Against The Grain

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

📲 Download the EGCSA App: Apple App Store Google Play Store

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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▶️ For Google Calendar:

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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.

👉 Click Here

In this episode of Against the Green, hosts Gabe and Dave bring humor and updates

• 🎄 Holiday Hijinks: Christmas Minions and car-buying adventures.
• 🛠️ Industry Updates: Big changes to pesticide licensing and chemical labeling
• 💰 Making an Impact: Learn how much was raised for the Golisano Children's Hospital.
• 📅 Upcoming Events: Get the scoop on the Dinner Meeting, Spring Symposium, and POA
• 🐊 A Gator Chomp Moment: You'll have to hear it to believe it!

Whether you're here for the laughs or to stay ahead of the latest industry news, this episode is a must-listen.

Gabe and Dave kick off the holiday spirit in this festive Against the Grain episode! They chat about the upcoming Christmas event, GC Horn updates, BMP Facility Manuals, Christmas lights, and some hilarious Elf on the Shelf antics. A fun, quick listen!

Support Golisano Children's Hospital through our 50/50 Raffle! Here

Register For the GC Horn Here

Create Your BMP Facility Manual Here

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Have questions or feedback? Reach out here

Adam Garr went from fixing ball marks to transforming golf course communication as the founder of Course Cares.

In this episode, he shares how Course Cares produces custom content like team recruiting videos, member updates, drone flyovers, and educational series on course etiquette. Discover how creative storytelling can lighten the load for golf course staff while keeping members informed, teams motivated, and courses looking their best.

Get into the Halloween spirit with this special episode of Against the Grain! Join Gabe and Dave as they chat about last-minute costume ideas, candy favorites, and plans for spooky celebrations. Gabe and Dave keep it light from neighborhood parties to haunted plans, sharing a few laughs and prepping for the Halloween season.

Plus, they share some exciting updates on upcoming events for the Everglades Golf Course Superintendent Association. Tune in for a quick, fun conversation!