TurfNet Podcasts

In Round 14 of Wilber & McCormick, Tag Team Unscripted, Dave relates his progress (and challenges) with getting used to a new knee. Peter finally had occasion to get on an airplane for a family wedding, and enjoyed the niceties of sitting up front in the "fat seats".

After comparing notes on (in Peter’s case, not watching) The Masters, the guys dig into some new turf technology in the form of the Ecorobotix AI-based precision sprayer.

They wind up with a chat about a recent X thread on work/life balance and changing culture in the workplace.

In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, Willy is forced to wear a Mindfulness Monitoring Device if he wants to retain his life insurance. After exposure to several thousand watts of Mindfulness, Willy delivers a solution to the Resort Workforce Dilemma, a problem that continues to agitate Golf Course Superintendents. In Storytime, Willy tells the tale that reveals why he became so goofy.

Frank got a chance to catch up with Andy Magnasco, Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Grounds at Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel Valley, CA about his career development and how he arrived in his current role - a second stint at the Ranch. We discussed the many and varied projects from Bentgrass putting surfaces on the golf course to fire prevention for land management and yoga platforms that enhance the guest experience. Andy is among the most thoughtful turfgrass professionals I have had the opportunity to chat with and listening to this podcast will likely inspire others to take on the many challenges that are offered at any golf course!

Josh Smith took an unconventional route to Orinda Country Club in Orinda, California, where he has been superintendent for the past decade.

A competitive golfer at St. Mary's College in Moraga, California, the Oregon native worked as an aspiring golf course architect before finally getting into golf course maintenance.

It was while working at the California Golf Club of San Francisco when he attended the two-year program at Rutgers University, which provided him with the skills needed to become a head superintendent.

Smith also has interesting side hustles that include painting golf course portraits and co-ownership in a company the fashions carry bags for golfers from flags.

In Round #13 of Wilber and McCormick Unscripted, the conversation delves into personal growth and health challenges, including an upcoming knee replacement surgery for Dave and "third time's the charm" for Peter's journey into ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. The conversation segues into synchronicities of connection with friends, and music as a source of joy, community and hope. Peter's surprise introduction to the music of Jacob Collier and Rockin'1000 serves as a source of inspiration and connection, illustrating the power of music in healing.

Carlton Henry was well prepared when he earned his first head superintendent position three years ago at Dedham Country and Polo Club just outside Boston.

A native of New York, Henry first prepped at golf courses in his home state, home to the nation’s strictest pesticide regulations. A graduate of the Rutgers turf program, he eventually spent several years working for another Rutgers product, John Zimmers, at both Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh and later the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

As an AIT at Oakmont, Henry was part of a team that oversaw the 2016 U.S. Open and completed many changes and upgrades to the historic Henry Fownes design that is a regular USGA stop. 

While at Inverness, the historic Donald Ross design underwent significant changes, including an Andrew Green-led restoration and a major tree-management project. During the Covid plagued 2020 golf season, the team at Inverness held an LPGA Tour event with barely a month’s notice.

Listen as Carlton discusses how his well-rounded past helped prepare him for his role at Dedham as he ushers the course into the future.

In this episode of the Renovation Report, golf course architect Tyler Rae of Tyler Rae Design talks about his route into architecture that began with years of experience working on a golf course maintenance crew.

The discussion proceeds to include starting a design firm in the midst of a recession with no work on the horizon, and how he built a career on a well-rounded architect who knows his way around earth-moving equipment as well as he does a set of blueprints.

The conversation finally turns to how the creative process takes over with the end result being how the final product does not always look like what he presented on paper and how to have that discussion with a club's stakeholders.

Justin Sims, CGCS, has been director of grounds and facilities at The Alotian Club in Roland, Arkansas for 13 years. He prepped for a position as a head superintendent at some of the country's premier facilities, including The Olympic Club in San Francisco under Pat Finlen and Augusta National Golf Club under Marsh Benson and Brad Owen.

While he climbed the career ladder, he learned the value of working varied climates where he had the opportunity to manage both warm- and cool-season turf. He has imparted that wisdom on aspiring superintendents, convincing them that a diverse work experience opens the door to more career opportunities.

He also discusses the importance of mentoring the next generation of golf course superintendents, his dream foursome and why he is a Michael Jordan fan.

Our guest this episode is Chris Hyman, the Equipment Manager at Cobblestone Creek Country Club in Victor, NY about 15 miles southeast of Rochester. Chris is a longtime member of the turfgrass industry working in agronomics, sales, service/support, and now equipment manager - wrenching! He’s worked with many of the colors of iron we find in golf and sports turf and is currently a EMCP Level 2 in the equipment managers certification program on his way to be a fully CTEM. This a classic equipment deep dive we’ve come to expect when an EM comes on Frankly Speaking.