptive Athletes Mar 25, 2024

When life throws a curveball, how do you swing back? In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, Jason Sfire, an incredible advocate for adaptive athletics, opens up about his journey as an adaptive athlete in golf — a narrative that's as much about his own conquests as it is a beacon for inclusivity and accessibility in sports. In a heartfelt discussion, we navigate Jason's experiences, the insightful methods he's championing for golf course operators to foster welcoming environments for all athletes, and the industry's heartening response, as seen at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.
For more information about the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, visit the organization's website. You can learn more about the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Alliance by going here.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

60. Amy and Joe Bockerstette, Recorded Live at the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Feb 19, 2024

Amy Bockerstette caught the attention of the golf world in 2019 after getting the opportunity to play the famed 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale with professional golfer Gary Woodland during a practice round for the Waste Management Open. On this episode of the GCSAA Podcast — recorded live during the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix — we set down with Amy and her father Joe to discuss her journey in golf, the I Got This Foundation, ways golf courses can become more accessible to all golfers and Amy's dream foursome.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

59. GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans Jan 09, 2024

On this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we take a look back at the year that was in 2023 and a look ahead to what's ahead in 2024 with association CEO Rhett Evans. We review high points from the year that was, including the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando (7:30), Rounds 4 Research (11:30), First Green (20:55) and the Women's Leadership Academy, (30:00) before turning our attention to 2024 and the upcoming Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix (35:25) and Evans' attempt to summit Mt. Everest come May (52:45).
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

58. A conversation with Don Hearn, CGCS Retired Dec 18, 2023

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast features another in our occasional "Legends of Turf" series as we sit down with Don Hearn, CGCS Retired. Hearn is the current executive director of the GCSA of New England, but his influence extends well past that role. He spent nearly 40 years as a working superintendent in New England, including a 29-year stay at Weston (Mass.) Golf Club, and served as GCSAA's president in 1987. Our guest host for this episode is Howard Richman, GCM's associate editor.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

57. Emily Casey and Andy Huber on Javelinas, Going Viral and Life at Seven Canyons Golf Club Nov 27, 2023

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast dives into the wild kingdom that has been Seven Canyons Golf Club in Sedona, Ariz., this fall with two folks responsible for the care of that property — Director of Agronomy Andy Huber and Assistant Superintendent Emily Casey (@emcaseyturf). The team at Seven Canyons has been dealing with widespread turf damage caused by javelinas, and a video of the damage that Casey shared on social media went viral — the video has been viewed more than 33 million times on X/Twitter — taking the story to an international audience. We talk about life as a social media sensation, the practical challenges created by these wild animals and a massive in-house renovation of the course that has taken place while all this was going on.
This episode of the GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

56. Surviving Hurricane Ian with Roy Jones and Kyle Sweet, CGCS Oct 10, 2023

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast — recorded live from the soon-to-be-opened clubhouse at The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club on Sanibel Island, Fla. — we sit down with Roy Jones and Kyle Sweet, CGCS, to discuss their experiences as golf course superintendents who experienced Hurricane Ian one year ago. Jones oversees The Dunes, while Sweet is in charge of maintenance at The Sanctuary Golf Club. Both facilities sustained significant damage from Ian, so we talk about the storm, its impact on them both personally and professionally, where they and their golf courses are on the road to recovery, and lessons learned from their experiences.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

55. Kayla Kipp and Bri Kenny on women in turf and golf's sustainability movement Sep 12, 2023

On this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, guest host Kayla Kipp, CTEM, the equipment manager at Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pa., sits down for a wide-ranging discussion with Bri Kenny, who is the manager for environmental science with Troon. The pair talk about Kenny's career, golf's growing sustainability movement and their experiences in the women-in-turf initiative, including at this past July's U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach, where both served as volunteers. Kipp can be found on X (formerly Twitter) at @kipp_kayla, while Kenny is on both X and Instagram at @biolobri. You can also reach Kenny by email at brianne.kenny@troon.com.
If you'd like to donate or learn more about the effort that Kenny and Troon started to support the members of the agronomy teams at Kapalua and Ka'anapali on Maui that were affected by the recent fires, you can visit this GoFundMe page.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

