The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast
Subscribed: 31Played: 609
Subscribe
© Steve Smith
Description
The podcast to listen to if you want to know everything there is about Australian golf courses, greenkeeping and architecture so you can get more out of your game!
177 Episodes
Reverse
This is a new shortened version of Aussie Golf History in an effort to bring more interesting historical information that I come across in my regular searches through history.This segment I quote to you an article from 22nd April 1925 written by Royal Melbourne Golf Club Professional at the time, Arthur Le Fevre. Arthur gives his insight and opinion of the new design and playability of the new course of Kingston Heath Golf Club, in particular the possibility of shortening the 15th hole from a blind short par 4 to a par 3. A point of note is that this observation and idea was some 18 months before Dr Alister MacKenzie graced the shores of Australia and completed a bunkering scheme for Kingston Heath and is credited with creating the par 3, 15th hole we see today.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Kingston Heath Golf Club1925 newspaper article quoted in this podcast episodeRoyal Melbourne Golf ClubArthur Le Fevre - WikiDan Soutar - WikiManly Golf Club
Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest John Deere dealer at deere.com.auJake Gibbs is not an Australian by birth and his journey to where he is today is quite a story! Jake hails from the United Kingdom where he actually began his greenkeeping career. Following the footsteps of his father, Jake wanted to travel parts of the world as a young adult and it was on this path that he set his sights on the east coast of Australia for a backpacking holiday!After a number of months travelling and working a few jobs in Australia, a lack of funds in his back pocket, his greenkeeping experience under his belt, and the want to stay in Australia a little longer, Jake had one last roll of the dice for work. He wrote to a number of superintendents at some of Sydney's leading golf courses. And it was from here that his time in Australia was about to change significantly with a greenkeeping job at Elanora Country Club.Jake's passion and hard work at greenkeeping would soon set him on a great career path. Fast forward through climbing the career ladder working at a number of the best golf clubs in Sydney and Canberra, including one Australian Open, Jake would eventually come full circle in 2021 where he would take on the role as Director of Grounds back at Elanora Country Club.Jake's story is full of passion, enjoyment, hard work, family, and always following his own north star, to continue to strive for excellence wherever he works. Through his story you will hear about what goes into delivering some of the best golf courses in Sydney and Canberra and there are also a number of people that Jake has worked with that have become superintendents in their own right.Strap in for a career path to stardom maintaining a golf course at one of Australia's finest and historic golf facilities set in a uniquely Australian landscape. This episode is sure to inspire you as it did me!You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Elanora Country ClubKruseGolfClayton DeVries & Pont (CDP)Mike ClaytonFisher Island Golf Club (top100golfcourses.com)Hanse Golf DesignBrampton Park Golf ClubManly Golf ClubKillara Golf ClubAugusta National Golf Club - WikiCromer Golf ClubLong Reef Golf ClubWollongong Golf ClubBonnie Doon Golf ClubRoyal Sydney Golf ClubNSW Golf ClubConcord Golf ClubTom DoakRoyal Canberra Golf ClubOCM DesignFederal Golf ClubIndooroopilly Golf ClubThe Lakes Golf ClubThe Australian Golf ClubKyle Phillips DesignMonash Country ClubSorrento Golf ClubKingston Heath Golf ClubEP.159 Keeper of the Greens - Adam MarchantEP.127 Keeper of the Greens - Mark SpraggsEP.59 Keeper of the Greens - Shaun BowdenEP.145 Keeper of the Greens - Craig GeeveEP.173 Keeper of the Greens - Tom AldridgeEP.156 Keeper of the Greens - John SpraggsEP.92 Keeper of the Greens - Ryan StoresEP.73 Keeper of the Greens - Pete DunnEP.125 The Design Brief - Harley Kruse Discussing Elanora Country ClubEP.157 The Design Brief - Mike Clayton
