TurfNet RADIO

Some Love for Labor!

Frank speaks unusually Frankly with Tyler Bloom, a former golf course superintendent currently specializing in workforce development. A far-reaching conversation about the woes, wins and opportunities that lie ahead for the labor needs in the golf and sports turf industries. Aligning labor and business goals in a golf course operation requires some progressive thinking. Tyler provides some useful tips.

Frank ends the episode checking in with the official SE Diagnostician of the Frankly Speaking Podcast, Lee Butler at NC State University. Frank-Lee speaking about above and below ground issues from the growing season and how to prep for next year’s disease pressure now!

In this episode, Frank Speaks with Pete Cookingham, recently retired director of the Turfgrass Information File based at Michigan State University. Pete reviews the history of the database and the unique nature of managing a topic specific database, like turfgrass science. His lifetime commitment is celebrated every time we use the information and he continually receives donations of information by the pallet!

Frank also chats with Dr. Casey Reynolds, Executive Director of Turfgrass Producers Inc (TPI) about the soon to be voted on Sod Checkoff program. Casey outlines the research and marketing program currently underway with TPI and the startling amount of money that this program could generate. $14 million!

In this episode of Renovation Report, sponsored by The Andersons, Capillary Bunkers and Golf Preservations, Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., sits down with golf course architect and restoration specialist Andrew Green about his reputation for taking historic golf courses back in time after years of change. Green, who says his goal is as simple as doing good work with good people, talks specifically about projects such as Scioto Country Club and Inverness Club, site of this year's Solheim Cup matches.

In this episode, RW and the gang deliver an emergency warning about an Army Worm invasion, reveal our progress in golf course robot evaluations, discuss the big change coming in golf and explain why those folks at The Masters need a wall.

In "Storytime" we tell about our favorite time on the golf course.

Presented by DryJect.

In this episode, Frank Speaks with Dr. Leah Brilman about the breeding and development of creeping bentgrass, mixtures and blends, and the current state of the turfgrass seed industry from the recent weather patterns to long term supplies. “We'd better get used to paying more for seed”.

Frank then speaks with Emily Braithwaite from Oregon State University about the impact of the heat in the PNW and how “bentgrass is taking over the research farm”.

Frank wraps up the episode with the Mindful Superintendent, Paul MacCormack, discussing how to take care of yourself when short-staffed, and maintaining a healthy relationship with making mistakes.

Inness, a King-Collins design-build project condensing the old Rondout Golf Club from 18 to 9 new holes, opened in June with Anthony Minniti at the helm. It wasn't easy.

Minniti came over from The Creek and Shinnecock Hills to grow in and polish the new resort course Accord, NY, in the upper Hudson Valley between the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains. Weather, short staffing and lots of clay and rock stood in the way.

Anthony Pioppi chats with Minniti about the challenges and the accomplishments at Inness.

In this episode Frank takes a deep dive into spray application technology with Ken Rost of Frost Inc. They cover the gamut from where we are today in turfgrass spray application technology to where we will be tomorrow! Frank then welcomes Derek Settle back to his former role with the Chicago District Golf Association, “My first job was my best job”. Frank and Derek chat about his return, some of the changes he’s seen and what’s the stress and pest situation in 2021. Frank closes the show highlighting more good work in the golf industry with an update on the Wee-One Foundation, with Executive Director Luke Cella.

In this episode of the Renovation Report, sponsored by The Andersons, Capillary Bunkers and Golf Preservations, Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks wiith golf course architect Drew Rogers about his time working with his mentor, Arthur Hills, running his own golf course design firm, JDR Design Group, and the transformation of the business from original design to primarily one of restoration and renovation in the face of golf industry contraction.

In this episode Frank chats with Rich Buckley, Director of Diagnostic Services at Rutgers University Plant Diagnostic Lab, about the wet and stress of the growing season in the North. Wet soils, steamy air and soon more heat. Frank and Rich unravel the panoply of fungal problems golf course superintendents are facing.

The episode also highlights the wonderful work of Paula Wienert at Bridge 127 that is connecting many in the golf industry to needs of foster care parents and kids. Any little bit helps and golf has stepped up big time! Learn more from this passionate leader and how you can help.

In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, RW reveals an important secret to leadership success, while Jelsik gets a rough mower stuck in the lake and Boof loses his radio. Cletus is forced to put those nasty water jugs back out, Ludell makes his illegal mushroom burgers again and the beer cart driver quits.

Momma inspects the bunkhouse and the winner of The Turpentine Corncob is announced.  Just a normal day at Rockbottum CC.

Presented by DryJect.