54. Zac Reicher, Ph.D., on a year of uncertainty and Envu's Green Solutions Team Aug 02, 2023

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we sit down with Zac Reicher, Ph.D., a Green Solutions Team Specialist for Envu, which has sponsored this podcast almost since its inception. We talk with Reicher about his path into a career in turf, his long stint as a member of the academic community, his role with Envu and how he works with golf course superintendents and what he's seeing in the field as the biggest agronomic challenges facing turfgrass managers in 2023.
As mentioned, the GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

53. Bubba Wright on the 2023 U.S. Women's Open and Life at Pebble Beach Jun 28, 2023

This episode features a conversation with Bubba Wright, the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Pebble Beach Golf Links, as he and his team prepare for the 2023 U.S. Women's Open, July 3-9. We talk about what's gone into readying the course for the first women's professional event to be contested at Pebble Beach since the 1940s, Wright's long affiliation with the Pebble Beach Companies, and what it's like to maintain turf at one of America's great golf destinations.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

52. A conversation about women in turf on Women's Golf Day 2023 May 30, 2023

As a part of a partnership between GCM and John Deere, this episode of the GCSAA Podcast celebrates Women's Golf Day 2023 — which runs an entire week this year, May 31-June 6 — with a panel discussion among five women working in or pursuing careers in turfgrass management about the state of the women-in-turf movement. Kayla Kipp, CTEM, the equipment manager at the Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pa., serves as the guest host for this episode and is joined by Devon Carrol, solution development manager with Envu; Rachel DeRuyte, assistant superintendent at Credit Valley Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ontario; and two recent college graduates in Emma Seward from Purdue and Molly Biggs from Kansas State.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

51. Chris Tritabaugh on Communications, the Ryder Cup and F1 May 12, 2023

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we sit down with Chris Tritabaugh from Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., to discuss a wide variety of topics, most notably his foray into blogs, social media, podcasts and his new Substack newsletter as a way to communicate with golfers and his colleagues around the industry. You can find him at @CT_Turf on Twitter and Instagram, and his podcasts and newsletter are available at https://ctunderscoreturf.substack.com. We also dive into his career in golf course management, his love of Manchester United and Formula 1 racing and what he does during the long winters in Minnesota.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

50. Matt Muhlenbruch, CGCS, on Technology and Golf Course Management Apr 03, 2023

On the 50th episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we dive into the ways technology is affecting the business of golf course management by talking with Matt Muhlenbruch, CGCS, from Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles. Following a recent major renovation, Hillcrest has adopted a number of high-tech tools in the management of the property — from soil sensors to drones to autonomous mowers — that have had a dramatic effect on the club's ability to better manage water use and provide significant labor savings.
To view a video version of this podcast, visit GCSAA.tv or GCSAA's YouTube channel.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

49: Live from CTS 2023: Golf Magazine's Josh Sens Feb 10, 2023

Recorded live at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, this episode features Josh Sens from Golf Magazine, who was among the media members who covered CTS. We talk about the popular Super Secrets column he produces for Golf.com, some of the favorite stories he's written during his career (hint: it includes an unauthorized trip to North Korea) and the book he wrote with the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

48. Live from CTS 2023: USGA's Matt Pringle Feb 09, 2023

Recorded live at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, this episode features Matt Pringle, Ph.D., the managing director of the USGA Green Section. We discuss his unique path to his current role with the Green Section, the launch of the new GS3 greens management tool and the role Green Section agronomists play in the preparation for the USGA's championships.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

47. Goodbye Bayer, hello Envu: A conversation with Envu CEO Gilles Gaillou Feb 01, 2023

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast features a conversation with Gilles Gaillou, the CEO of Envu, the newest company to enter the golf course management business. Born from Bayer Environmental Science and featuring all the same products from that company that superintendents will be familiar with, Envu is nonetheless an all-new entity that launched in October of last year. We talk with Gaillou about the process of bringing a new company into the industry, what superintendents can expect from the company and their appearance at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando.

