USGA Green Section Podcast: Recent Episodes
United States Golf Association
The Green Section Podcast spotlights leaders in the turfgrass industry to share their knowledge, expertise and best practices.
What does it take to prepare Royal Birkdale for The Open Championship? Course manager Sean McLean and agronomist Adam Newton from The R&A joined our podcast to discuss the nuances of maintaining a links course, the ins and outs of revetted bunkers, the ecological benefits of the native dunes around Royal Birkdale, how data collection informs course setup, and much more.
How often should you soil test? What’s the best way to interpret results? Should testing alone guide fertilizer decisions? Dr. Doug Soldat answers these and many other important questions.
With the 2026 U.S. Open just a few weeks away, Shinnecock Hills superintendent Jon Jennings joins our podcast to talk about maintaining one of the most iconic venues in golf. From managing Poa annua greens in a windy environment to the vast native areas and dramatic bunkers, Jon shares what it takes to produce exceptional playing conditions on a truly unique property. We also talked about the planning and teamwork required to host the U.S. Open, what it’s like working in an area where you are surrounded by great golf courses, and his upcoming retirement after more than 40 years working in golf course maintenance. It’s a packed episode!
Our new podcast features a conversation with Hazeltine National superintendent Chris Tritabaugh, who joins us to discuss how his approach to golf course maintenance has evolved over time – including his approach to organic matter testing, sand topdressing and fairway irrigation. We also explore the key priorities that guide his day-to-day decision-making, get his thoughts on building a strong team culture and advice for early-career superintendents. From pursuing excellence over perfection to prepping for a busy championship schedule at Hazeltine, it’s a great conversation.
In our latest podcast, Kenton Brunson, director of agronomy at the legendary Mid Ocean Club, joins us to talk about managing bermudagrass in Bermuda and the challenges that come with maintaining a golf course on a small island in the Atlantic. We also cover his experiments with creeping bentgrass greens, upcoming renovations at the course, the strong business mindset he brings to the maintenance department, thoughts on leadership, and much more.
Preparing grass playing surfaces for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken years of planning, research and coordination across multiple countries and venues. In our latest podcast, we chat with Dr. John Sorochan from the University of Tennessee about all the work behind developing, growing and installing 16 stadium pitches and dozens of training fields across the United States, Canada and Mexico. From grass selection and reinforced fiber systems to sod production and stadium installation, this unprecedented project is not only fascinating, it offers valuable lessons for golf course management.
In our new episode, the incomparable John Reilly joins us to talk about data collection, social media, his secrets for maintaining smooth and true greens, and much more!
Warm-season winter injury is a challenge for courses across the transition zone. In this episode, Dr. Mike Richardson explains why it happens, how to prevent it and tips for recovery.
In our new episode, Pat Jones, a leading voice in the turf industry for 40 years and a staunch advocate for superintendents, discusses the key issues shaping golf course maintenance today.
Shane Pokorney, CTEM, is Dallas National’s equipment manager and joins us to talk fleet management, staff training, fabrication, the superintendent-mechanic dynamic and more!
UNC Tar Heels football is going back to its roots – literally. In this episode, assistant AD of facilities and turf management, Casey Carrick, joins us to break down the switch from artificial turf to bermudagrass at Kenan Stadium, including the agronomic and performance considerations behind the decision.
The golfing world will get an inside look at one of the cathedrals of the game as Cypress Point Club hosts the 50th Walker Cup next month. Superintendent Jeff Markow joins us in this special episode to discuss course prep, agronomy, history and what he’s learned over three decades at one of golf’s most spectacular courses.
For a fortnight each summer, the sporting world turns its eyes to Wimbledon, where the impeccably maintained grass tennis courts have taken center stage at The Championships since 1877. In this special episode, Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, offers a behind-the-scenes look at maintaining the club’s 90 grass courts. We also discuss their extensive turfgrass research program, the similarities and differences with golf course maintenance, innovative techniques like steam sterilization developed by Neil and his team, and so much more!
AI is showing up everywhere – including on the golf course. In our latest podcast, Dr. Roch Gaussoin explains the basics of AI, how it can help superintendents, and what the future may hold.
Oakmont’s iconic bunkers and greens will take center stage at next week’s U.S. Open. Superintendent Michael McCormick joins us to discuss their history, maintenance and recent restoration.
