TurfNet RADIO

Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks with Marcie Mills of the executive search and consulting firm of Kopplin, Kuebler & Wallace about the evolving role of golf course superintendents, matching the right candidate with the proper opportunity and how the best customer experience first depends on delivering the best employee experience. 

Their discussion includes a review of the skills clubs are looking for in superintendents, the responsibility of head greenkeepers to help tream members develop those skills while inspiring and motivating their teams to maximize the golfer experience.

In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, learn RW's secret for living a calm and peaceful life on the golf course, regardless of the challenges we face in the years ahead.

*Note:  This is not your daddy's podcast. It's more like your grandpappy's radio show from 1937.

Frank has a great conversation with old friend and repeat guest John Sorochan, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science at the University of Tennessee. John has been involved with sports turf since his early days at Michigan State University. He was a key participant with the 1994 World Cup games held in the Pontiac Silverdome where the concept of maintaining grass inside a dome began.

Fast forward 30 years later and he is LEADING the effort for the multiple locations and fields in North America to host the World Cup in 2026. For those who like behind the scenes of big events, this is a must listen.

Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks with Illinois-based golf course architect Michael Benkusky of Michael J. Benkusky Golf Course Architecture about his start in golf course design and why some consider it the best profession in the golf industry.

Benkusky also discusses how his business is one of relationships and the importance of designing golf courses that are fun yet also offer strategic challenges throughout.

Finally, they discuss the camaraderie that exists between architects even in the face of competition for winning design and restoration projects.

Frank Speaks with Dr. Evan Mascitti of Infinite Athlete about his career, MS and Ph.D. at Penn State University, that has led him to be one of the leading thinkers in the study of baseball “dirt”. His pathway had mentors from WI, his role as Manager of Grounds for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and all fostered a keen interest -- bordering on an obsession -- “with the dirt”.

You are not going to believe how complex the “dirt” is. Evan’s current position with Infinite Athlete is responsible for testing NFL playing surfaces and provides some insight into the issues and balancing field safety and performance.

Frank Speaks with Dr. Evan Mascetti of Infinite Athlete about his career, MS and Ph.D. at Penn State University, that has led him to be one of the leading thinkers in the study of baseball “dirt”. His pathway had mentors from WI, his role as head groundskeeper for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and all fostered a keen interest -- bordering on an obsession -- “with the dirt”.

You are not going to believe how complex the “dirt” is. Evan’s current position with Infinite Athlete is responsible for testing NFL playing surfaces and provides some insight into the issues and balancing field safety and performance.

A New York Wiseguy and a Philly Punk walk into a Caddyshack with “ginned-up mobsters”… Frank sits down with the inimitable John Reilly, Director of Agronomy at The Resort at Longboat Key and discusses John’s thinking on managing resort golf in an environmentally sensitive area and why he will sometimes discuss the Kreb’s Cycle.

John’s pioneering work on the use of data and his interest in sharing and learning and failing and growing are a model for modern professionals in the golf turf industry. As always, this is a fun listen!

Frank catches up with Charles Goode (@GoodeTurf), the Southeastern Sales Lead for GreenSight, a provider of digital cloud-based services for turfgrass professionals to manage all aspects of their operation, from mowing and remote sensing to soil monitoring and staff planning. Charles spent his career in the turfgrass industry from landscape and sod to golf and sports fields. A graduate of NC State and Penn State, Charles has been actively promoting the use of autonomous mowers in the turfgrass industry. This is a fun conversation getting to know a young professional!

In this episode, RW reveals one of the key methods behind the success of Rockbottum CC: the proper use of the New Year's Resolution.  Also, Buddy gets "tooken" and Ludell, Willy and Momma form a posse to rescue Buddy.

Anthony Pioppi chats with Dane Wilson, golf course superintendent at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, IA, about the ongoing restoration of the 1922 Langford & Moreau design. Tyler Rae is the architect of the restoration.