Walking the Fairways segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is proudly brought to you by Dint Golf Solutions and you can check out their website www.dint.com.au , and also by Envu and you can find out where to buy their products here A whole lot of professional golf has been, and is being played, on golf courses around Australia and New Zealand at the moment. I run through just where that has been, along with being joined on the podcast by Superintendent of Settlers Run, Brenton Clarke. We chat about all the new work the course team have been working through to improve the quality of the golf course and what their future improvements are looking like.There's also news coming from QLD and NT where are thoughts are with everyone being affected by the heavy rainfall and severe floods across a wide part of the north of Australia. Improvements also on courses such as Lang Lang GC in regional Victoria, Avondale GC in Sydney, Mollymook's Hilltop course down the NSW South Coast, and approval of the new Palm Valley Gold Coast.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Dint Golf Solutions - Instagram & FacebookEnvu - Instagram & FacebookEnvu Specticle PromotionSettlers Run Golf & Country ClubPennant Hills Golf ClubElanora Country ClubPymble Golf ClubHawkes Nest Golf ClubGreg Norman Golf Course DesignHarley KruseWollongong Golf ClubMagenta Shores Golf & Country ClubParaparaumu Beach Golf ClubMillbrook ResortRoyal Auckland & Grange Golf ClubKooyonga Golf ClubCobram Barooga Golf ClubWomen in Turf Mentorship ProgramHeritage Golf & Country ClubFestival of GolfAustralian WPGA ChampionshipSanctuary Cove Golf & Country ClubCrafter MogfordBundaberg Golf ClubProserpine Golf ClubRoyal Queensland Golf ClubOCM Golf DesignPalm Valley Gold CoastBrisbane Golf ClubCaloundra Golf ClubHumpty Doo Golf ClubKatherine Country ClubLang Lang Golf ClubCorowa Golf ClubMarcus Fraser fund raising for Corowa GC - Yarrawonga ChronicleMerewether Golf ClubMollymook Golf Club - Hilltop CourseRyan Van Der VeenAvondale Golf ClubRoyal Canberra Golf ClubTPC SawgrassEP173 Keeper of the Greens - Tom AldridgeEP122 Keeper of the Greens - James NewellEP90 Keeper of the Greens - Jimmy DownesEP121 The Design Brief - Ryan Van Der VeenEP164 Aussie Golf History - Avondale Golf Club P1EP165 Aussie Golf History - Avondale Golf Club P2EP111 Keeper of the Greens - Josh SmithEP92 Keeper of the Greens - Ryan Stores
Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest John Deere dealer at deere.com.auTom Aldridge is superintendent of the famous New Zealand golf course at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. My chat with Tom is soon after he and his team prepared the course for the NZ PGA and what a wonderful example of a tournament golf course it was.Tom comes from humble beginnings growing up in the Lower Hutt region of Wellington. It was here that he decided greenkeeping was what he wanted to do and left school early, to the surprise of his school mates, to begin his career. Learning his early craft at a parkland course, it was upon completion of his apprenticeship that soon would see him take the opportunity to begin his employment as a qualified greenkeeper at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club to the north of Wellington working under and being mentored by one of the best superintendents in this part of the world!I'm not gong to give anymore away of this awesome chat with Tom other than to say his meteoric rise to becoming superintendent of a highly regarded golf club in New Zealand is far from by chance or accident, so dive in with us as we go through Tom's career and learn some insight about Paraparaumu Beach GC along the way.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Paraparaumu Beach Golf ClubWaitara Golf ClubShandon Golf ClubLeo Barber - InstagramNZ PGA ChampionshipNZ OpenAlex Russell - WikiDiscovering Alex Russell - BookEP156 Keeper of the Greens - John Spraggs
Walking the Fairways segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is proudly brought to you by Envu and you can find out where to buy their products here , and also by Dint Golf Solutions and you can check out their website www.dint.com.au With a couple of big tournaments happening on Adelaide a coupe of months in a row I felt it appropriate to get another interviewee from the driest capital city of Australia and this time I'm joined on the podcast by first time guest Richard James, Superintendent of Kooyonga Golf Club, in the lead up to hosting the Women's Australian Open in a couple of weeks time. Richard gives us a brief outline of what makes up Kooyonga GC and just how the course is shaping up for the national tournament and it's great to get an insight into yet another one of Australia's premier tournament golf courses.Of course I do the usual run around Australia and New Zealand with a run through of a month on epic women's tournaments in Australia, some pretty interesting news coning out of public golf still under intense pressure in Sydney, the closing down of the 118yr old Corowa Golf Club on the Murray River, the opening of Huntingdale's new full course design, the opening of phase 2 of the KruseGolf and CDP design works at Royal Perth GC, along with a whole lot more.