In this episode, we break down everything you need to know heading into POA Weekend, including the schedule, golf, Luau, meetings, app updates, text notifications, resort details, and a few helpful reminders along the way.

If you're attending, this episode should help you show up prepared, know where to be, and avoid missing the good stuff. If you're not attending, you'll still get a good feel for what makes the POA one of the best weekends of the year for the Everglades GCSA.

It's all the POA information you need, plus a few things you probably didn't ask for.

In this episode of Against the Grain, we're sharing Dr. J. Bryan Unruh's presentation from the 2026 GC Horn Seminar, Regulatory Readiness: How Florida Superintendents Can Prepare for New Environmental Rules. Dr. Unruh walks through the environmental and water quality issues shaping golf course management in Florida, including TMDLs, BMAPs, BMP implementation, certification requirements, nutrient management plans, and the reporting and recordkeeping superintendents need to be ready for.

It's a timely, practical session built to help golf course superintendents understand what is changing, what deadlines matter, and how to start preparing now. If you're trying to get ahead of new expectations around compliance, sampling, documentation, and nutrient management, this presentation gives a clear look at what is coming and what it means for Florida golf courses.

Resources & Links 📢 Download Dr. Unruh's Presentation Sign up for the latest events: www.EGCSA.GOLF Follow the Podcast on X : @evergladespod

In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe Gallo and Dave Meske catch up after the GCSAA Conference and Centennial celebration in Orlando, including highlights from Icon Park, the Florida gathering, and a few stories from the week. They also look ahead to what's coming up for the Everglades chapter, including the March 19 dinner meeting with GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans, the Spring Symposium, and the 55th POA Golf & Luau in May. Along the way, they cover a few POA format changes, registration reminders, and why now is the time to lock in your room. Resources & Links 📢 Sign up for the latest events: www.EGCSA.GOLF Reserve your POA Room: HERE Follow the Podcast on X : @evergladespod

In this episode, we sit down with current GCSAA President, T.A. Barker, CGCS to talk leadership from the superintendent's seat, and what it's like guiding the profession into a milestone year.

T.A. shares his roots in a multi-generation golf family, the real-world pressure of big infrastructure decisions (like tackling an aging irrigation system), and how he's tried to stay approachable while serving at the national level. The conversation also gets into career pathways, building a stronger pipeline, and why creating space for more women and new voices in the industry is not a side topic. It's the work.

Along the way, you'll hear stories from the road, a Ryder Cup moment that still makes him laugh, and a few behind-the-scenes notes on what the centennial year has planned.

If you care about leadership, team culture, and where the superintendent profession is headed next, this one's for you. Resources & Links 📢 Sign up for the latest events: www.EGCSA.GOLF Follow the Podcast on X : @evergladespod Follow T.A. on X : @TA_Barker_CGCS

In this episode, we recap Thanksgiving at home, talk about how the algorithm convinced us to butterfly a turkey, and laugh through a very underwhelming Black Friday run that did not go as planned. We also hit the important stuff: a sold-out Christmas Event, what's coming up on the Chapter calendar, and why you should grab your spot for GC Horn now.

Resources & Links 📢 Sign up for the latest events: www.EGCSA.GOLF Follow the Podcast 🐦 X (Twitter): @evergladespod

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

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

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.

Links & Resources:

✅ 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."