Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast TurfNet Podcasts

John "Trey" Rogers, Ph.D., of Michigan State University joins Frank to talk about a career spent shaping both playing surfaces and the people who manage them.

Rogers traces his path from civil engineering student to turf researcher at Penn State, where a lucky mistake in the machine shop gave the industry the 2.25-kilogram Clegg hammer still used today.

He shares what nearly four decades of teaching at MSU have taught him about students, and why their passion for the work hasn't changed, even as the technology in their hands has.

Rogers also looks back on growing grass inside the Pontiac Silverdome for the 1994 World Cup and reuniting with former student John Sorochan, Ph.D., of the University of Tennessee to deliver sod-on-plastic fields across 16 stadiums for this year's World Cup. With more than 1,100 graduates now running golf courses and sports fields around the world, Rogers' legacy is as much about people as it is about grass.

In this episode of the TurfNet Renovation Report, host Anthony Pioppi interviews golf course architect Jim Nagle of Nagle Design Works.

The discussion focuses on Nagle's work developing a master plan for Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club.

Nagle explores how the evolution of modern player athleticism and driving distance affects course design, specifically regarding the balance between maintaining historic character—such as the club's iconic tree-lined fairways—and the need for strategic challenges like bunker repositioning and green modifications.

They also discuss the impact of tree varieties on turf health and Nagle's professional transition from working under Ron Forse to launching his own design firm.

In this episode Frank, talks with Kerry Haigh, chief championship officer of the PGA of America, about his nearly four-decade career in championship golf.

Haig traces his path from a working-class upbringing in Doncaster, England, through early tournament jobs with the PGA of Great Britain and the LPGA, to eventually building out the PGA of America's championship operations from scratch.

He explains his philosophy on course setup: highlighting a course's natural features rather than manufacturing artificial difficulty, keeping goals aligned with superintendents, and avoiding excessive rough that removes player skill rather than testing it. The conversation also covers new venues like PGA Frisco in Texas, the growing influence of team captains on Ryder Cup course setup, and crowd behavior challenges at Bethpage.

Throughout, Haigh reflects on how data, media scrutiny and player driving distances throughout the duration of his career have transformed the way championship courses are prepared.

Frank caught up with Adam Zubek, the General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at La Cumbre Country Club in Santa Barbara. Adam’s career began in golf course agronomy and included leadership positions at some of Canada’s leading clubs. Adam reflects on his transition from superintendent to club executive and why communication, curiosity, and the ability to influence people became central to his leadership style. We discuss building teams around talented people, learning from mentors and colleagues, and creating a culture where department leaders trust and support one another rather than operate in silos. Adam also shares his perspective on the importance of good governance, clear roles, and giving capable people the autonomy to do their jobs. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about career growth, self-awareness, and what it takes to lead people successfully across an increasingly complex golf operation.

This TurfNet Renovation Report episode features host Anthony Pioppi interviewing Dennis Hurley about his career and the evolution of golf course drainage. Hurley recounts his journey from a Kentucky upbringing and golf scholarship at Louisiana State University into insurance, chemical distribution, and ultimately founding his drainage company in 1985.

A key turning point was his adaptation of a construction material into what became the “waffle drain” (marketed as Turf Drain), which he helped popularize nationwide despite early business setbacks and industry skepticism.

Hurley also discusses broader trends shaping modern golf course management. There is increasing pressure from owners, players and revenue demands to keep courses open and playable even after heavy rain, unlike in past decades when closures were more accepted. This has driven demand for more advanced and intensive drainage systems, though tensions sometimes arise with architects who prioritize aesthetics over functionality. Hurley concludes that while perfect drainage is impossible, the goal today is to minimize downtime and maintain consistent playing conditions in an industry with far less tolerance for weather-related interruptions.

Peter McCormick, founder of TurfNet, joins Joel Simmons for a candid conversation about retirement after more than three decades serving the golf course industry. Rather than focusing solely on finances, Peter shares the emotional transition of stepping away from a career that defined much of his life, the importance of completely disconnecting from work, and the unexpected relief that comes from simplifying life.

The discussion covers practical retirement planning, including maximizing retirement contributions, understanding Social Security, working with financial advisors, downsizing possessions, avoiding debt, and preparing financially long before retirement arrives. Peter explains how thoughtful planning gave him confidence that retirement could be something to enjoy rather than fear.