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Envu - Instagram & FacebookDint Golf Solutions - Instagram & FacebookKooyonga Golf ClubWollongong Golf ClubMagenta Shores Golf & Country ClubBonville Golf ResortCoffs Harbour Golf ClubSanctuary Cove Golf & Country ClubFestival of Golf - WPGA ChampionshipCammeray Golf ClubNorth Sydney Living article of NSW Government supporting Cammeray Golf ClubMoore Park Golf CourseCarnarvon Golf ClubABC News - Plan to convert Carnarvon GC into cemeteryCorowa Golf ClubBega Country ClubStrathallen Golf ClubAlbert Park Golf CourseSettlers Run Golf & Country ClubHuntingdale Golf ClubOCM DesignCranbourne Golf ClubPeninsula Kingswood Country Golf ClubKeperra Golf ClubCrafter Mogford Golf StrategiesBusselton Golf ClubEP65 Keeper of the Greens - Lance KnoxThe Vines ResortRoyal Perth Golf ClubKruseGolfClayton DeVries Pont (CDP)Paraparaumu Beach Golf ClubRoyal Wellington Golf ClubEP.155 Keeper of the Greens - John Spraggs
Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest John Deere dealer at deere.com.auDarcy Jones is the Superintendent at Catalina Club in Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast. This is a big golf facility of 27 holes that is soon to begin some changes to the site by golf course architects KruseGolf and Clayton DeVries Pont (CDP) working together as part of the clubs forward vision.Darcy was introduced to golf where he grew up as a young kid in south western NSW and upon his family moving to the NSW South Coast, he soon became more interested in the game and where he became an apprentice greenkeeper working with his twin brother.Upon completing his apprenticeship Darcy was soon looking for something more and he would find his way to Wimbledon in London, England! After working for a time in the UK, Darcy headed back to Australia and landed a role at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.I won't share anymore other than to say that Darcy has experienced a great deal in his career all the way to becoming Superintendent at Catalina Club, and I'm sure you'll enjoy his story along with learning a few things about Catalina Club and it's very bright future ahead. It's time to kick back and enjoy this chat and maybe even plan your next golf trip to the south coast of NSW.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Catalina ClubKruseGolfClayton DeVries Pont (CDP)CluBarham GolfNarooma Golf ClubBermagui Country ClubAll England Lawn Tennis & Croquet ClubRoyal Wimbledon Golf ClubTura Beach Country ClubRoyal Canberra Golf ClubRoyal Melbourne Golf ClubSandy Golf LinksVictoria Golf ClubOCM Golf DesignThe Dunes Golf LinksSt. Andrews Beach Golf Course13th Beach Golf LinksLonsdale LinksNSW Golf ClubRoyal Sydney Golf ClubKillara Golf ClubEP.95 Keeper of the Greens - Richard ForsythEP.70 Keeper of the Greens - Pat WilsonEP.111 Keeper of the Greens - Josh SmithEP.159 Keeper of the Greens - Adam MarchantEP.135 Steve's Random Special Guest - Mike O'Keeffe
The Board Room segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is sponsored by The Social Media Birdie. If you're a golf club, golf course or business in the golf industry, then The Social Media Birdie is who you need to look after your social and digital media for you. Check them out by clicking here The Social Media BirdieIf you haven't heard of The Cliffs Kangaroo Island yet, trust me, you soon will! Sam Atkins is a passionate man, a passionate owner of this new golf course, and a passionate and proud South Australian. Sam joins me to discuss in detail the full story of The Cliffs Kangaroo Island, how the idea was spawned, what has gone into building this somewhat mysterious new golf course on an island off South Australia, what challenges they have had to overcome, and just what it means to be able to offer a new golf course such as this to the Australian golf landscape.Join with me as Sam lets us in on the passion behind this project, what we can expect from the golf course and the hospitality when we finally get there, and just what makes Kangaroo Island so special in general! This is one conversation you won't want to miss out on so grab you favourite beverage of choice, kick your feet up and prepare to grab your diary to book in your trip to Kangaroo Island to experience The Cliffs when it's open for play!You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:The Cliffs Kangaroo Island websiteThe Cliffs KI InstagramThe Cliffs KI FacebookDarius OliverJustin TrottKooyonga Golf ClubCape Wickham Golf LinksOcean Dunes Golf CourseSouthern Ocean LodgePenneshaw PubParndana Golf ClubEllerston GolfBarnbougle7 Mile Beach Golf CourseEmu Bay Lavender FarmDint Golf Solutions