The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

46. Inside the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade show Jan 16, 2023

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast takes a deep dive into the upcoming GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Feb. 6-9 in Orlando, with some of the GCSAA staff members leading efforts to put together an interactive experience you won't fine anywhere else. We talk with Ed Several, chief marketing officer, about noteworthy hands-on opportunities and the main events in Orlando; Jim Cummins, business development manager, about the GCSAA Golf Championships; Kelli Norwood, senior manager, curriculum, about all the educational opportunities on tap in Orlando; and Matt Brown, director, corporate sales, about the reimagined trade show. For more information and to register, go to www.gcsaaconference.com.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

45. Equipment management with Hector Velazquez and Howard Whitcomb Nov 09, 2022

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast goes into the state of equipment management in golf with guest host Hector Velazquez (@HectorsShop on Twitter) chatting with Howard Whitcomb. Both have long histories working as equipment managers on golf courses, and both have found alternate paths following their days working in the industry. This episode features their conversation, along with a brief interview with Velazquez, who is serving as the first guest host of the GCSAA Podcast.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Envu.

44. All About the Weather with Herb Stevens and Garrett Bastardi Sep 14, 2022

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast goes deep into every superintendent's favorite topic — the weather — with Herb Stevens and Garrett Bastardi. Stevens is the founder of Grass Roots Weather, a service that offers personalized weather forecasting for golf course superintendents. He teamed with Bastardi to create the Turf Threat Tracker — or T3 — which is a subscription service that offers specific, localized hour-by-hour weather forecasts designed specifically for turfgrass managers. We talk about both services, touch on frequently asked questions that Stevens and Bastardi hear from superintendents and preview the seminar the pair will teach at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer.

43. A conversation with TPC Deere Run's Alex Stuedemann, CGCS Aug 25, 2022

Recorded live from TPC Deere Run during the week of the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic, this episode features Alex Stuedemann, CGCS, the longtime director of golf course operations at the Quad City standout, who is transitioning into a new position as the director of agronomy for the PGA Tour's TPC network of courses. We talk about his time in the Quad Cities, what his new role will entail and introduce you to his replacement at TPC Deere Run, Jonathan Graham.
Read more about Stuedemann, Graham and the transition taking place at TPC Deere Run in this story on GCMOnline.com.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer.

42. A conversation with Mel Lucas, CGCS Retired Jul 10, 2022

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast continues our occasional series of conversations with some of the most influential figures in golf course management as we chat with Mel Lucas, CGCS Retired. Lucas is a 60-year GCSAA member, served as the association's national president in 1980 and has played a vital role in supporting turfgrass management beyond the borders of the U.S. with his work with greenkeepers around the world, most notably in the European country of Slovenia.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in cooperation with Bayer.

41. Lorabeth Catterson on Women's Golf Day 2022 Jun 05, 2022

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast tips its cap to Women's Golf Day by talking with Lorabeth Catterson, the assistant director of agronomy at Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles. The five-year GCSAA member talks about her career, what first drew her to the profession and the trials and triumphs she's experienced along the way. You can read more about Catterson in this story on the GCM website, GCMOnline.com, that is presented in partnership with John Deere.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer.

40. From Holey Moley to Diversity in Golf: A conversation with Craig Kirby May 09, 2022

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we sit down for a conversation with Craig Kirby, the founder and CEO of Golf. My Future. My Game., which is an effort to create educational and career opportunities in the game for women, millennials, communities of color and children. We talk about Kirby's long career in politics, his role in diversity efforts throughout the game of golf — including as a member of GCSAA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council — and his star turn on the ABC show "Holey Moley" during the show's first season.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer.