Beyond finances, Joel and Peter explore the psychological side of retirement, staying physically active, maintaining purpose, volunteering, mental health, and the value of letting go of possessions and responsibilities that no longer serve you. Peter also reflects on the meaningful relationships he built throughout his career and the touching retirement tribute organized by his family and industry friends.

Whether you're just starting your career or beginning to think about life after work, this episode offers honest advice about preparing for retirement while also reminding us that success isn't measured only by money, but by health, relationships, and living a life with purpose.

In this TurfNet Renovation Report podcast episode, host Brad Klein interviews Kurt Kuebler and Tom Wallace from KK&W consulting firm about the critical relationship between leadership and golf course excellence. The discussion explores how successful golf courses require strong leadership not just from superintendents, but coordinated efforts between general managers, golf professionals, and board governance. The guests emphasize that modern superintendents need skills beyond agronomy — they must be effective communicators, financial managers, and team builders who can educate boards and members about necessary investments. The conversation covers the evolution of golf course budgets, with renovation costs now reaching $25-30 million at high-end facilities, and the importance of proper dues structures to support quality operations. They discuss how clubs are increasingly focusing on dues revenue rather than outside events, and touch on innovative food and beverage models like Monterey Peninsula's cost-plus approach. Throughout, Kuebler and Wallace stress that great golf courses result from collaborative leadership teams that can build trust, communicate effectively, and make sound business decisions together.

In this episode of the TurfNet Renovation Report, host Brad Klein interviews golf architect Matt Schiffer about his career path from civil engineering to golf course design.

Schiffer discusses his transition into the profession through a master's degree in Scotland and his subsequent work with various design offices.

The conversation covers the importance of sustainable golf design, his work with the Golf Environment Organization, and how golf courses can act as biological assets.

Schiffer shares insights on successful renovations, such as his work at Dearborn Country Club and Carlisle Barracks, emphasizing the need for efficient bunker patterns and courses that are accessible to a wide range of skill levels.

He also explores industry trends including the rise of shorter, non-traditional courses and the increasing investment in irrigation infrastructure.

Frank caught up with Ross Niewola, consulting agronomist based in Washington serving the Pacific Northwest for the United States Golf Association.

Frank and Ross discuss his career aspiration of being an agronomist after working all across the continental United States.

Lots of good chatter about communication with golfers and staff, having course care happen in cooperation with golfers not just what happens to them, and preparing and working on championships. Ross brings a wealth of experience in discussions about water and using data.

The PNW is in good hands.

Frank had a chance to catch up with his former graduate student Dr. Carson Nesbella, whose path has taken him from golf course crews and high school ag classrooms to Penn State, the USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program, and now Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

They talk about Carson’s roots in turfgrass and agricultural education, his Cornell work using environmentally responsible golf courses as living classrooms, the growth of ag education and FFA, the National Turfgrass Science Invitational, First Tee, workforce development, adult learning, and why the future of golf course labor may depend as much on teaching and mentorship as agronomy.

This episode of TurfNet Renovation Report features an in-depth conversation with Ken Mangum, former director of golf courses at Atlanta Athletic Club and current vice president of strategic growth for Bladerunner Farms. The discussion covers major trends in golf course renovations driven by increased golf ball distance, forcing courses to relocate bunkers. Mangum shares his experience managing major championships and dealing with a catastrophic fungicide contamination that killed greens at multiple courses. The conversation explores innovative approaches like single-height-of-cut courses using zoysia grass, which reduces water usage and maintenance costs. Mangum discusses advanced grass breeding developments including new bentgrasses, ultradwarf Bermudas, and zoysia varieties for greens, emphasizing the importance of selecting grasses that provide year-round playability while reducing inputs. He also touches on his transition from superintendent to consultant and the evolution of golf course technology from early irrigation computers with floppy disks to modern smartphone-controlled systems.

Frank catches up with the fellow Cornellian Tom Doak, golf course architect, author, critic, etc. to explore and reflect upon a life and career in golf.

Early motivations and interests combined with exposure to golf, inspired Tom to get his first byline in Golf Digest at 18 and eventually his seminal work “The Anatomy of a Golf Course”, selling better than ever as you will learn and strongly influencing golf course design and maintenance around the world, such as “wider” courses, more land, ergo, Tom laughingly says "Ok, “It’s my fault”.

If you are a golf architecture enthusiast, this ones for you.

This episode of Beyond the Green features Mitch Rupert, communications manager for Bloom Golf Partners, discussing his career transition from sports journalism to the golf industry recruitment business.

