Join host Gary Firkins and Sandy Reid, Director of Greenkeeping at St Andrews Links Trust, in this episode of the Changing the Business of Golf Podcast. With over three decades of experience, including managing the historic 150th Open Championship, Sandy shares valuable insights into how the industry can build a sustainable future.

Join host Gary Firkins and Sandy Reid, Director of Greenkeeping at St Andrews Links Trust, in this episode of the Changing the Business of Golf Podcast. With over three decades of experience, including managing the historic 150th Open Championship, Sandy shares valuable insights into how the industry can build a sustainable future.

Learn how the Home of Golf is leading the way in sustainable practices and discover actionable strategies for golf courses to attract the next generation of greenkeepers. Sandy discusses initiatives such as working with local schools and apprenticeships, which help to highlight the importance of the greenkeeper's role on a golf course and address the industry's labor shortages.

He also shares valuable insights into the automation technology his team has embraced across their seven courses, providing practical advice on how greenkeepers with limited budgets can implement innovative solutions to improve turf performance.

In 25 minutes, find out…

- How to better attract young people into greenkeeping

- How embracing innovation and automation can reduce costs while enhancing turf performance.

- Why the industry needs to ‘think big’ with sustainability

Tune in to explore how the the business of golf can build its sustainable future today.

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Welcome to Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries.

To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com

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Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:

X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

In this episode of the Changing the Business of Golf Podcast, host Gary Firkins is joined by Beth Guertal, Ph.D, Project Director of the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab (SIIL) at Kansas State University.

From growing up on her childhood family farm to becoming one of the leading researchers in the turfgrass field with more than three decades of expertise, Beth reveals the ways in which golf course businesses can demonstrate their true value to the environment and reshape the perception of the sport’s sustainability.

In this insightful conversation, Gary and Beth explore…

- How golf courses can position themselves as value-added ecosystems

- The importance of continuous professional development for industry professionals

- Communicating golf’s true environmental sustainability story.

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Welcome to Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries.

To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com

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Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:

X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

Welcome to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast from Syngenta Golf. Each episode, we speak to industry leaders, sustainability experts and superintendents to identify three actionable changes to shape golf’s future.

In this episode we are joined by Keith Wood, Director of Greens and Grounds at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. Keith speaks with us in the run up to hosting the 2025 PGA Championship, the second time the club has hosted the event. He tells us about the immense efforts required from his crew and volunteers to ready the course, and the important role team culture plays.

In a wide-ranging discussion, Keith outlines his three changes to host Gary Firkins, including:

- How he believes creating an inclusive team culture is key to success

- Highlighting the importance of urban golf course green spaces

- Why there is a pressing need to invest more to attract and retain turf professionals

Welcome back to Syngenta’s Changing the Business of Golf podcast, now with a new name and refreshed format. Each episode, we speak to industry leaders, sustainability experts and superintendents to identify three actionable changes to shape golf’s future.

In this episode, Greg Nathan, President & CEO of the National Golf Foundation (NGF), sits down with host Gary Firkins to discuss the critical changes golf clubs and courses can make to boost customer retention and reposition golf as a more accessible, growth-oriented sport, backed by NGF’s groundbreaking data.

In 35 minutes, you’ll learn:

- How and why golf businesses should sell golf like any other product

- Radical Hospitality: A proven framework to increase retention

- The ROI of free 10-minute golf lessons – converting casual interest into committed players.

Plus, a BONUS change, where Greg reveals the one question golf club staff should be asking to help attract and retain customers.

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Useful Links:

National Golf Foundation: https://www.ngf.org/

Golf & Social Media: The Great Divide: https://www.syngentagolf.com/sites/g/files/kgtney646/files/media/document/2023/02/08/Golf%20%2B%20Social%20Media%20The%20Great%20Divide.pdf

Follow our guest:

Connect with Greg Nathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-nathan-6381239/

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Welcome to Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries.

To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com

Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:

X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

In the latest episode of the Growing Golf podcast, we welcome Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf.