39. 2022 GCSAA President Kevin Breen, CGCS Apr 07, 2022

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we sit down with newly elected GCSAA President Kevin Breen, CGCS , who is the golf course superintendent at La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos, Calif. We talk about his career in golf course management, his passion for industry service and what he hopes to see the association accomplish during his year in office. For more on Breen and his goals for 2022, see the March issue of GCM ("Peak performer: Kevin Breen, CGCS").
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer.

38. Live from the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show: Bob Farren, CGCS Feb 20, 2022

Pinehurst Resort's Bob Farren, CGCS, is the guest on this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, the second that was recorded live at the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego. We talk with Farren about his long, storied career in golf course management, why mentoring others in the business is so important to him, and what it meant to him to be the first recipient of GCSAA's Col. John Morley Award for distinguished industry service.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer.

37. Live from the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show: Chad Mark Feb 10, 2022

In this episode, recorded live at the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego, we sit down the Chad Mark, the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. We talk with Chad about his journey into a career in golf course management, the full-scale renovation of Muirfield Village, what went into hosting back-to-back PGA Tour events in 2020 and what it's like to work for the club's founder and designer, golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer.

36. Rhett Evans on the 2022 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show Jan 13, 2022

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we sit down with GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans to discuss the association's upcoming Conference and Trade Show in San Diego. We go over the latest Covid protocols in California, the reasoning behind the new name and the new schedule for the event, and all the exciting new events and sessions that will be available for attendees. For more information about the event or to register to attend, go to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show website.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer.

35. A conversation with Paul R. Latshaw Dec 16, 2021

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast features a conversation with a true legend of golf course management, Paul R. Latshaw. A 56-year member of the association and the winner of the 2014 Old Tom Morris Award, Latshaw shares stories and insights from his long career in the business, his stops at some of golf's most revered properties — Augusta, Winged Foot, Congressional — and his role in influencing and mentoring a whole new generation of golf course superintendents. The interview was conducted by Howard Richman, GCM's associate editor.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer Environmental Science.

34. A conversation with Trent Manning Nov 10, 2021

On this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we sit down with Trent Manning, the equipment manager at Ansley Golf Club in suburban Atlanta, the winner of GCM's 2018 Most Valuable Technician Award and the host of his own podcast, Reel Turf Techs. We talk about Manning's long career in golf course management, how he's seen the job of the equipment manager change over the years, the civic work that he's so dedicated to and why he decided it was time to launch his own podcast.
The GCSAA Podcast is presented in partnership with Bayer.

33. A Very Special GCSAA Golf Championship Oct 03, 2021

The 2021 GCSAA Golf Championships will be remembered for a variety of reasons, most notably the fact that they had to be postponed from their traditional late-January/early-February slot because of the pandemic. That's why GCSAA is heading to Palm Springs for a stand-alone event this October, so this episode examines this special event, what it took to pull off and a sneak preview of the 2022 tournament in San Diego with GCSAA's Jim Cummins, tournament director.

32. Chris Zugel, CGCS, and the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits Sep 08, 2021

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast gets you ready for the 2021 Ryder Cup with a conversation with Chris Zugel, CGCS, the director of golf course maintenance for the Kohler Co. and Whistling Straits. We talk about how the maintenance team worked past the postponement of the competition in 2020, how his staff and volunteers will navigate the ongoing pandemic while preparing for the event, and the challenge the Straits Course will present to the U.S. and European teams.

31. Career reflections with Dennis Lyon, CGCS Jul 21, 2021

On this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we chat with former GCSAA president Dennis Lyon, CGCS, about his long career in golf course management, his service to GCSAA and why retirement planning for superintendents is as important to long-term success as growing good turf.
This episode is presented in partnership with Bayer Environmental Science.

