TN Turf Tuesdays

Our guest in this episode needs no introduction. We are joined by emeritus professor, Dr. Tom Samples. We’ll discuss his historic career in turfgrass extension, particularly the changes in pest management he observed in East, Middle, and West Tennessee over the years. Additionally, we’ll touch on his work with community sports fields and how fundamental agronomic and pest management practices can improve these areas for all.

A recent winner of “Renovation of the Year,” Lookout Mountain Club is a historic golf course property just outside of Chattanooga that was originally designed by Seth Raynor in 1925. In this episode, we are joined by Erik Guinther, CGCS, Director of Grounds at Lookout Mountain Club to discuss the challenges associated with managing bermudagrass atop a mountain – be it drought stress, winter injury, or pest management.

Located in Spring Hill, TN, FireFly Golf Club is a new golf course property designed by Andrew Green. In this episode, we are joined by August Rocco, Director of Golf Maintenance at FireFly Golf Club, to discuss how this original design was constructed to maximize turfgrass quality and minimize pest invasion.

Horticulture Extension plays an important role in supporting Tennessee’s evolving communities, where ornamental plants are often managed alongside turfgrass in residential, commercial, and golf course landscapes. In this episode, we are joined by Natalie Bumgarner, University of Tennessee Extension horticulture specialist, to discuss current seasonal issues affecting a wide range of ornamental plants, with a focus on pest management. The conversation highlights practical considerations for turf managers who also oversee ornamental areas, while offering a broader look at how Extension supports county agents, industry professionals, volunteers, and stakeholders across the state.

Athletic field management plays a key role in many Tennessee communities. In this episode, we are joined by Bill Marbet and Ryan Storey, two leaders in athletic field management. We’ll discuss current trends in turfgrass and pest management on playing fields used for sports such as football, soccer, baseball at all levels of play – from the county level to the pros!

One of only two superintendents inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame, David Stone had a legendary career managing turf in Tennessee. In this episode, we visit with David to discuss his career, as well as changes he’s seen in both turfgrass and pest management throughout the years. Additionally, we’ll touch on his thoughtful work at The Honors Course to manage turfgrass at the highest level while also prioritizing environmental sustainability.

Founded in 1901, Belle Meade Country Club holds a historic place in Tennessee golf. In this episode, new Director of Agronomy, Pat Rose, CGCS, joins us for an in-depth discussion about turfgrass management operations at Belle Meade. We will learn all about major events happening at Belle Meade over the next several years including the club hosting the United States Senior Women’s (2028) and Senior Men’s (2036) Amateur Championships.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. John Sorochan, Rhys Fielder, and Dillon McCallum from the University of Tennessee. Their team has been leading UT’s efforts in preparing surfaces for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. They’ll share what they’ve learned over the past year regarding management of turfgrass to optimize playing quality and reduce pest incidence, particularly in stadium environments.

In this session we are joined by John Jeffreys, Director of Agronomy at Pinehurst #2. One the nation’s most historic golf courses, John will provide a behind the scenes look at how surfaces were managed leading up to the 2024 US Open Championship. Additionally, we’ll discuss how the traffic associated with resort play affects pest management decisions on the golf course.

In this session we are joined by Dr. Jason Henderson and Victoria Wallace from the University of Connecticut. Since a pesticide ban was enacted in school grounds in 2010, Jason and Victoria have working to aid turfgrass managers in Connecticut navigate this issue. They will share lessons learned over the past decade regarding turfgrass managers’ response to this legislation.