In our new podcast, we’re joined by superintendent Chris Tritabaugh from Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. He talks about how comparing actual turf growth with expected growth using “Turf GvX” can help superintendents at any type of golf course optimize their putting green management to deliver the best possible playing conditions on a consistent basis.
What does a century of Green Section research look like? Two of the brightest minds in turf reflect on their journeys directing the USGA’s turf and environmental research program and share how superintendents can put all that research into practice.
Tanner Coffman is the man behind the turf and tech at TGL, the new simulator golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods. In this episode, he covers the maintenance of both the real and artificial turf as well as all the technology it takes to make it happen.
In our new episode, Dr. Micah Woods returns for a lively discussion on a wide range of topics, including how to properly perform soil nutrient testing and how using MLSN can improve fertility programs. We also talk about the water requirements of different grasses and explore how superintendents may contribute to their own Poa annua and dollar spot problems. From tracking topdressing amounts to getting turf research into practice, Dr. Woods shares his insights on many important issues and offers real solutions for superintendents.
In our new episode, 2025 Green Section Award recipient Rod Lingle reflects on a long and accomplished career as a superintendent, his inventions, leading the ultradwarf revolution and more!
Are you ready for some football? In this special episode, we catch up with the Kansas City Chiefs' director of turf management, Travis Hogan, for an inside look at what it takes to manage a field for the NFL.
In our new podcast, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how two leaders and their teams work together to deliver an exceptional golf experience at one of America’s great golf clubs.
Our 50th episode features a conversation with Chad Allen on how data collection leads to consistently great greens at Chatham Hills and we have an intro to the GS3 from our own Brian Powell.
In our new episode, Dr. David Huff of Penn State shares the challenges of developing and releasing high-quality Poa annua seed, how he succeeded, why Poa often gets a bad rap, and much more.
In our new podcast episode, we’re joined by Lee Butler from the NC State Turf Diagnostics Lab to learn about the latest turf pathology trends, tips on sampling for and managing disease, and much more.
In our new podcast, we chat with two of this year’s Green Section interns, Elisabeth Kitchin and Manuel Salado. They talk about their careers in turf, experiences in the program and more.
Links:
Green Section Internship Program. Apply today!
Our summer abroad wraps up in England as we welcome Sunningdale’s Jamie Wilson and George Pitts to the podcast for a chat about heathland golf, course prep and history at the Curtis Cup.
The Royal Melbourne Method: How They Manage Organic Matter, Deliver Famously Firm Greens and More!
The University of California, Riverside, Turf Breeding Program has been hard at work developing improved warm-season grasses and finding solutions to the issues facing golf courses in California and throughout the Southwest. In our new podcast episode, Dr. Jim Baird discusses how their new bermudagrass releases can help golf courses save water and improve conditions year round. We also chat about which bermudagrass traits are being targeted for future improvement, where kikuyugrass could find a niche in golf, the current water situation out West, and much more!
Our new episode features Course No. 2 superintendent John Jeffreys on U.S. Open prep and Audrey Moriarty of the Tufts Archives on Pinehurst’s 130-year legacy of golf and course maintenance.
To say that Paul R. Latshaw is one of the most accomplished and influential golf course superintendents of all time would not be an overstatement. He is the only superintendent in history to host all three U.S. majors, he’s been a mentor to countless industry leaders, and he changed how courses are prepared for championship golf. Oakmont, Augusta National, Congressional, Riviera, Winged Foot and others benefited from his innovative and energetic approach to greenkeeping. We are thrilled to share our conversation with this giant of the golf course maintenance industry as he reflects on a remarkable career.
In our new podcast, we talk with Chris Tritabaugh about data collection, innovation, and how focusing on surface performance and golfer satisfaction leads to great greens at Hazeltine.
Are frequent aeration and topdressing only needed because turf growth isn’t being properly managed? What maintenance practices aren’t worth the time, effort and money – and what should you being doing more of? In our new podcast episode, Dr. Micah Woods answers these tough questions in a fast-paced, informative conversation. He also shared his thoughts on what role zoysiagrass might play in golf’s future and why focusing on playability instead of just agronomy can lead to more success. It’s a great discussion with one of the sharpest minds in turf.
In our first episode of 2024, USGA agronomist Chris Neff discusses what’s been happening in the Southeast this winter, his role in the Green Section and tips to get the year off to a great start.
