In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave sit down with Matt Taylor, CGCS, to talk about growing up in Naples before it became a golf hotspot, the unexpected path that led him from culinary school to turfgrass management, and what keeps him grounded after decades in the industry.

Matt opens up about mentorship, leadership, and the friendships that shaped his career — plus the surprising reason he keeps Christmas lights up all year and never misses a Hallmark movie night.

Guest: Matt Taylor, CGCS

Resources & Links 📢 Follow the Podcast 🐦 X (Twitter): @evergladespod 🌐 Website: EGCSA.GOLF

In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave are joined by the Triple Crown of Past Presidents, Darren Davis (GCSAA, Florida GCSA, Everglades GCSA), to preview how the GCSAA will celebrate its historic Centennial Anniversary. The celebration kicks off in February at the Conference & Trade Show in Orlando.

We also talk through his path at Penn State, the Loxahatchee Club, 33 years at Old Florida, how he was selected for the Centennial committee, and how smart social media and personal branding became part of his toolkit, along with practical advice for younger members to engage locally and with peers.

Guest: Darren DavisX (Twitter): @DarrenJDavisGCS

📢 Follow the Podcast 🐦 X (Twitter): @evergladespod 🌐 Website: EGCSA.GOLF

In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave sit down with Ralph Dain, South Atlantic Regional Representative for the GCSAA. Ralph shares stories from his years as a superintendent, including a stint in South Africa with Gary Player, how he got involved with the GCSAA, and what his day-to-day looks like now.

It's a great behind-the-scenes look at one of the most connected people in the industry. Guest: Ralph DainGCSAA South Atlantic Regional Rep X (Twitter): @GCSAA_SouthAtl

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Gabe Gallo hosts his first episode as Everglades GCSA President with Dave Meske. They extend a big thank you to outgoing President Dan Brooks for his extra year of service, discuss the new board lineup, and share highlights from the annual meeting at Saltleaf. They also look forward to the upcoming joint meeting at Calusa.

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✅ Everglades GCSA Website

✅ Saltleaf Golf Preserve

✅ Calusa GCSA on X

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Heat, high fives, and a hint of face paint—this episode brings you inside the 2025 POA Golf & Luau weekend at the Ritz‑Carlton Tiburón. Dave Meske and Gabe Gallo swap stories from two full days on the course, share why a four‑man scramble shaved precious minutes off Friday's round, and tiger stripes at the Luau. They shout out the board, partners, and Ritz staff for keeping everyone fed, hydrated, and happy.

Kick back, picture chips & guac by the pool, and catch the recap before planning starts for 2026. Follow us on Facebook and X, grab the EGCSA app for real‑time updates, and we'll see you "Against the Grain."

We're just 5 days out from the big POA Golf & Luau weekend, so we jumped on the mic for a quick (and slightly chaotic) rundown of everything you need to know.

From BMP classes and check-in times to how to score a free drink from Dave and where the Ladies of the POA event is actually happening this year—we've got you covered.

🎟 Sign up for the BMP Class: Register here

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Don't miss a thing—download the app, turn on notifications, and get ready. We'll see you at the POA!

In this episode, Gabe and David talk with John Reilly—aka TurfMonkeyBoy—about how he went from a psychology degree to running one of Florida's most progressive golf course operations. John shares the story behind his social media handle, why he's embraced electric equipment, and how data-driven turf management is reshaping the way superintendents approach tradition. They dive into why sharing both the wins and challenges online matters, how social pressure impacts the profession, and what tech might be overhyped. It's honest, insightful, and packed with fresh perspective.

Henry "Skip" Hines, Equipment and Facilities Manager at Royal Poinciana in Naples, joins Gabe and David to talk about winning the Edwin Budding Award and his decades of leadership in the industry. Skip shares how he helped start the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association, pushed for technician education, and helped shape today's technician certification through GCSAA. This one's packed with insight, industry history, and a few powerful personal moments you won't want to miss.

In this episode, hosts Gabe Gallo and David Meske sit down with Ryan Swilley, CGCS, Vice President of the Florida GCSA. They explore the latest trends in golf course management, the biggest challenges superintendents face, and practical strategies for maintaining high-quality turf conditions. Ryan shares his experiences, industry insights, and advice for golf course professionals looking to stay ahead.

🔹 The evolving role of superintendents 🔹 Tools and strategies for efficiency 🔹 Key industry challenges and solutions 🔹 Florida GCSA updates and upcoming events

Don't miss this conversation packed with real-world takeaways for golf course professionals!

Vice President, Florida GCSA 📩 Email: [email protected] 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-l-swilley-cgcs-60a0907 🐦 X (Twitter): @RLSwilley

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Big changes are coming for pesticide licensing and regulation! In this episode, we take you to the GC Horn, where Dr. Brett Wells Bultemeier breaks down the EPA's updated rules, how they impact licensing requirements, and what pesticide applicators need to do to stay compliant.

🔗 Tap the link below to access the presentation and all the links mentioned.

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