Walking the Fairways is the news segment of the podcast where I keep you up to date with happenings on golf courses around Australia including who is doing redesign works, new construction updates, which golf clubs are improving their golf courses, and any new architecture updates.

On this episode I make a announcement of something new that I'm supporting in 2025 that we need your help with, and I also have friend of the podcast Nadeem join me to give you an update on a new resource that is available to the greenkeeping industry.

Come along with me as we traverse the country and get you up to date!

People, places and things mentioned in this podcast:

For the book - Biology and Integrated Management of Turfgrass Disease, send an email to Nadeem directly at [email protected]

Behind the Turf Podcast

John Deere Women in Turf Program

Webex Players Series

Cobram Barooga Golf Club

The Western Australian Golf Club

Royal Fremantle Golf Club

Wanneroo Golf Club

Busselton Golf Club

Mollymook Hill Top Golf Course

Mallacoota Golf Club

Maleny Golf Club

Lakelands Golf Club

Kyneton Golf Club

Strathallan Golf Club

Hanse Golf Course Design

MacKenzie & Ebert Design

Crafter + Mogford Golf Strategies

Ryan Van Der Veen Design

Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest ⁠⁠⁠J⁠ohn Deere dealer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠deere.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

There aren't many people who can say they have worked at the one place for nearly 40 years, and there are less people that can say they've worked at the one golf club for nearly 40 years! Idris Evans is one of those very few people that CAN say they have!

Idris is Superintendent at The Western Australian Golf Club in Perth, WA. From a cricket loving background Idris found his way into golf greenkeeping as it was a job that gave him time to practice his cricket at a young age. Growing up in Darwin Idris made the move to Perth to further his potential cricket career before making the decision that cricket would only be a passionate hobby and greenkeeping would be his chosen career path.

Entering the greenkeeping industry at a young age, Idris would soon become a passionate and loyal team member of The Western Australian Golf Club where he would climb his way through the ranks, being mentored by some of the best in the west, before staking his claim in the role of Superintendent when the seat became available. His time as Superintendent began with a couple of significant projects on course which most people won't get to experience in their careers. As a passionate leader, Idris has built a passionate team at the WAGC which has helped produce a high quality golf facility with passionate members that punches above its weight given the smaller size of the golf course compared to it more well known neighbours.

Join with me for a great convo linking the east and west coasts over the phone as we dive into a remarkable greenkeeping career and get an insight into The Western Australian Golf Club.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

People and places mentioned in this podcast:

John Deere Golf - Women in Turf Program

2025 Women in Turf Initiative

The Western Australian Golf Club

Mount Lawley Golf Club

Lake Karrinyup Country Club

Joondalup Resort

Royal Perth Golf Club

The Vines Resort

The Cut Golf Club

Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club

Cobram Barooga Golf Club

Webex Player Series Murray River

Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest ⁠⁠J⁠ohn Deere dealer⁠⁠⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠⁠deere.com.au⁠⁠⁠ 

Glenn Stuart is Director of Courses at one of Australia's best golf facilities, Peninsula Kingswood, or PK as it's affectionately known.

Glenn was around good golf courses from a young age as you'll hear including the well regarded, regional Victorian, Leongatha Golf Club. When it came to getting full time work at the age of 17, Glenn put himself forward to a number of golf clubs, and as it would turn out, landed a job at the now former Kingswood Golf Club, which in recent years became one half of today's Peninsula Kingswood. Glenn was mentored by some of the greenkeeping industries brightest minds at a young age which would set him up to become a Superintendent himself for the first time at a young age at another well known Sandbelt golf course! Glenn continued his career as Superintendent throughout a number of Melbourne's best golf courses including preparing for some of the biggest tournaments held in Australia. Then came a new opportunity to take on a new role and the new Peninsula Kingswood, a merger of both Peninsula and Kingswood golf club's which entailed a rebirthing and redesign of Peninsula's 36 hole facility to create the new PK.

As you'll hear, this redesign was one enormous task that evolved during the process, and Glenn's insight into just what was involved to bring PK to life and how it is being maintained since, needs to be heard to understand another reason why I believe PK should be considered as one of the best golf facilities in Australia.

You are going to enjoy this interview, you are going to get a great deal out of this interview, you will consider your thoughts about PK after this interview, and you will be looking for a way to play PK after this interview!

Join me for one final ride in 2024 as we dive deep with Glenn into his incredible greenkeeping career and learn about PK like never before!

