TurfNet Podcasts

Peter McCormick, founder of TurfNet, joins Joel Simmons for a candid conversation about retirement after more than three decades serving the golf course industry. Rather than focusing solely on finances, Peter shares the emotional transition of stepping away from a career that defined much of his life, the importance of completely disconnecting from work, and the unexpected relief that comes from simplifying life.

The discussion covers practical retirement planning, including maximizing retirement contributions, understanding Social Security, working with financial advisors, downsizing possessions, avoiding debt, and preparing financially long before retirement arrives. Peter explains how thoughtful planning gave him confidence that retirement could be something to enjoy rather than fear.

Beyond finances, Joel and Peter explore the psychological side of retirement, staying physically active, maintaining purpose, volunteering, mental health, and the value of letting go of possessions and responsibilities that no longer serve you. Peter also reflects on the meaningful relationships he built throughout his career and the touching retirement tribute organized by his family and industry friends.

Whether you're just starting your career or beginning to think about life after work, this episode offers honest advice about preparing for retirement while also reminding us that success isn't measured only by money, but by health, relationships, and living a life with purpose.

In this TurfNet Renovation Report podcast episode, host Brad Klein interviews Kurt Kuebler and Tom Wallace from KK&W consulting firm about the critical relationship between leadership and golf course excellence. The discussion explores how successful golf courses require strong leadership not just from superintendents, but coordinated efforts between general managers, golf professionals, and board governance. The guests emphasize that modern superintendents need skills beyond agronomy — they must be effective communicators, financial managers, and team builders who can educate boards and members about necessary investments. The conversation covers the evolution of golf course budgets, with renovation costs now reaching $25-30 million at high-end facilities, and the importance of proper dues structures to support quality operations. They discuss how clubs are increasingly focusing on dues revenue rather than outside events, and touch on innovative food and beverage models like Monterey Peninsula's cost-plus approach. Throughout, Kuebler and Wallace stress that great golf courses result from collaborative leadership teams that can build trust, communicate effectively, and make sound business decisions together.

This TurfNet Renovation Report episode features host Anthony Pioppi interviewing Dennis Hurley about his career and the evolution of golf course drainage. Hurley recounts his journey from a Kentucky upbringing and golf scholarship at Louisiana State University into insurance, chemical distribution, and ultimately founding his drainage company in 1985.

A key turning point was his adaptation of a construction material into what became the “waffle drain” (marketed as Turf Drain), which he helped popularize nationwide despite early business setbacks and industry skepticism.

Hurley also discusses broader trends shaping modern golf course management. There is increasing pressure from owners, players and revenue demands to keep courses open and playable even after heavy rain, unlike in past decades when closures were more accepted. This has driven demand for more advanced and intensive drainage systems, though tensions sometimes arise with architects who prioritize aesthetics over functionality. Hurley concludes that while perfect drainage is impossible, the goal today is to minimize downtime and maintain consistent playing conditions in an industry with far less tolerance for weather-related interruptions.

In this episode of the TurfNet Renovation Report, host Brad Klein interviews golf architect Matt Schiffer about his career path from civil engineering to golf course design.

Schiffer discusses his transition into the profession through a master's degree in Scotland and his subsequent work with various design offices.

The conversation covers the importance of sustainable golf design, his work with the Golf Environment Organization, and how golf courses can act as biological assets.

Schiffer shares insights on successful renovations, such as his work at Dearborn Country Club and Carlisle Barracks, emphasizing the need for efficient bunker patterns and courses that are accessible to a wide range of skill levels.

He also explores industry trends including the rise of shorter, non-traditional courses and the increasing investment in irrigation infrastructure.

Frank caught up with Ross Niewola, consulting agronomist based in Washington serving the Pacific Northwest for the United States Golf Association.

Frank and Ross discuss his career aspiration of being an agronomist after working all across the continental United States.

Lots of good chatter about communication with golfers and staff, having course care happen in cooperation with golfers not just what happens to them, and preparing and working on championships. Ross brings a wealth of experience in discussions about water and using data.

The PNW is in good hands.

Frank had a chance to catch up with his former graduate student Dr. Carson Nesbella, whose path has taken him from golf course crews and high school ag classrooms to Penn State, the USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program, and now Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

They talk about Carson’s roots in turfgrass and agricultural education, his Cornell work using environmentally responsible golf courses as living classrooms, the growth of ag education and FFA, the National Turfgrass Science Invitational, First Tee, workforce development, adult learning, and why the future of golf course labor may depend as much on teaching and mentorship as agronomy.

This episode of TurfNet Renovation Report features an in-depth conversation with Ken Mangum, former director of golf courses at Atlanta Athletic Club and current vice president of strategic growth for Bladerunner Farms.