Jonathan’s journey in golf began at a young age, where he experienced firsthand how the game could positively impact mental, physical, and social well-being. After later earning a degree in Geography and Sustainable Development from the University of St Andrews, Jonathan’s commitment to golf’s sustainability mission took root.

Today, Jonathan and the GEO Foundation are one of the only global organisations solely dedicated to the mission to inspire, support and reward credible sustainability action and to strengthen and promote golf’s social and environmental value.

Jonathan believes golf courses have a unique role in promoting nature restoration, improving resource efficiency, cutting carbon emissions, and creating social value. He calls on golf clubs to act now, warning that failure to do so could threaten long-term success.

"You've got to go out there and tell people what you're doing, what your commitments are, what your actions are and what results you're generating," says Smith.

Speaking to host Gary Firkins, Smith also addresses the perception that sustainability is costly for many clubs. He notes that by tapping into GEO Foundation's free OnCourse program, they can find a range of no-cost, low-cost and cost-saving solutions to get started.

He also highlights potential for grant funding or public and private partnerships if clubs can align their sustainability goals with those of their community.

"The biggest success we see with clubs is where they make sustainability integral to their overall decision-making," he added.

Tune in to learn more about Jonathan’s journey into the industry, and how golf clubs can successfully balance the needs of people, planet and profit.

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Useful links:

GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf: https://sustainable.golf/

Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/sites/g/files/kgtney646/files/media/document/2023/06/27/Golf%2BSocial%20Media%20Sustainability%20%281%29_0.pdf

Follow our guest:

Connect with Jonathan Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-smith-52408414/

Welcome to Syngenta Golf, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries.

To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com

Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:

X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

In this episode of the Growing Golf podcast, host Gary Firkins sits down with John Clarkin, founder of international agronomy consultancy, Turfgrass.

With a career spanning five decades, John has established a strong reputation as one of Europe’s leading golf course development and management advisors, blending his lifelong passion for golf with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The pair explore the delicate balance between maintaining the environmental and economic sustainability of golf courses, highlighting the importance of preserving quality while ensuring long-term viability.

John also highlights the critical turf challenges facing the industry today, and how working with organisations such as GEO can help clubs promote the environmental benefits of golf.

Elsewhere, John shares compelling stories from recent high-profile projects, including how Turfgrass has transformed Adare Manor into an environmentally sustainable Ryder Cup venue, and the innovative water management systems at Italy’s prestigious Castiglion del Bosco.

Throughout the episode, John reflects on his personal journey in the golf industry, his deep-rooted passion for sustainable development, and the exciting future of Turfgrass.

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Useful Links:

Turfgrass: https://www.turfgrass.golf/

Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/golf-ind...

GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf: https://sustainable.golf/

Follow our guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-clarkin-8544a419/

Welcome to Syngenta Golf, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries.

To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com

Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:

X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

In this episode, we welcome Bri Kenny, Manager of Environmental Science at Troon Golf, to the show. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bri is a Biologist and Naturalist, and a leading voice on golf and sustainability.

Host Gary Firkins sits down with Bri to explore the meaning of sustainability in today's world and discuss whether the sport of golf can truly embrace sustainable practices.

Bri shares a personal story about her first experience on a golf course, an eye-opening moment that challenged her previously negative perceptions about the sport.

The conversation also delves into the pressing issue of water scarcity in Arizona and the impact it has on golf courses in the region.

Plus, Bri highlights the importance of the Arizona Alliance for Golf, a coalition dedicated to educating the public on the socio-economic and environmental benefits that golf courses bring to local communities. The alliance advocates for the continued growth of the game while promoting environmental awareness throughout the state.

Tune in to learn how golf can be part of a sustainable future and what steps are being taken to balance the needs of the environment, people and business.

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Useful links

Troon Golf: https://www.troon.com/

Arizona Alliance for Golf: https://azallianceforgolf.org/

Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports

Follow our guest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bri-kenny-5a4a4647/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/biolobrie

Welcome to Syngenta Golf, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries.

To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com

Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:

X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

In this episode, Chief Executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) Jim Croxton, joins host to Gary Firkins to discuss the evolving challenges faced by turf professionals.