Rupert explains how his interviewing and people skills from journalism translated well to recruiting for golf course positions, particularly at the superintendent and management levels. He shares insights about the hiring process, common interview mistakes candidates make, and offers advice for job seekers in the turf industry. The conversation covers Bloom Golf Partners' growth from placing entry-level positions to focusing on executive searches, the challenges facing the golf industry including course closures and talent pipeline issues, and the emergence of non-traditional candidates entering the field.

Rupert emphasizes the importance of preparation, mentorship and finding candidates with the right attitude and eagerness to learn, even if they lack traditional turf management backgrounds.

Frank has a wide-ranging conversation with Alan Fitzgerald, CGCS, MG, superintendent at Rehoboth Beach Country Club along the coast of Delaware.

They cover his origin story and like Richard Hayden got his start with Aiden O'Hara at Mt Juliet. Working at Pine Valley, Building LedgeRock Country Club in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, and now stewarding a 100-year-old golf course impacted by saltwater.

They wrap up discussing building a team that delivers the high-quality conditions through mentoring the next generation of turf professionals.

Frank catches up with the Eric Aston, vice president of technology at Firefly Automatix based in Salt Lake City. Frank explores Eric's long interest in automation since his days at University of Utah Engineering. Development of the automated sod harvester and the early concepts and thinking behind the AMP 100” automated fairway mower.

Eric and Frank cover a lot of ground concerning sensing, productivity, and adoption of this transformative technology. How the mower was initially thought to be a better fit for sports fields and sod farms, until golf got their hands on it. Now it's all golf all the time, just keeping up with demand. This is a great success story of a company driven by innovation.

John Sorochan, Ph.D., distinguished professor of plant sciences at the University of Tennessee, discusses his eight-year collaboration with FIFA to prepare playing surfaces for the 2026 World Cup across North America.

The conversation covers how Sorochan established his relationship with FIFA through Alan Ferguson, the challenges of managing 16 different stadiums across varied climates from Mexico City to Seattle to New York and Boston, and the innovative research being conducted. Key topics include converting synthetic turf stadiums to natural grass using hybrid reinforcement technology, growing sod on plastic for better transplant success, and ensuring uniform playing conditions across venues using different grass types - Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass for cooler climates, and hybrid Bermudagrass for warmer regions.

Sorochan also describes the FIFA-funded research facility at the University of Tennessee that simulates dome stadium conditions and the development of the flex testing device to measure field uniformity. The interview highlights the scientific approach FIFA is taking to field management and the growth of the turfgrass research program at the University of Tennessee from humble beginnings to a world-class operation.

As we continue to de-evolve into a race of computer-assisted meat bags, cheating our minds by not reading and writing, a new force much worse than AGI looms over the glitchy horizon: The Quantum computer chip.

Cheating, the result of a lazy mind, is rampant, and it has been going on for decades. What's different now is the ease of which we can deny the cheating, even when it is so blatant that it requires face-to-lens lying on a massive scale.

But, it's not too late to turn this around. We can take a hard look at the cheating, especially in our everyday activities, sports and work and entertainment. All we have to do is reboot our brains by reading a a few books. I've even included a suggestion.

Frank chats with Adam Moeller, President of Moeller Consulting and Director of North America Turfgrass. Adam traces a practical path through golf course management, starting with his Wisconsin roots—where short seasons and demanding conditions shape a no-nonsense, performance-driven mindset. That foundation carries into his time with the USGA, where exposure to broader datasets and standardized evaluation methods sharpened his ability to connect research with real-world decision-making and ask better, more relevant questions.

Now working in agronomic consulting, product testing, safety, and new construction specifications, Adam operates at the intersection of science and application. A central theme is the value of independent, evidence-based evaluation in an industry often influenced by marketing claims. The conversation highlights how aligning products and practices with site-specific conditions—not trends—drives better outcomes, as expectations around playability, sustainability, and operational efficiency continue to converge.

This TurfNet Renovation Report episode features host Anthony Pioppi interviewing Dennis Hurley about his career and the evolution of golf course drainage. Hurley recounts his journey from a Kentucky upbringing and golf scholarship at Louisiana State University into insurance, chemical distribution, and ultimately founding his drainage company in 1985.

A key turning point was his adaptation of a construction material into what became the “waffle drain” (marketed as Turf Drain), which he helped popularize nationwide despite early business setbacks and industry skepticism.