30. Troy Flanagan on a very special U.S. Women's Open at The Olympic Club May 27, 2021

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast features Troy Flanagan, the director of golf maintenance at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, the host course for this month's U.S. Women's Open. This will be a groundbreaking major championship for golf course maintenance as the volunteer crew will be made up largely of women turfgrass professionals, so we talk with Troy about this effort, overall preparations for the event and the club's new maintenance facility.

29. Brent LeBlanc and the Long Road Back from Hurricanes Laura and Delta Apr 27, 2021

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast features a conversation with Brent LeBlanc, the GCSAA Class A superintendent at the Country Club at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, La., who helped lead recovery efforts at not just one, but two golf courses following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Laura and Delta last year. LeBlanc spent a month working double duty at both the CC at the Golden Nugget and his previous course, Koasatti Pines Golf Course in Kinder, La., during clean-up from the storms that hit the Louisiana coast about five weeks apart last fall.

28. A Conversation with GCSAA President, Mark F. Jordan, CGCS Mar 11, 2021

The latest episode of the GCSAA Podcast features a conversation with GCSAA's 85th president, Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, the natural resource leader at Westfield Country Club in Westfield Center, Ohio. We talk about Jordan's path to a career in golf course management, his views on the state of the association and the golf course management industry, and his goals for the coming year as GCSAA and society maneuver their way through the waning days of the coronavirus pandemic.
You can read more about Jordan in the cover story of the March issue of GCM, available now at https://www.gcmonline.com/profession/people/news/mark-jordan-cgcs.

27. Chris Ortmeier and the aftermath of a December major Jan 03, 2021

In mid-December, Champions Golf Club in Houston played host to the U.S. Women's Open. The event was originally scheduled to be played in June, but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, making this the latest women's major in history. In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk with Chris Ortmeier, the director of agronomy at Champions GC, on what went into preparing for this very unusual event, and more importantly, how he and his team were managing the often-overlooked workload that comes with cleaning up after a major championship.
To read more about the 2020 U.S. Women's Open, check out Howard Richman's story at GCMOnline.com.

26. Women in Golf Course Management Oct 30, 2020

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast examines the growing role of women in the golf course management industry, and the obstacles and opportunities they face in finding a career in the business.
GCMOnline.com editor Megan Hirt talks with guests in three different roles in the industry — Tami Jones, who is the head superintendent at DeSoto Golf Club in Hot Springs, Ark.; Miranda Robinson, the assistant superintendent at Cordova Bay Golf Club in Victoria, BC; and Emily Braithwaite, a faculty research assistant in the turfgrass program at Oregon State University.

25. Christina Kim on life in the LPGA bubble and supporting superintendents Aug 28, 2020

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk with Christina Kim, one of the LPGA Tour's most colorful and outspoken players. We discuss life inside the LPGA's bubble, the steps she's taken to become a better player and a better person, the pluses and minuses of her openness and willingness to interact on social media and her burgeoning interest in agronomy and her respect for golf course superintendents.

24. Superintendent Alan FitzGerald on renovating during a pandemic Aug 12, 2020

Alan FitzGerald in the only golf course superintendent the members at LedgeRock Golf Club in Mohnton, Pa., have ever known, joining the club during construction 14 years ago. But that encyclopedic knowledge of the property and the club's members couldn't have prepared him for what took place earlier this year — a full renovation of the layout's par-4 17th hole during the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk with FitzGerald about his career, his background in golf course construction and renovation and this particular project, featured in the August issue of Golf Course Management magazine ("A very 2020 golf course renovation").

23. Giving back in golf with Justin Daigle and Jason Krogman Jun 18, 2020

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast features stories of giving back in the golf course management industry during the coronavirus pandemic. First, we talk with Justin Daigle from Perry Park Country Club in Larkspur, Colo., who with his family spearheaded an effort to obtain and donate personal protective equipment to first-responders in their part of Colorado (see this related story on GCMOnline.com). Then, we speak to Jason Krogman from Kitsap Golf and Country Club in Bremerton, Wash., who found himself on the receiving end of some good deeds when members at his club began to show up and help out with basic day-to-day maintenance on the course when the club was forced to temporarily reduce its staffing levels because of the pandemic.

