TurfNet Podcasts

In this episode of the Renovation Report presented by Capillary Flow and Golf Preservations, Richard Mandell of Richard Mandell Golf Architecture, speaks with Brad Klein about his approach to golf course design as well as the specifics about some of his most recent restoration and original design projects.

Mandell, whose experience has a linear connection to Donald Ross, talks about the elements (such as color, form, scale, shape, space and texture) and principles (balance, contrast, proportion, unity and variety) of golf course design and how each is applied to specific parts of the golf course.

In this discussion, Mandell goes in depth about his restoration work at drainage-plagued courses in Minnesota and Florida and how his design helps each naturally move water off the property. Finally, he discusses his plans for a new heathland-style golf course in North Carolina that will include removing and replacing all bunkers on the course with grass hollows.

Frank catches up with Mike 0’Keeffe who serves as Program Manager for The Ohio Program (TOP), Ohio State University's renowned international turfgrass internship program, a position he has held since 1990. A graduate of Warrenstown College in Ireland, Mike originally participated in the program himself as an intern from 1986-1988 before joining the staff. Under his leadership, TOP has become a globally recognized program that places 120+ international interns annually on some of the world's finest golf courses, helping young turfgrass professionals gain invaluable hands-on experience in the United States. Frank and Mike chat about the programs background, Mike’s passion for psychology and the secret to Ohio programs success—the people!

In this episode of Rising Stars of Turf, the spotlight is on Moe Robinson, arguably one of the most recognizable personalities in golf turf management today. Originally from Ontario and now residing in British Columbia, Moe recently tied the knot with Paul Robertson, longtime golf course superintendent at Victoria Golf Club. They are planning a larger ceremony -- to be officiated by Dave Wilber -- in the fall in back in Ontario with family and friends. She reflects on her journey in a male-dominated industry, highlighting the support from her mentors and her transition to a customer support role with Dave Wilber at TurfRad. Despite initial hesitations, Moe has embraced technology in turf management and is excited about her future contributions to the field. Throughout her journey, she emphasizes the importance of kindness, donuts and enjoyment in life. Moving forward, Moe will be taking on an additional role as contract on-camera personality for TurfNet.

Frank catches up with Gunnar Håkansson who serves as the General

In this episode of Wilber and McCormick, Dave and Peter discuss their experiences with life, health, and the turf industry while navigating personal challenges. Dave shares an update on his knee surgery recovery, highlighting the progress he's made and the pain he's managing. They also touch on the importance of socializing dogs, the value of training with e-collars, and the logistics of sensor deployment in turf management. The conversation shifts to cooking, particularly pizza-making, where they share techniques and personal anecdotes. The episode concludes with reflections on the turf industry and the role of technology in its advancement.

Frank chats with Chris Haspell, founder and president of Chris Haspell and Associates. Based in the UK, Chris specializes in golf course and sports turf consulting focused on end-to-end project management, construction and shaping services, grassing and grow-in expertise working with some of the biggest names in golf course architecture. Chris was involved in the 1990s with the Danish Golf Union and was one of the  “Sons of Golf” in Denmark when pesticides were banned for use. Chris developed his construction skills on projects from Castle Stuart to Les Bourdes in France, he took some time out of his schedule to sit down and chat about his career and managing fescue golf courses.

In this episode of the Renovation Report presented by Capillary Flow and Golf Preservations, Justin Mandon, superintendent at Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, California, discusses a 2023-24 restoration of greens and bunkers focused on recapturing as closely as possible Alister Mackenzie's original intent when he designed the course on the north side of Monterey Bay in 1929.

Mandon talks about the club's history from its opening and how it served as an inspiration for Bobby Jones to hire Mackenzie, who lived in a home on the 14th fairway, to design Augusta National Golf Club.

The discussion includes digging down several inches on each green to find the original contours, how the project helped reclaim numerous pinnable locations that had been lost over time and restoring bunkers to their original design (and numbers) thanks to aerial photography.

Scott Bordner, director of agronomy at the Union League of Philadelphia, discusses the organization's roots as a patriotic entity founded to support President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, and its transformation to a three-course club.

He also talks about the trajectory of his career that includes working as an assistant under Matt Shaffer at Merion Golf Club and a long tenure as superintendent at historic Chicago Golf Club.

Finally, Bordner talks about his efforts to help solve golf turf's labor challenges by helping raise funds to offset the cost of college for potential turfgrass majors and organizing educational training events for those already working in golf.