Hurley also discusses broader trends shaping modern golf course management. There is increasing pressure from owners, players and revenue demands to keep courses open and playable even after heavy rain, unlike in past decades when closures were more accepted. This has driven demand for more advanced and intensive drainage systems, though tensions sometimes arise with architects who prioritize aesthetics over functionality. Hurley concludes that while perfect drainage is impossible, the goal today is to minimize downtime and maintain consistent playing conditions in an industry with far less tolerance for weather-related interruptions.

Frank catches up with Richard Hayden to discuss all things designing, constructing, establishing and managing sports turf around the world. Highlighted recently by his work with the Wrexham AFC and Ryan Reynolds. Beyond that we cover his time at STRI, hybrid grass construction, sports turf in Ukraine, Horse Track Fraise Mowing, FIFA guidelines, etc.

Richard is one of the most recognized sports pitch consultants in the world. In 2024, Richard completed his 700th sports infrastructure project across 58 countries, with experience spanning FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO stadium pitches. Uniquely qualified in both agronomy and civil engineering, he combines over two decades of practical operations management with global design and consultancy expertise. He also authored the natural turf section of the FIFA Stadium Handbook and is known for innovations such as the soil-based gravel raft natural grass showjumping surface, while remaining equally engaged with community and soil-based pitch projects.

Paul Carter, CGCS has been a very busy man. He is superintendent at the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay near Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Director of Agronomy for the nine-course Tennessee Golf Trail, and recently began his one-year term as president of the GCSAA in its centennial year.

In this inaugural episode of Beyond the Green, sponsored by Molasses Kings, Carter talks about his role and responsibilities as president of the association, how — and why — he became involved in representing his colleagues in Tennessee and nationwide, and who is to "blame" for that decision.

Finally, Carter talks about the challenges of managing agronomics for nine courses throughout Tennessee, and how unseasonably cold and icy conditions during winter might affect green up of Bermudagrass stands throughout the trail.

This interview features twin brothers John and Jim Colo, both golf course superintendents in Florida, discussing their parallel careers in turf management. John works at Frenchman's Reserve in Palm Beach Gardens while Jim is at Naples National Golf Club.

Both started their careers in their native Ohio before attending Rutgers for turf education and completing internships at Castle Pines. They share insights about their mentors Steve Ehrbar and Jim Loke, and discuss the challenges of managing golf courses in South Florida's climate.

The conversation covers labor recruitment and retention strategies, with both emphasizing the importance of treating crew members well through competitive wages, benefits, and hands-on leadership. They maintain daily communication about work challenges and solutions, supporting each other's professional growth.

The interview also touches on how the golf industry has evolved over their 30-plus year careers, from early financial struggles to current leadership roles managing multi-million dollar operations.

In this TurfNet Renovation Report, Anthony Pioppi interviews Donnie Beck, superintendent at Fishers Island Club, about their major irrigation system renovation. Beck, the fifth superintendent in the course's 100-year history, discusses the unique challenges of maintaining a links-style golf course located seven miles off the Connecticut coast but belonging to New York. The course faces increasing saltwater flooding, now occurring 6-7 times per year compared to once or twice when Beck started in 1994. The new Rain Bird irrigation system, designed by Paul Roche and installed by Tanto, replaced a partial system from the 1990s and includes innovative long-range rotors that throw 115 feet to cover the massive Seth Raynor greens averaging 10,000-11,000 square feet. The project required complex logistics, with 15-16 crew members commuting daily by ferry from Connecticut and staging materials months in advance. The system focuses on greens, tees, and select fairways used primarily for salt leaching rather than turf irrigation, maintaining the course's traditional firm and fast playing conditions.

Frank speaks with Marco Schiavon, assistant professor at UF's Fort Lauderdale Research Center, discusses water conservation in turfgrass.

Trained in Italy, New Mexico, and California, Schiavon now researches recycled wastewater irrigation in South Florida, finding that turf intercepts most nutrients but over-irrigation causes leaching — making water management more important than fertilizer blackout periods. He's also exploring turfgrass soil microbiome, where the field lags decades behind agriculture.

On grasses, Schiavon calls Tiftuf Bermuda a gold standard for water conservation and says St. Augustine water needs are overestimated. His top advice: Fix irrigation system efficiency first, then layer on wetting agents and PGRs.