22. Golf writer Gary D'Amato on working with (and for) superintendents Apr 28, 2020

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk with award-winning golf writer Gary D'Amato, senior writer with Killarney Golf Media and the website Wisconsin.golf. A longtime golf journalist who has covered more than 75 majors — including every Masters since 1993 — D'Amato talks about his recent story that chronicled his day volunteering on the maintenance team at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove, Wisc. ("Feeling super"), golf in the state of Wisconsin and how the coronavirus has impacted the industry there.

21. GCSAA's COVID-19 Online Town Hall Meeting Mar 30, 2020

In this era of concern and uncertainty for both the golf course management industry and society in general, this episode of the GCSAA Podcast shares the audio from an online town hall meeting focused on the impact of the coronavirus on the industry which took place March 23. This is clearly a fluid situation and some information shared here may have changed by the time you listen to this, but we still felt it was important to share this in this format.

20. A Conversation with GCSAA President John R. Fulling, CGCS Mar 11, 2020

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast features a conversation with 2020 GCSAA President John R. Fulling, CGCS. We discuss his career in golf course management, his volunteer service at both the state and national levels, his goals for his year in office and, of course, his love of music and his role as the drummer for the country rock band The Bronk Brothers. You can read more about Fulling in the cover story for the March issue of GCM magazine, available now. https://www.gcmonline.com/profession/career/news/john-fulling

19. Live from GIS 2020: Jeff Corcoran Jan 30, 2020

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast — recorded live at the 2020 Golf Industry Show in Orlando — features Jeff Corcoran, the manager of golf courses and grounds at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y. Corcoran talks about his long affiliation with Oak Hill, a club that has hosted 12 previous major championships and will play host to the PGA Championship in 2023, his career path to Rochester and why mentoring future generations of superintendents is so important to him.

18. Live from GIS 2020: Gil Hanse Jan 29, 2020

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast — recorded live at the 2020 Golf Industry Show in Orlando — features golf course architect Gil Hanse. The lead designer on the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who also oversaw the renovation of the West Course at Winged Foot Golf Club, site of this June's U.S. Open, Hanse talks about how he got into a career as a golf course architect, some of his most notable projects and his working relationship with golf course superintendents.

17. GIS-apalooza! A Comprehensive Guide to the 2020 Golf Industry Show Jan 11, 2020

In this very special, GIS-apalooza episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we go deep into the upcoming 2020 Golf Industry Show in Orlando (Jan. 25-30) with a host of GCSAA staffers closest to all the action. We talk with GCSAA's Jana Brown and Matt Brown about some of the changes and new innovations that will be front-and-center in Orlando (3:29). We dive into the more than 400 hours of educational opportunities with GCSAA's Shari Koehler (24:40). And we talk about the on-course action at the GCSAA Golf Championships with Jim Cummings (54:38).
There is still time to register to join us in Orlando, so head over to www.golfindustryshow.com for all the details.

16. Thom Nikolai, Ph.D., the "Doctor of Green Speed" Jan 05, 2020

Thom Nikolai, Ph.D. — the "Doctor of Green Speed" — is our guest on this episode of the GCSAA Podcast. The senior turfgrass academic specialist at Michigan State talks about his career path into golf course management, how he became interested in and established himself as an industry leader in putting green maintenance, green speeds and the benefits of lightweight rolling and his role in the annual Turfgrass Talk Show at the Golf Industry Show.
GCSAA members can receive .08 education points for listening to this episode of the podcast, so stay tuned to receive the event approval code at the end of the podcast.