Related Article(s):
Southeast Regional Updates in the Green Section Record
Chris Neff Joins the Green Section as an East Region Agronomist
Are you ready for winter? In our new podcast, Dr. Paul Koch from the University of Wisconsin discusses the WinterTurf project and strategies for getting turf through the cold weather ahead.
Related Article(s):
Be a Part of the WinterTurf Project
Paul Koch, Ph.D. – The Koch Lab
From robot mowers to education and leadership, Dan Meersman is a pioneer in the golf course maintenance industry. In our latest episode, we caught up with the third-generation superintendent to discuss how his role has evolved at The Philadelphia Cricket Club and the fleet of robots he has helping him maintain three golf courses and various other turf areas around the facility. He’s been very happy with his robot mowers so far and sees even more promise on the horizon.
Have you ever wondered about the best way to sample for organic matter in your greens? How many samples should you take? How deep should they be? Grass on or off? What’s the right amount of organic matter for your course? In our latest podcast episode, we talk with University of Nebraska professor and 2023 USGA Green Section Award recipient Dr. Roch Gaussoin for some answers to these and other sampling questions. He’s been working on a collaborative project to standardize putting green organic matter testing with USGA agronomists and researchers around the country.
The focus of the golf world is in Rome this week at the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. We spoke with Lara Arias, the host course superintendent, about her career in course maintenance, hosting the Ryder Cup, growing grass in Italy, and more!
In our new podcast episode, Dr. Ben Wherley from Texas A&M sheds some light on the issue of shade and its impact on turf. We cover how light is measured, how much light different grasses need to grow well, tips for dealing with shade, new research on this topic and more!
In our latest episode, we cross the pond to chat with James Bledge, links manager at Royal Liverpool. He detailed the agronomics of links golf, prepping for a major and his experience on greenkeeping in the UK.
Buckle up for a cross-country road trip as we catch up on the latest trends in each region with USGA Agronomists. We’ll recap 2023 so far, discuss organic matter and the GS3, then preview the U.S. Open at LACC.
Dr. Scott McElroy, professor at Auburn University, joins us to chat about several topics including robot mowers,Poa annua and goosegrass, data and his work in Italy.
Dr. Cole Thompson, director of research at the USGA, joins us for a special Earth Day episode to discuss the research program he leads and all the ways golf courses benefit the environment.
Related Articles:
- Golf Courses Benefit People And Wildlife
- Golf, USGA Green Section Doing Their Part to Make Game Environmentally Friendly
- What Is a Golf Course?
Our latest podcast takes you on a trip to the Caribbean as we talk with Damon Di Giorgio, superintendent at Cabot St. Lucia, about the ups and downs of building a golf course in paradise.
Catch our conversation with Chris Tritabaugh, golf course superintendent at Hazeltine, to learn how he approaches putting green data collection and how he uses that data to make decisions.
Catch our conversation with David Bermudez, director of agronomy at Del Rio CC, about the motivation and process involved in converting their fairways from common to hybrid bermudagrass.
Menlo Country Club superintendent Chris Eckstrom talks about making the switch to hybrid bermudagrass fairways and how it has the course well positioned for the future.
Related Article(s):
- Pulverize Your Way To Hybrid Bermudagrass Fairways
- Converting Fairways To Bermudagrass In Northern California
- Converting to Bermudagrass Fairways
- Fairway Regrassing — Can You Afford Not To?
In the third part of our fairway regrassing series Knollwood Club superintendent Drew Barnett takes us through converting a mixed stand of cool-season turf to an improved creeping bentgrass.
Related:* Successful Fairway Regrassing Starts With Proper Planning
In this episode of our fairway regrassing series, we learn about going from bermudagrass to zoysia with no-till sprigging from Brian Powell, director of golf course management at Old Chatham.
Related:* Old Chatham Golf Club to host 2026 U.S. Girls’ Junior * Fairway Conversion From Bermudagrass To Zoysiagrass * The Ins And Outs Of Zoysiagrass Fairway Management
In the first part of our multi-episode series on fairway regrassing, we’re joined by John Hoyle, CGCS, superintendent at Corning Country Club in New York. John takes us through the multi-year process of converting fairways to a newer bentgrass variety with improved playability and reduced inputs.
Related Articles:
- Bentgrass Fairway Conversion Improves Playability And Reduces Inputs
- Successful Fairway Regrassing Starts With Proper Planning
- Fairway Regrassing — Can You Afford Not To?