In this episode of the TurfNet Renovation Report, host Bradley Klein sits down with veteran golf course architect Andy Staples. Their discussion focuses on the changes of contemporary golf course design to focus on playability, ease of maintenance and long-term sustainability in the face of shifts in pesticide and fertilizer use and the rising costs of and access to water.

The discussion also includes a look into the relationship between architects and superintendents, escalating renovation budgets, advances in drainage and bunker technology, and the influence of social media and modern golf media on member awareness.

Finally, Staples discusses his involvement with the American Society of Golf Course Architects and his passion for education, collaboration and sharing real-world problem-solving with peers.

In this special season 13 premiere episode of Frankly Speaking, the tables are turned as Paul MacCormack, the mindful superintendent and general manager of Fox Meadow Golf Club, interviews longtime host Frank Rossi. The conversation explores Frank's journey in the turfgrass industry, from his early curiosity-driven nature to his career in academia and research. They discuss the evolution of science in turfgrass management, the importance of unlearning harmful work habits like the grind mentality, and Frank's personal experiences with vulnerability and life challenges. The discussion touches on Frank's recent transition to becoming a grandfather and how it's shifted his perspective on work and life balance. They also explore broader industry changes, including automation's impact on the workforce and the changing expectations of younger professionals entering the field. Throughout the interview, Frank shares candidly about his approach to maintaining curiosity, his philosophy on vulnerability, and his gratitude for the relationships built through his podcast and career in the turfgrass community.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, host Frank Rossi interviews Professor Scott McElroy from Auburn University about the evolution and future of robotic mowing in turf management. McElroy shares his journey from theater and communication studies to becoming a respected weed scientist and turf management expert. The conversation explores his early skepticism about robotic mowers when he first encountered them in Italy in 2016, working with the University of Pisa group, to becoming a leading advocate for autonomous mowing technology. McElroy discusses the different categories of automated mowers, from fully autonomous small units to semi-autonomous large systems like Firefly technology. He provides practical insights on deployment strategies, emphasizing that slopes and hills offer the quickest return on investment, sometimes paying for themselves in just seven to eight weeks. The discussion covers technical aspects including network coverage requirements, setup challenges, and the importance of proper expectations when implementing robotic systems. McElroy also addresses how increased mowing frequency from autonomous systems improves turf quality and density while potentially changing fertilization and maintenance practices. The conversation concludes with predictions about industry adoption, suggesting 2027 as a potential tipping point for widespread robotic mower implementation, and the shift from mechanical to electrical engineering skills needed in turf management.

Frank Rossi interviews David Pierce, president of Stellar Golf Advisors and former USGA research director, about his groundbreaking research on golf course playability and golfer experience. Pierce shares his unique journey from chemical engineering at Dow Chemical to golf research, explaining how his engineering background translated perfectly to systematic golf research methodologies. The conversation centers on Pierce's development of a playability index system that categorizes golf courses from introductory to formidable based on obstacles rather than just distance, stripping out length considerations to focus on hazards, bunkers, and course forgiveness factors. Pierce reveals concerning data showing that roughly half of male golfers and three-quarters of female golfers regularly play courses too long for their skill level, despite knowing they're doing so. He discusses the psychology behind tee selection, the importance of appropriate challenge versus frustration, and how forced carries particularly impact golfer retention. The discussion covers practical applications for superintendents and PGA professionals, including hole location strategies, the benefits of firm playing conditions, and the critical relationship between course setup and golfer satisfaction. Pierce emphasizes that while golf gained a million net golfers during COVID, five million still left the game, highlighting the ongoing need to improve the golf experience to retain players long-term.

Frank Rossi interviews Ken Rost, founder and CEO of Frost Spray Technologies, about the evolution and adoption of GPS guided precision spraying systems in golf course and turf management. They discuss the barriers to technology adoption, including early reliability issues with GPS systems and the advantages of the Novotel satellite system that Frost uses. Ken explains how their partnership with Greenkeeper App has simplified map creation and enabled superintendents to have better control over their spray applications. The conversation covers variable rate applications, productivity improvements, and the emerging role of drone spraying technology for hard-to-reach areas like native grass zones. Ken shares insights from recent research presentations with Wendell Hutchens and Dave McCall on spring dead spot mapping, demonstrating 80-85% reductions in chemical use through targeted applications. The discussion also touches on licensing requirements for drone applications and the potential for automation in spray technology, with Ken teasing new developments to be unveiled at GIS in Orlando.