15. GCSAA's Grassroots Ambassador Program with Michael Lee and Kyle Barton Dec 04, 2019

GCSAA's Grassroots Ambassador program is striving to match a GCSAA member with all 535 members of Congress (435 in the House, 100 in the Senate), and in this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk about the program and the association's overall government affairs efforts with Michael Lee, GCSAA's manager, government affairs, and Kyle Barton, the GCSAA Class A superintendent at Tam O'Shanter Country Club in West Bloomfield, Mich., who serves as a Grassroots Ambassador.

14. Curtis Tyrrell, CGCS, MG, and Bayer's Mark Clodfelter and Sean McNerney Oct 21, 2019

Curtis Tyrrell, CGCS, MG, the longtime head of golf course maintenance at Medinah Country Club, leads off this episode of the GCSAA Podcast. Tyrrell discusses his career, his time at Medinah — which included hosting the 2012 Ryder Cup — and his newest foray into online video and podcasting. Also in this episode is a Partner Profile conversation with Bayer's Mark Clodfelter and Sean McNerney about the company's new FlexSolutions program.

13. MVT winner Greg Neill and Bayer's Paul Giordano, Ph.D., and Mike Hirvela Sep 26, 2019

This episode of the GCSAA Podcast features an interview with the winner of this year's Most Valuable Technician Award — Greg Neill from Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Dallas at Las Colinas. It also features a Partner Profile conversation with Bayer's Paul Giordano, Ph.D., and Mike Hirvela about the company's Signature XTRA Stressgard line of fungicide products and a quick look into the crystal ball to see what superintendents might be facing for the rest of 2019.

12. Poa Is On The Way with Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. Sep 05, 2019

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we dive into the agronomic side of golf course management and talk Poa annua and control options available for superintendents in the Southeast and the transition zone with Jim Brosnan, Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. Brosnan provides a primer on issues facing superintendents at this time of year and advice on the best control options for Poa. He also provides observations on other challenges facing superintendents in 2019 and what might be ahead as we move into the fall and winter months.
This month's podcast is the first that offers GCSAA Education Points for association members who listen to the podcast. The approval code to receive the 0.05 education points is 999-22726-29999. You can record that code using the online Education Point Affidavit in the Submit Points area of the GCSAA website at www.gcsaa.org. By using the online affidavit, your education points will automatically populate your educational history. You can also call GCSAA at 800-472-7878 and submit the code by phone.

Ep. 11: A Conversation with Matt Shaffer Aug 12, 2019

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we revisit a conversation with Matt Shaffer, the longtime superintendent at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., that was originally recorded last fall. We talk about his storied career in golf course management, how the business has changed over the years and the things that are holding his attention after retirement (hint: it involves fishing).

Ep. 10: Equipment Managers Patrick Drinkard and Kayla Kipp Jul 03, 2019

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we go into the shop and talk with two of the industry's leading equipment managers — Patrick Drinkard from the Clubs of Cordillera Ranch in Boerne, Texas, and Kayla Kipp from Wisp Resort in McHenry, Md. We discuss the journey they took to their current positions, the challenges and opportunities facing golf course equipment managers and their roles on GCSAA's Equipment Managers Task Group.

Ep. 9: Assistant Superintendents Carol Turner and Phillip Fischer, and a conversation with Bayer's Patrick Burgess, Ph.D. May 31, 2019

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we dive into the world of assistant superintendents and talk with Carol Turner and Phillip Fisher, two members of GCSAA's Assistant Superintendent Task Group. Carol is the second assistant superintendent at Ladies Golf Club of Toronto, while Phillip is the assistant superintendent at Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, Ind. We also feature another of our Partner Profile conversations and talk to Bayer's Patrick Burgess, Ph.D., field development scientist.

Ep. 8: National Golf Day with Chava McKeel; LPGA Tour Agronomist John Miller Apr 22, 2019

On this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk with Chava McKeel, GCSAA's director, government affairs, about the 2019 National Golf Day in Washington, D.C., and the role golf course superintendents and GCSAA will play in the big event. We also have a conversation with John Miller, LPGA Tour agronomist, about his role with the LPGA, how he interacts with host superintendents, and his path to a career in turfgrass management.