Troy Flanagan, director of golf course maintenance at The Olympic Club, discusses the upcoming renovation of the Lake Course, his perspective on hosting USGA championships and more.
Related Episodes:
- Marissa Mar on the Upcoming Gil Hanse Renovation at The Olympic Club
- US Women’s Open Preparations with Shannon Rouillard and Troy Flanagan
Dr. Jim Brosnan gives his perspective on all things Poa annua, with a focus on the Southeast, as superintendents continue their battle with one of turf’s most problematic weeds.
Related Articles:
- Poa annua: There Wasn't Any Until There Was
- The Pros and Cons of Poa annua
- Poa annua Control on Greens
Todd Raisch, superintendent at Ridgewood Country Club, gives us an insider’s view into the famed golf course and his preparations for the 2022 U.S. Amateur.
Marissa Mar, green committee chair at the Olympic Club, joins us to share her perspective on the upcoming Gil Hanse renovation of the Lake Course, building a consensus on course projects and her experience as green chair at one of the top courses in the world.
USGA CEO Mike Whan joins us to talk about his first U.S. Open as CEO, his vision for what makes a good U.S. Open test, and the new E.J. Marshall platter that was awarded to the host superintendent for being an outstanding partner in agronomy and course preparation.
In the final episode of our series with Dave Johnson, director of grounds at The Country Club, we’ll discuss how things are shaping up on the course heading into the U.S. Open.
Women in turf volunteering at the U.S. Women’s Open is becoming an annual event. Golf course superintendent Jill Seymour joins us to share her experiences with this growing tradition.
On our latest podcast, we discuss successful communication strategies for today’s superintendent with Ross Miller, golf course superintendent at the Country Club of Detroit.
We talk with Dr. Matt Elmore from Rutgers University about the timing, products and practices needed to control golf course weeds like goosegrass, crabgrass, kyllinga and more.
Catch our conversation with Dr. John Kaminski from Penn State about winter injury, disease control and labor issues, and get an update on U.S. Open prep from Dave Johnson at Brookline.
On our latest podcast episode Todd Voss, COO at the Double Eagle Club, talks about making the jump from superintendent to his current role and Dave Johnson, director of grounds at The Country Club, gives an update on U.S. Open prep.
Catch our latest podcast to learn more about DEACON™ – what it can do, how it works, and how it can help you improve playing conditions and resource management at your course.
Interest in autonomous mowing on golf courses continues to grow as technology advances and labor issues remain a serious challenge for many superintendents. Learn more about how autonomous mowers are performing on golf courses in our conversation with Bjarni Hannesson, course manager at Ness Golf Club in Iceland, and Erwan Le Cocq, head greenkeeper and robot technology specialist from Winston Golf Resort in Germany.
Learn about the latest research and techniques to reduce the risk of winter injury with Dr. Mike Richardson on warm-season grasses (0:00-29:00) and Dr. Kevin Frank on cool-season turf (29:00-End).
Listen as USGA CEO Mike Whan talks about his experiences in course maintenance (he got electrocuted), the big issues facing golf courses and how he wants the USGA to help.
Our latest podcast is an update on course care issues around the country from our USGA agronomists. Topics include pests, labor challenges and the high cost of products.
On this podcast, we talk about the art and science of tee design with golf course architect Andy Staples. Location, sizing, construction, and dealing with stigmas about tees are all covered.
Learn how Dr. Doug Soldat, USGA agronomist Brian Whitlark, and others are developing a standardized and improved way to measure putting green organic matter.
In our latest podcast episode, USGA agronomists from across the country discuss strategies they’re seeing and recommending that can help courses withstand hot weather and heavy play.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at course setup and conditions for the U.S. Women’s Open with Shannon Rouillard from the USGA and the Olympic Club’s director of golf maintenance, Troy Flanagan.
Scioto Country Club is about to undergo a large-scale course renovation. Superintendent Bob Becker gives us detailed insight into the plans and what to expect when the work is complete.
In the first episode of our new Green Section podcast, we discuss the benefits of data collection in golf course maintenance with Jared Nemitz, director of golf course and grounds at the Ford Field & River Club and Paul Jacobs, USGA agronomist in the Central Region.
The Green Section Podcast will be published throughout the year as we speak with USGA agronomists, superintendents, researchers, and industry stakeholders about important maintenance topics and the latest trends in the turfgrass industry.