In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, RW and gang discuss the best time of year on the golf course and share a couple of tips from the Rockbottum Country Club vault that could help modern golf course superintendents survive an increasingly sensitive golf environment.

Stick around for Ludell's announcement of the new online degree program from Rockbottum Country Club.

This episode features Dr. Wendell Hutchens, assistant professor of turfgrass science at the University of Arkansas, discussing his research on turfgrass disease management, particularly spring dead spot control. The conversation covers his educational background at NC State and Virginia Tech, where he worked on fungicide fate and movement in soil profiles. Dr. Hutchens explains that effective spring dead spot management requires immediate watering-in of fungicides within 30 minutes of application to move products into the root zone where pathogens are active. He details how GPS-guided sprayers combined with drone mapping can reduce fungicide usage by 40-65% while maintaining control efficacy by targeting only affected areas. The discussion also explores cultural management practices like thatch reduction, nutrition management with manganese and nitrogen sources, and the economic impact of the disease on golf courses.

Additionally, they examine the USGA's GS3 ball technology for measuring putting green quality, including smoothness and trueness metrics, and how surface disruptions from aerification and foot traffic affect ball roll for extended periods.

Frank catches up with F. Dan Dinelli, recent inductee to the the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame and third generation golf course superintendent at North Shore Country Club in Chicagoland. Dan and Frank catch up on the putting surfaces that were renovated in 2017 to a creeping bentgrass blend and an innovative root zone mix with 33 ingredients! Dan and Frank review the complex nature or plant and microbe interactions that have led to a better understanding of root zone dynamics in sand based root zones. Hold your breath as this one is a deep dive. Big congrats to Dan on being a HOFer.

In this episode of the Renovation Report, sponsored by Golf Preservations and CapillaryFlow, Brandon Johnson talks about his entry into the game playing as a child and how that led eventually to a successful career as a golf course architect.

A graduate of North Carolina State University, Johnson also earned a master's degree in landscape architecture from Harvard University.

Johnson discusses how his time as a student at NC State prepared him for continuing his education at Harvard, and how postgraduate studies in the Ivy League provided unique experiences that he probably would not have been exposed to otherwise.

Some of those experiences include working at the PGA Tour Design School, being the lead architect for the First Tee program and study-abroad opportunities in locations such as England, France, Italy and Switzerland and how each helped form his career that includes learning under Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay.

Frank had a chance to chat with Rhett Evans, the CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Rhett and Frank discuss the path to his current role and the challenges and rewards of running large organizations and municipalities. Specifically, Frank and Rhett get a chance to dive into the GCSAA organizational efforts with partners and membership and how he established his “voice” for the golf turf industry. Eventually, the discussion of high-performance athletic endeavors including multiple Ironman events and his recent ascension to the peak of Mount Everest. A rare glimpse behind the sciences with inimitable Rhett Evans.

Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks with golf course architect Stephen Kay of Kay Golf Course Design about their friendship that dates almost 40 years, and how it intersects with the changing face of municipal golf in the United States.

In this discussion, sponsored by Golf Preservations and CapillaryFlow, Key discusses how and why the majority of the design and renovation jobs have changed from mostly private to about 70 percent municipal projects.

The discussion includes how many municipalities have changed the way they view their golf course properties, and how golfers who patronize them are more savvy about the game and course conditioning than in the past.

Finally, the discussion addresses the importance of regular communication with superintendents and local officials during municipal design and renovation projects for numerous reasons, that include building a course that can accommodate beginners without alienating low-handicap players, as well as differences in how private and municipal properties are maintained. For example, areas around tees must be larger because they are subject to excess wear and because triplex mowers are used to maintain them. The area around greens must also be larger to give boom sprayers room to turn.

In this episode Frank visits with Professor Ming Yi Chou, Turfgrass Pathologist at Rutgers University, former sommelier, and expert microbial molecular biologist. He earned his B.Sc. from National Taiwan University, M.Sc. from the École Supérieure de Commerce de Dijon, and Ph.D. in Horticultural Biology from Cornell University, followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Michigan State University. His research explores plant–soil–microbiome interactions, develops disease-prediction models and diagnostic tools, and directs one of the nation’s largest turfgrass fungicide evaluation programs. Widely recognized for his contributions to science and extension, Dr. Chou received the 2024–2025 Merle V. Adams Award for outstanding achievement as an assistant extension faculty member.