TurfNet RADIO

This episode, with Dr. Becky Bowling, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Tennesee, focuses on the emerging need for working with people when studying and managing turfgrass systems.

Dr. Bowling receved her MS at Texas Tech and Ph.D. at University of Georgia with Dr. Gerald Henry. Her research and extension efforts have focused on evaluating and communicating turfgrass best management practices to promote water efficiency, water capture, and water quality in turfgrass systems and related urban greenspaces.

Frank catches up with Jim Croxton, CEO of the British and international Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) to discuss their recent visit to join in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Icelandic Greenkeepers Association.

Jim is a keen observer and insightful leader of one of the great employee organizations in golf. Lots of fun in this listen and lots to learn about advocating for greenkeeping around the globe!

Kate Torgersen is the owner and founder of Environmental Golf Solutions Australia and now the Torgersen Gilbey partnership, a new company Kate is founding (with Monina Gilbey of Green Gecko Studios) to address emerging needs in golf course environmental stewardship.

Frank and Kate speak about the challenges and opportunities for expanding naturalized/native vegetation on your golf course working across staff, members, community groups, government, and anti-golf groups. Kate is a refreshing voice for the golf industry with other leaders such as Brianne Kenny nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship.

Frank has a lively conversation with Brian Stiehler, CGCS MG, the golf course superintendent at Highlands (NC) Country Club and Past President of the Carolinas GCSA.

Brian discusses his beginnings in Pennsylvania, his years with the late Dr. George Hamilton at Penn State, and a stint at the Old Course in St. Andrews.

The conversation makes its way to his passion for model trains and public service in his local community.

In this episode Frank speaks with Trent Manning, Certified Turfgrass Equipment Manager and host of the Reel Turf Techs Podcast.  Trent is the equipment manager at Ansley Golf Club at Settindown Creek in Roswell, Ga, and recipient of the 2022 Edwin Budding Award from the GCSAA, recognizing an equipment manager who has made a significant impact on the golf course and turf industry.

This is a far-reaching conversation that reviews the perceptions and stereotypes of the EM position and how real expertise contributes to the success of an operation. Trent clarifies some of the technical aspects of turf equipment and the vital importance of communication for a successful EM.

In this episode, Frank speaks with Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Turfgrass Stress Physiology at Texas A&M, Dr. Manuel Chavarria. Manuel and Frank discuss his progression from Forest Systems in Mexico through his years of study at Texas and brief stint at the former Prairie Turfgrass Research Center in Canada, to his current position at Texas A&M.  Manuel and Frank discuss research on salinity stress, pigments and paints and his pioneering effort to provide turfgrass education in Spanish!

In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, we pay tribute to Matt Jones, longtime member of Rockbottum, former Golf Course Superintendent, GM, US Army vet and more.

In the second half of the show, we experience a rather severe outbreak of gossip, back-biting, name-calling and false witness bearing, which leads to Momma finding a solution to this current social media plague.

The latest TurfNet All Star of Turf is Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, of Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

A graduate of the Rutgers University turfgrass program, Pavonetti has developed a reputation for providing exceptional playing conditions while also being recognized for his efforts at producing an environmentally friendly landscape.

In his 17th season at Fairview, Pavonetti previously was superintendent at the Edison Club and the West Point Golf Course at the U.S. Military Academy.

In this episode of All Stars of Turf, Pavonetti discusses the importance of his work in government relations and how it benefits the turf industry, his penchant for great golf course photography and the importance of superintendents promoting their efforts while also meeting the exacting standards of a largely New York City membership.

Brad Klein talks with Bob Farren, CGCS, of Pinehurst Resort about his 40-plus-year career at the 10-course property in the North Carolina Sandhills. 

Their discussion traces the progression of the property in general and specifically the storied history of Pinehurst's famed No. 2 course that was built by Donald Ross a century ago.

Pinehurst No. 2 transformed throughout its history as a favorite course of the USGA from its original design to a tree-lined course with narrow fairways to the rustic gem it is today after the restoration by the architectural team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

Finally, the discussion includes Pinehurst's role with the USGA, what is next for the property and its role with Sandhills Community College in helping groom the next generation of golf course superintendents.

Brad Klein talks with Bob Farren, CGCS, of Pinehurst Resort about his 40-plus-year career at the 10-course property in the North Carolina Sandhills. 

Their discussion traces the progression of the property in general and specifically the storied history of Pinehurst's famed No. 2 course that was built by Donald Ross a century ago.

Pinehurst No. 2 transformed throughout its history as a favorite course of the USGA from its original design to a tree-lined course with narrow fairways to the rustic gem it is today after the restoration by the architectural team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

Finally, the discussion includes Pinehurst's role with the USGA, what is next for the property and its role with Sandhills Community College in helping groom the next generation of golf course superintendents.