They discuss the golfing boom during the pandemic and how more people playing the game more often is impacting greenkeepers.

Jim outlines the urgent challenges golf courses face when it comes to water availability and use, and how the industry needs to come together to find solutions and communicate.

Plus, the pair discuss concerning findings about the mental health and wellbeing of turf professionals and how BIGGA is helping its members overcome work-related stress.

We also learn about Jim's upbringing and how he learned all aspects of golf course management from the time his father took over Cold Ashby Golf Club in Northamptonshire, England during his childhood.

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Useful links

British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA): https://www.bigga.org.uk/

BIGGA's Mental Health Resources for Greenkeepers: https://www.bigga.org.uk/resources/mental-health.html

Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports

Follow our guest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-croxton-b2175316/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/JimCroxton

Connect with us:

Web: https://www.syngentagolf.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends in the golf community. Don’t forget to subscribe to Growing Golf for more inspiring stories and industry insights!

Thank you for tuning in to Growing Golf. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the people, stories and strategies that are shaping the future of golf.

In today's episode, we are joined by Gina Rizzi, President of Radius Sports Group, a sustainability consulting firm based in Reno, Nevada. Gina advises golf courses, organizations and governing bodies on how to manage their environmental, social, and economic impacts. She has also played a key role in developing numerous Best Management Practices (BMPs) guides across various states in the US, providing golf course superintendents with essential templates for environmental stewardship.

Speaking with host Gary Firkins, Gina addresses the industry's response to growing criticism online about golf's environmental impact. Recorded live at the GCSAA Conference in Phoenix, the discussion begins with the hot topic of water usage in Arizona.

We also discuss:

- How the golf industry can address social media criticism and tackle misinformation

- The role superintendents have to play in environmental stewardship and educating the wider public

- The real value of golf courses - to their environment, society and local economy

We also hear about Gina's background in Michigan, where she developed a deep appreciation for the environment that continues to fuel her passion for sustainability in golf today.

Useful links

Radius Sports Group: https://www.radiussportsgroup.com/

GCSAA Best Management Practices (BMPs): https://www.gcsaa.org/environment/bmp-planning-guide/best-management-practices

Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports

Follow our guest

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginarizzi/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/GDRizzi

Connect with us:

Web: https://www.syngentagolf.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-golf/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/syngentagolf

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends in the golf community. Don’t forget to subscribe to Growing Golf for more inspiring stories and industry insights!

Thank you for tuning in to Growing Golf. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the people, stories and strategies that are shaping the future of golf.

In this episode of Growing Golf, we sit down with Karen Proctor, Sales Director - Head of APAC for Textron Specialized Vehicles in Asia.

Karen shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Saudi Arabia to becoming a vocal advocate for women leaders in the golf industry.

Now based in Singapore, she brings a wealth of international experience and a passion for leadership and diversity.

We discuss:

- Karen’s early life and international background: Karen's upbringing in the Bahamas, Saudi Arabia, and England, and how it shaped her global perspective.

- Career Beginnings: Her initial steps into the hospitality industry, working in hotels, and her unexpected transition into the golf sector.

- Challenges and Growth: The early challenges Karen faced, her approach to leadership, and her development into a confident industry leader.

- Gender Diversity in Golf: Karen’s experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field, the importance of representation, and her advocacy for diversity in the workplace.

- Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI): Insights into the dedicated leadership program and its impact on young professionals in the golf industry.

- Mentorship and Networking: The significance of mentorship in Karen's career and practical advice for young professionals looking to advance in the golf industry.

Useful links

McKinsey: How Inclusion Matters: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters

‘Greater visibility of golf careers needed’: https://www.syngentagolf.com/greater-visibility-golf-careers-needed

Follow our guest:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-proctor/

Connect with us:

Web: https://www.syngentagolf.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-golf/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/syngentagolf

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends in the golf community. Don’t forget to subscribe to Growing Golf for more inspiring stories and industry insights!

Thank you for tuning in to Growing Golf. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the people, stories and strategies that are shaping the future of golf.