Walking the Fairways segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is proudly brought to you by Dint Golf Solutions and you can check out their website www.dint.com.au , and also by Envu and you can find out where to buy their products here This time around it's LIV Adelaide week and we all want to know how the course is getting ready for the tournament so I am joined by Superintendent Rowan Daymond for an update. There's some fresh news coming in from Redcliffe Golf Club in QLD with their new construction works designed by Crafter Mogford , there's a whole lot of info coming out of the Newcastle GC in NSW with their significant rebuild currently happening as part of their new design by Harrison Golf, I visit Australia's 1st specifically designed 12 hole golf course that is soon to open as the reimagined Newgreens Chatswood in Sydney, along with a whole lot more!You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Dint Golf Solutions - Instagram & FacebookEnvu - Instagram & FacebookRedcliffe Golf ClubCrafter Mogford Golf StrategiesIndooroopilly Golf ClubMaleny Golf ClubAraluen EstateGrange Golf ClubKooyonga Golf ClubClub TocumwalMurray Downs ResortNorthbridge Golf ClubNewcastle Golf ClubHarrison GolfNewgreens ChatswoodRoyal Wellington Golf ClubWomen's Amatuer Asia Pacific - Royal Wellington Golf ClubLakes Resort PauanuiEP.156 Keeper of the Greens - John Spraggs
Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest John Deere dealer at deere.com.auTom North is the current Superintendent of Royal Hobart Golf Club in Tasmania. Tom is a young Super in most people's eyes, but it's his strive for excellence where he stands out from the rest.Growing up in a the regional township of Broadmarsh, just to the north of Hobart, Tom was a keen young golfer playing on the family farms or the local 9 hole golf course at Elderslie Golf Club.Whilst greenkeeping wasn't exactly what was always looking to do as a career, he left school when he successfully applied for a greenkeeping apprenticeship at Royal Hobart. Working through his apprenticeship to become qualified, Tom quickly made the next step in his career at the neighbouring Llanherne Golf Club as Superintendent. Here Tom would carve out his own brand of greenkeeping where he worked hard for a number of years lifting the profile of Llanherne and also his own career.When the Superintendents role at Royal Hobart was vacated, Tom was quick to throw his hat on the ring at the age of 25, and the rest as they say is history!Join me as Tom walks us through his fast tracked greenkeeping career that goes full circle very quickly from the bottom to the top at Royal Hobart Golf Club as we also hear about how Royal Hobart are improving their course and facilities in a modern world where many more golfing eyes are looking at Hobart as a golf destination!You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Royal Hobart Golf ClubElderslie Golf ClubLlanherne Golf Club7 Mile Beach Golf CourseArm End Golf CourseTasmania Golf ClubNorth West Bay Golf ClubKingston Beach Golf ClubRatho FarmEP.134 Keeper of the Greens - Brad PalmerEP.59 Keeper of the Greens - Shaun Bowden
Walking the Fairways segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is proudly brought to you by Envu and you can find out where to buy their products here , and also by Dint Golf Solutions and you can check out their website www.dint.com.au This segment of Walking the Fairways has plenty of news including an onsite catch up with Superintendent Luke Diserens of Northbridge Golf Club where I'm shown around an incredibly unique golf course along with a great deal of work that Luke and his course team have been working through to improve the quality of the golf course for members and visitors.I'm also joined on this episode by Terry Vogel, past guest of the pod and Superintendent of Cobram Barooga Golf Club, as they get ready for the latest Webex Players Series tournament right in the middle of some ridiculously extreme summer conditions! There also plenty of rain that was received along the east coast of NSW and New Zealand's North Island, and lots of other new info from Queensland, South Australia and a touch from the public Albert Park Golf Course in melbourne.