Ep. 7: We Are Golf's Steve Mona and a Conversation with Bayer's Chenxi Zhang, Ph.D., and Paul Giordano, Ph.D. Apr 05, 2019

On this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk with Steve Mona, the executive director of We Are Golf and the recently retired CEO of the World Golf Foundation who spent 14 years as the CEO of GCSAA (1993-2008). We cover the state of the golf industry, Mona's recent job change and the upcoming National Golf Day activities. We also have a Partner Profile conversation with Bayer's Chenxi Zhang, Ph.D., product development manager, and Paul Giordano, Ph.D., Green Solutions Team specialist.

Ep. 6: San Diego Rewind, with SiriusXM's PGA Tour Radio and GCSAA TV Live Mar 05, 2019

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we feature interviews with some of the newsmakers from the 2019 Golf Industry Show in San Diego. "Katrek and Maginnes on Tap" from SiriusXM's PGA Tour Radio talks with Steve Gilley, the winner of the GCSAA National Championship. Then, in two interviews taken from the GCSAA TV Live stage, we talk to Mike Huck, the winner of the USGA Green Section Award, and two superintendents who led a popular session on mindful leadership in golf course management — Chris Tritabaugh and Paul MacCormack.

Ep. 5: The 2019 Golf Industry Show with GCSAA's Jana Brown and Matt Brown Jan 26, 2019

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk all things Golf Industry Show, which is set for Feb. 2-7 in San Diego, with Jana Brown, CMP, GCSAA's director, conference events and meeting planning, and Matt Brown, GCSAA's director, corporate sales. For more information on the Golf Industry Show, go to www.golfindustryshow.com.

Ep. 4: 2018 Year In Review with GCM's Howard Richman Dec 28, 2018

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, host Scott Hollister sits down with Howard Richman, GCM associate editor, to discuss the year that was in golf course management and what lies ahead in 2019.

Ep. 3: Larry Powell, the GCSAA Golf Championships and Trent Manning Nov 22, 2018

On this month’s episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk with Larry Powell, the superintendent at Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, as his family is the recipient of the 2019 Old Tom Morris Award. We also go inside the 2019 GCSAA Golf Championships with tournament director Jim Cummins and longtime participant Les Kennedy, CGCS. Finally, we catch up with Trent Manning, the equipment manager at Ansley Golf Club in Atlanta, Ga., and the winner of GCM’s 2018 Most Valuable Technician Award, presented in partnership with Foley United.

Ep. 2: The First Green, Carolinas GCSA Conference and Show and Matt Shaffer Oct 29, 2018

In this episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we go inside The First Green environmental education program with Leann Cooper (3:14), GCSAA’s senior manager, chapter services, and Steve Kealy, CGCS, from Glendale Country Club in Bellevue, Wash (27:23). We also talk to Tim Kreger, the executive director of the Carolinas GCSA, about the chapter’s upcoming conference and trade show and what was a trying 2018 for superintendents in that region, and wrap up with a conversation with industry legend Matt Shaffer, who retired last year after a long career in the industry, including almost two decades as the superintendent at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa (59:05).

Ep. 1: Introduction with CEO Rhett Evans, ELGA Awards Program and the Ryder Cup Sep 24, 2018

In the inaugural episode of the GCSAA Podcast, we talk with GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans about new association initiatives and Evans’ recent mountaineering excursion (07:09). We also talk about changes to the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards program with Mark Johnson, GCSAA’s associate director, environmental programs, and Gary Ingram, CGCS (29:55). Finally, we dive into the upcoming Ryder Cup with two GCSAA members who will be volunteering on the maintenance crew in France, Brian Gietka, CGCS, and Steven Murphy (54:51).

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