People and places mentioned in this podcast:

Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club

Leongatha Golf Club

Kingston Beach Golf Club

Riversdale Golf Club

The National Golf Club - Long Island Course

Woodlands Golf Club

The Metropolitan Golf Club

OCM Design

EP.95 Keeper of the Greens - Richard Forsyth (The Royal Melbourne Golf Club) on Apple

Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest ⁠⁠J⁠ohn Deere dealer⁠⁠⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠⁠deere.com.au⁠⁠⁠ 

The tables are turned for episode 100 of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast when I, Steve Smith, become the guest on my own podcast!

Join me as we wind up the fun factor for something very different where neither you, or I, know just what might happen!

People and places mentioned in this podcast:

The Golfing Greenkeeper Instagram

The Golfing Greenkeeper Facebook

Cranbourne Golf Club

EP.54 Keeper of the Green - Nico Douglas (Cranbourne Golf Club)

Wentworth Falls Country Club

Blackheath Golf Club

St Andrews Beach Golf Course

Kingston Heath Golf Club

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club

Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest ⁠J⁠ohn Deere dealer⁠⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠deere.com.au⁠⁠ 

Superintendent of Mudgee Golf Club, Jason Seis, is a 5th generation farmer from the local Mudgee/Gulgong region of NSW. Knowing what farming life was all about and being a golfer as a kid, Jason took an opportunity for some work experience at Mudgee Golf Club during his later school years. It was at this time that he found a liking to greenkeeping and what it was all about.

Fast forward to finishing school and Jason decided that he didn't want to work on the family farm but instead work as a greenkeeper. Without an apprenticeship available at the time, Jason was committed to his decision and put himself through the 1st year of greenkeeping at TAFE until he finally landed his apprenticeship at Mudgee Golf Club.

After completing his apprenticeship Jason was soon on a path to an Assistant Superintendents role away from the local Mudgee area for a few years before the family farm would soon come calling. Moving back home and working on the family farm for nearly 10 years, an opportunity arose with a vacant position of Superintendent at Mudgee Golf Club and this time it was the passion of greenkeeping that came calling.

Come for a journey with Jason and I as he gives us an insight into rural country life and greenkeeping in the Central West of NSW where it's hot and dusty, and 18 hole golf courses are separated by hours instead of minutes.

People and places mentioned in this podcast:

Mudgee Golf Club

Mudgee Wine Region

Doctor Doctor TV Show

Wentworth Falls Country Club

Bathurst Golf Club

Henbury Golf Club

Dubbo Golf Club

Royal Sydney Golf Club

ASTMA

Kingston Heath Golf Club is co hosting the Australian Open this year. I recently travelled to Melbourne and was fortunate to be given an opportunity to play a round at Kingston Heath.

In this episode of Walking the Fairways I want to give you an insight into just what I experienced and saw out on the golf course at Kingston Heath, along with giving you some things to look for if you're at the tournament walking the fairways, or watching it on TV.

I hope you enjoy this walk of a different kind.

People and places mentioned in this podcast:

Kingston Heath Golf Club

Royal Queensland Golf Club

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club

Cape Wickham Golf Links

Golf Australia Magazine Top 100

Australian Golf Digest Top 100

top100golfcourses.com World Top 100

Massey Ferguson 35x

Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. Check out the brand new ⁠⁠185 E-Cut⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠225 E-Cut⁠⁠ fully electric walk behind greens mowers from John Deere. Find your nearest ⁠⁠⁠⁠J⁠ohn Deere dealer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠deere.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ask for a demo.

Sophie Warren is a young upcoming female greenkeeper! Having recently received the Turf Management South Australia (TMSA) Graduate of the Year award Sophie has got the greenkeeping world at her fingertips.

Sophie is currently a 4th year apprentice and very soon to become a fully qualified greenkeeper at Glenelg Golf Club in Adelaide, South Australia. With a full course rebuild of Glenelg GC being conducted throughout her entire apprenticeship, Sophie is learning not only her trade, but she is being exposed to and learning many techniques and skills that few apprentices are afforded.

Having been the first ever apprentice I've interviewed on the podcast, I wanted to see how Sophie got into the trade of greenkeeping and find out what it is about greenkeeping that she enjoys so much. We dive into what she's experienced in the industry, not only at Glenelg Golf Club, but also being invited to be part of the John Deere Women in Turf Program, and volunteering at the Australian Open.

