In this special dual podcast, Kevin Hicks and Brent Downs, CGCS MG, dive into their journeys in golf course management, career transitions, and a current course renovation project. They also explore woodworking as a creative outlet beyond the turf, sharing stories of tools, safety lessons, and the value of mentorship throughout their careers.

Hear insights from two voices in the golf industry as they discuss turf management, superintendent life, and the connections that shape their work. Featured on both the EarthWorks Podcast and The Low Downs.

Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Grass can take more! This week’s guest, Gage Knudson, keeps the turf at BMO Stadium—home of LAFC—in top form all year long. Right now, he’s juggling concerts in the middle of soccer season, plus on-field video shoots, because in Hollywood the action never stops. Hear how Gage and his crew execute a precise agronomic plan to keep the field in premier condition, no matter what’s on the calendar.

Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

This week, we welcome back Tyler Bloom of Bloom Golf Partners, an executive search and business consulting firm. Tyler began his career as a golf course superintendent, managing turf across several courses in the mid-Atlantic. Five years ago, he launched his company to help golf course managers improve recruitment strategies. Since then, Bloom Golf Partners has grown rapidly, expanding its focus beyond staffing to include broader business consulting services.

In this episode, we dive into a recent project Tyler developed with Pat Jones from Flagstick LLC—the Golf Course Superintendent Employment Trends Study: Assistant Superintendents. This must-read report is available for free at www.bloomgolfpartners.com.

We spend time exploring the survey’s findings, particularly the generational differences in work habits and values. One standout insight: assistant superintendents rated soft skills—leadership, communication, and business knowledge—as four times more important than agronomic expertise. The study also highlights ongoing concerns around work and life balance, long hours, anxiety, and low compensation as key barriers to employee retention.

Ultimately, the conversation reinforces the need for leadership and communication training as essential tools for superintendents who want to build strong, loyal teams. The survey found that 60% of assistant superintendents are fully committed to making this their long-term career. It’s a fascinating discussion—and one that’s well worth your time.

Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Back by popular demand, we welcome Mr. Lawrence Mayhew—chemist and humic substance specialist—to talk about the biology of thatch. Thatch is the result of an imbalance in the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio within the soil profile, often caused by the overuse of synthetic nitrogen. It can restrict air and water movement through the turf, fails to provide a usable carbon food source for microbes, and does not support a strong playing surface.

Lawrence begins our conversation with a review of what constitutes a good humic acid and why these substances are so important. However, the core focus of this podcast is the biology of thatch in turf systems and how we can biologically digest long-chained, ligneous carbon material into a usable carbon form known as humus.

He breaks down the three stages of thatch—the green, brown, and dark carbon layers commonly found in turf systems. The dark carbon layer is the most beneficial and can only be achieved through microbial digestion and the production of specific enzymes critical to this process.

As always, it’s a fascinating discussion packed with valuable information for anyone growing grass or cultivating any horticultural product. The chemistry, physics, and biology behind thatch digestion are complex, but with the right biological system in place, the turf industry is witnessing a shift away from mechanical aerification toward a natural process. The result: a healthier environment and a significantly easier life for turf managers.

Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Louis Pitcock, Golf Course Superintendent, Avalon Golf Club joins us on the podcast to share innovative strategies for managing the demands of 300-round days during an endless summer. How does he keep both the turf and crew performing at a high level? His unique approach offers several insights you won’t want to miss.

Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Joel Simmons and Jack Higgins catch up with our friend—and returning EarthWorks Podcast guest—Walter Pritchett, Superintendent at Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Walter recently hosted the ISCO Championship at his course, where Jack had the chance to volunteer. In this episode, Walter shares insights on the prep, the pressure, and the payoff of managing his first PGA tournament.

If you're not familiar with Hurstbourne CC, it's one of Louisville’s hidden gems—steeped in history and known for its exceptional design. Walter discusses what it took to get the course championship-ready and credits Biological Soil Management and EarthWorks products as key to a smooth and successful week.

One player summed it up best: “I thought we were coming to play an off-week tournament in Kentucky—but it felt like a U.S. Open!” With 5-inch rough and small, firm greens, the course demanded precision and finesse. The tournament ended in dramatic fashion with a first-time champion firing a Sunday 61 to win by a stroke.
This episode is full of agronomic insight, tournament prep tips, and great turf talk—don’t miss it! A great conversation with a lot of agronomic and tournament prep ideas great fun for any turf manager.


Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

Herons Glen Golf & Country Club, located in the Fort Myers area of Florida, is a high-traffic public facility with over 55,000 rounds of golf played annually. That alone is a big responsibility for any golf course superintendent—but add in 1,300 homes around the property, all of which rely on the course's irrigation system, and the job becomes even more complex. That’s the daily reality for Tim Kortanek.

We met Tim last year at a Soil First Academy event at John Riley’s property on Longboat Key. Since then, he’s become a strong advocate for Biological Soil Management. His results speak volumes: a significant reduction in ligneous organic matter buildup, fewer aerifications needed, and organic matter that now works for him—not against him. On a course with his level of play, eliminating even a few closures for aerification is a major win.

Tim also reports a noticeable drop in nematode damage and significantly lower nematode counts since he began feeding his soil. Like any successful superintendent, Tim has fostered a strong team culture. He recently secured additional budget for a renovation project that included upgraded drainage and irrigation. He also persuaded management to hire retirees as part-time morning crew—offering free golf as an incentive.

This interview is full of valuable insights that any turf manager can learn from.

Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

If you're looking to learn a methodical, consistent—and surprisingly peaceful—approach to greenkeeping, this episode is for you. Dave Wood gets the job done with a smile, and Stockton University's greenkeeping success has earned international recognition. After hosting Brazil’s CR Flamengo—one of the world’s most popular sports franchises—Stockton is now a sought-after training base for the 2026 World Cup in North America. You'll enjoy meeting Dave and hearing the key tips and insights he shares on growing cool-season turf, warm-season turf, and flowers.

Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

In this episode, Charlie Aubry, Director of Agronomy at East Lake, discusses his early career, East Lake’s renovation, and year-round preparation for the Tour Championship. He shares insights on turfgrass choices, design considerations, community involvement, and what makes the course’s conditioning world-class—plus some personal favorites in a lightning round.

Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/

On this episode of the EarthWorks Podcast, step back into the early days of the United States. We visit Liberty Hall Museum in Union, New Jersey, adjacent to Kean University and once home to a founding family, including a signer of the Constitution and the first elected governor of New Jersey. Kayla Doyle, Curator of Archives, sets the stage with historical context before Megan Couch, Assistant Director of Grounds, and Jeff Eckert, Director of Buildings and Grounds, join us for a lively discussion about the museum’s beautiful plants and grounds. From heirloom varieties to special garden features, they share what makes this historic farm so unique.

Visit EarthWorks at:  https://www.earthworksturf.com
Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/
2 Minute Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/