Turf Today

This week we're joined by Jim Pavonetti, longtime superintendent at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut. Fresh off receiving the President's Award for Environmental Stewardship from the GCSAA, Jim brings a wealth of experience, perspective, and leadership to the conversation.

What really stands out about Jim is how genuine he is. He's not only a highly respected superintendent, but also a proud father, husband, and someone who leads with authenticity every day. Throughout the episode, he shares some incredible stories from his career, along with plenty of laughs that make this one an easy and enjoyable listen.

We get into his journey in the turf industry, the importance of environmental stewardship, and what it takes to build a strong culture within a team. There's a lot of value in this episode for anyone in the industry, whether you're just getting started or have been around it for years.

Great stories, real insight, and a conversation that shows exactly why Jim is so well respected in the game.

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This week on Turf Today, we're joined by Marcus Harness, Superintendent at Sand Point Country Club in Seattle.

A longtime friend of the show, Marcus brings a wealth of experience from a career that's taken him through 10 different golf courses, starting from his early days growing up on a course to ultimately finding a place he now calls home.

Now in a leadership role, Marcus shares what it means to be the mentor he once looked up to, and reflects on the lessons, challenges, and stories that shaped his journey along the way.

We dive into career progression in the turf industry, leadership, and practical advice for those looking to climb the ranks. This episode is packed with insight, perspective, and a few great stories you won't want to miss.

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This week, we're joined by Will Haskett, broadcaster on PGA Tour Radio and author of The Science of Golf.

Will brings a unique mix of insight and storytelling as he walks us through his journey in golf media. From career highlights behind the mic to what really goes into a live broadcast, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at the game from a different perspective. This one hits close to home as Will and Brian are former roomates.

We also dive into Will's appreciation for the turf industry and the people who make the game possible every day. It's a thoughtful, professional conversation with someone who's deeply connected to the sport.

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This week on Turf Today, Adam and Brian sit down with Bubba Wright, Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge, one of the most unique and breathtaking golf destinations in the world.

Bubba's journey through the industry is nothing short of elite. From studying turf at Rutgers University, to interning at Pebble Beach Golf Links, spending time as an assistant at TPC Scottsdale, and eventually returning to Pebble Beach as a superintendent, his path has been built through some of the most iconic properties in the game.

Now leading the charge at Big Cedar Lodge, Bubba shares what it takes to manage a property of that scale, the vision behind the operation, and the people who helped shape his career along the way.

This episode dives into leadership, mentorship, and the passion that drives the turf industry forward. Bubba is the real deal, an incredible leader, a great person, and someone who represents everything good about this profession.

This is a must-listen episode and someone to get to know in the turf world.

This week on Turf Today, we sit down with Ryan Trudeau, Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Maidstone Club in New York.

Originally from Montreal, Ryan's journey into the turf industry led him through Penn State's renowned turfgrass program and into an internship at Maidstone, an opportunity that quickly turned into a career thanks to the club's strong culture and leadership.

In this episode, Ryan reflects on the mentors who have shaped his path, the impact of investing in others, and the importance of building a team-first environment. He also talks about volunteering at this year's upcoming U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills.

Fan-favorite Mark Prieur joins Adam as co-host for this conversation.

We'll be taking a short break next week, but Brian and Adam will be back with our Masters episode. Be sure to check out the Masters pool on the Turf Today Instagram for your chance to win prizes.

This week, Adam and Brian sit down with Riverbend Golf Club Superintendent Derek Williams, whose path into the turf industry is anything but conventional. A 14-year combat veteran of the U.S. Army and Purple Heart recipient, Derek shares a powerful story of resilience, transition, and rediscovery.

After years of service, Derek found something unexpected on the golf course, a sense of purpose, peace, and passion that ultimately led him into a career in turf management. His journey is a reminder that the road into this industry isn't always straight, but it often leads exactly where it's meant to.

This episode dives into the parallels between discipline in the military and life as a superintendent, the therapeutic side of the golf course, and how the turf industry continues to welcome people from all walks of life.

This week, we sit down with Brian Seltzer, a turfgrass student at Penn State who's right on the doorstep of his internship, and joining us live while volunteering at The Players Championship.

Brian's path into the turf industry isn't your typical one. Originally enrolled in mathematics and competing in NCAA downhill ski racing, he spent time out in Colorado living the ski bum lifestyle before eventually finding his way back to the golf course. That return sparked something and led him to pursue turfgrass management with a fresh perspective and serious passion.

We dive into his journey, the lessons he's picked up along the way, and what it's like getting hands-on experience at one of the biggest events in golf. Brian's story is a reminder that there's no one "right" path into this industry, just a willingness to jump in and get after it.

If you or someone you know is thinking about getting into turf, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

This week on the podcast, Adam and Brian sit down with Brian Chalifoux, the Golf Course Superintendent at Fort Wayne Country Club. Brian grew up on the golf course alongside his dad, who served as the club's Superintendent for many years. From early mornings riding around the course as a kid to eventually stepping into the Superintendent role himself, Brian's story is one deeply rooted in family and tradition.

In this episode, we talk about the unique experience of following in your father's footsteps, the lessons learned along the way, and the importance of mentorship and leadership in the turf industry. Brian also shares some incredible stories from growing up at the course and reflects on the balance between dedicating your life to maintaining great golf and remembering to carve out time to spend with family and actually get out on the course to play the game.

It's a conversation about legacy, family, and the people who shape our paths in this industry with plenty of laughs and great memories along the way.

Share this podcast with your friends in the industry and anyone who might find intrest in golf or turf. Don't forget to rate 5 stars and leave us a review.

In this episode, the boys sit down with Craig Kirby, Founder and CEO of Golf. My Future. My Game, for a conversation packed with purpose, passion, and plenty of laughs.

With more than 40 years of experience in politics and as a graduate of Harvard University, Craig brings a unique perspective to the game of golf. While he's long enjoyed playing, his appreciation for the craft of greenkeeping truly took off after visiting TPC River Highlands, an experience that opened his eyes to the people and passion behind the scenes.

Craig is on a mission to create greater access and opportunity in golf, working to bring more people of color not only into the game but into careers within golf course industry. His enthusiasm is contagious, and this episode reflects that energy from start to finish.

We talk family, leadership, finding your lane, and the importance of mentorship. Craig shares incredible stories from his journey and offers thoughtful insights for young people still searching for their path.

This is a fun, heartfelt episode with meaningful takeaways for anyone who loves the game... or believes in growing it the right way.

This week on Turf Today, The guys chat with a friend of many in this industry, Mark Jordan. Mark spent 36 years at Westfield Country Club, serving as Superintendent, General Manager, and Director of Agronomy. A rare combination of leadership roles that speaks to the trust, respect, and vision he brought to the property. From championship-level course conditions to leading teams and mentoring future industry professionals, Mark's impact runs deep.

A former President of the GCSAA, Mark shares powerful stories about leadership, mentorship, family life on the golf course and the lifelong friendships built through service and volunteering.

Now retired from daily golf course operations, Mark continues to shape the game through his work with the Ohio Collegiate Golf Tour, investing in the next generation of players and industry leaders.

This episode is about legacy, humility, and what it truly means to serve the game of golf. A conversation every turf professional, and anyone who loves the game, needs to hear. Please share the show with your friends and give the show five stars!