Sophie is a bright star of the future of greenkeeping and at the same time, a very down to earth individual. Come with us as we have a bit of fun and a laugh along the way and see just why this apprentice greenkeeper is enjoying her career so much!

People and places mentioned in this podcast:

Glenelg Golf Club

Glenelg Golf Club Course Enhancement Plan

Royal Adelaide Golf Club

John Deere Women in Turf Program

Cobram Barooga Golf Club

Webex Players Series Murray River

St Andrews Beach Golf Course

TMSA

St Vincent Gulf, South Australia

EP.75 Keeper Of The Greens - Tim Warren (Glenelg Golf Club)

Walking the Fairways is back in 2024 and what better way to do it than to give you an update as to just what is happening in Hobart, Tasmania after my recent trip there.

Come with me as I give you a glimpse into some of the newest golf course projects happening in Australia, along with a couple of local stalwart courses of Hobart that are worth visiting when you're in town!

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

People and places mentioned in this podcast:

7 Mile Beach Golf Course

Royal Hobart Golf Club

Llanherne Golf Club

Arm End Golf Course

Mat Goggin on The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast

Clayton Devries Pont

OCM Golf Design

Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. Check out the brand new ⁠185 E-Cut⁠ and ⁠225 E-Cut⁠ fully electric walk behind greens mowers from John Deere. Find your nearest ⁠⁠⁠J⁠ohn Deere dealer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠deere.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ask for a demo.

Richard Forsyth leads the team that maintain one of the greatest golf facilities on Earth, The Royal Melbourne Golf Club!

From a farming background on the outskirts of Melbourne, a young Richard took an opportunity as a apprentice greenkeeper at Riversdale Golf Club in Melbourne. He quickly acquired the taste for golf greenkeeping which included the overall landscape of the site and not just the turf.

A couple of appointments at golf resorts along the Murray River, including his first posting as a Superintendent, would set Richard up for the appointment as Superintendent at The Metropolitan Golf Club in Melbourne's famed Sandbelt region.

Richard's experience gained thus far in his career was becoming extensive and he was at home leading the team at Metro. However, when the seat was vacated at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Richard threw his hat in the ring and ultimately was bestowed the responsibility to hold the keys and lead the team of maintaining the hallowed MacKenzie/Russell designed 36 hole facility just as the 2011 Presidents Cup was knocking on the door!

Join with me as we ride with Richard throughout his greenkeeping journey before things get detailed and interesting as we talk about the inner workings of maintaining the Royal Melbourne golf courses. We discuss history, architecture, green firmness, the art and majesty of non uniform turf surfaces, philosophy of turf maintenance, and vegetation. We also discuss how Royal Melbourne is the sum of greater than its parts, and how, like that famous line out of the great Aussie movie The Castle, sometimes "it's the vibe" that is the indefinable quality of Royal Melbourne!

People and places mentioned in this podcast:

⁠The Royal Melbourne Golf Club⁠

⁠Riversdale Golf Club⁠

⁠Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort⁠

⁠Murray Downs Golf & Country Club⁠

⁠The Metropolitan Golf Club⁠

⁠Alister MacKenzie⁠

⁠Mick Morcom & Claude Crockford

Killara Golf Club is celebrating 125 years in 2024!

We pick up the Killara Golf Club story in 1932. This second part of the podcast sees the club navigate their way through the challenging time after the clubhouse has been gutted by fire. The Second World War has an impact on both the club and Australia, and moving into the 1960's the club was looking to upgrade the golf course with architect Commander John Harris.

Along with learning about the continued history of the golf club, this second part of the episode brings in a number of personal insights from the recent history of the golf club with a number of guests joining me throughout the story. These guests allow us to understand and see what goes on deep inside the golf club and just how Killara is functioning as a club and looking to move forward and plan for the future.

As we come to the completion of Killara Golf Club's story, I am also joined by Golf Course Architect Harley Kruse. Harley details his thoughts on just what his recent redesign of the golf course has delivered to the club and how it is setting the club and course up for the future.

Come and join me on this final part of this history podcast journey as I continue the deep dive to complete this amazing story of just what makes Killara Golf Club not only one of Sydney's greatest golf treasures, but also one of Australia's!

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

People and places mentioned in this podcast:

Killara Golf Club

NSW Golf Club

Prosper Ellis

Commander John Harris

Harley Kruse

Peter's Ice Cream clubhouse model

This two part podcast episode was a paid project in partnership with Killara Golf Club.