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Envu - Instagram & FacebookDint Golf Solutions - Instagram & FacebookNorthbridge Golf ClubCobram Barooga Golf ClubGibbston Valley Golf Course - Golf Course Architecture MagazineTauranga Golf ClubOtumoetai Golf ClubLakes Resort Golf and Country ClubLakelands Golf ClubRACV Royal PinesBrisbane Golf ClubRich River Golf ClubBenalla Golf ClubThurgoona Country Club ResortWellington Golf Club (NSW)Merewether Golf ClubNewcastle Golf ClubNambucca Heads Island Golf ClubAlbert Park Golf CourseAston Hills Golf ClubGlenelg Golf ClubThe Cliffs Kangaroo IslandOcean Dunes King IslandCairns Golf ClubEP.108 Keeper of the Greens - Terry VogelEP.141 Keeper of the Greens - Damien BellEP.75 Keeper of the Greens - Tim WarrenEP.69 Sustainable Golf - Monina GilbeyEP.121 The Design Brief - Ryan Van Der VeenEP.97 Keeper of the Greens - Sophie Warren
Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest John Deere dealer at deere.com.auAnita Mitchell is someone who loves greenkeeping! She will be the first to tell you that she hasn't done it forever, but you'll quickly notice just how much she enjoys her profession!Anita has the privilege of only working at one golf course thus far in her career - the incredible Te Arai Links in New Zealand!There's a running theme during this podcast, and that is to have a laugh! Between bloopers and hilarious comments, we had an absolute blast recording this episode!Join Anita and I, as Anita walks us through her relatively short career and an true love for greenkeeping, beginning at a time during the construction of these two world renowned golf courses! Oh yeah, and we have a good laugh and many things along the way!You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Women In Turf MentorshipTe Arai LinksWaverley Golf ClubRangatira Golf ClubParaparaumu Beach Golf ClubCoore & CrenshawTom Doak DesignRenaissance DesignRoyal Wellington Golf ClubTara Iti Golf ClubEP.147 Keeper of the Greens - John Spraggs
Avondale Golf Club is celebrating 100 years in 2026! We pick up the story of Avondale Golf Club in 1949 after the club had approached Prosper Ellis, a leading amateur golfer and golf course architect of the time, to see if he could improve the unchanged Avondale golf course.From the 1970s to the 1990's the club would engage a number of different golf course architects, all of which were leading experts of the time. The 1990's also brought about a the Eastern Seaboard Fires that were devastating to Northern Sydney and Avondale was no exception.I'm also joined on the podcast by a number of people to help me tell the story of the club's most recent 25yrs. We explore from personal detail, how the club and course have evolved to produce a growing crop of young juniors for the club's future, and a highly regarded golf course and recognised environmental sanctuary of Sydney. Oh, yeah, and did I mention Grace Kim?!Join me as we continue our journey, but this time with a more personal insight, as we embark on part 2 of Avondale's history on the way to 2026 in celebration of 100yrs of Avondale Golf Club.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Avondale Golf ClubProsper Ellis - WikiEric Apperly - Top100golfcourses.comRiversdale Golf ClubSociety of Australian Golf Course ArchitectsVale Peter McMaugh - ASTMA ArticleKel Nagle - WikiRoss Watson - Planet Golf ArticleAudubon International1994 Eastern Seaboard Fires - WikiAvondale Cadet ProgramAvondale AmateurGrace Kim - WikiGrace Kim playoff win 2025 Amundi Evian Championship - YoutubeHarrison Endycott - WikiHarrison Endycott - PGA Tour profileAvondale Golf Club Superintendent Rob Biddle - Joint Claude Crockford Award Winner - ASTMA ArticleAustralian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA)Crafter + Mogford Golf StrategiesEP.93 Aussie Golf History Killara Golf Club
Avondale Golf Club is celebrating 100 years in 2026! Avondale Golf Club in Sydney began life during a boom of golf after WWI. Started by a group of well to do businessmen of the Upper North Shore, Avondale was one of many golf courses that were being hastily built during this time.Folklore has always held that the Avondale club was a frustrated breakaway of members from the nearby Killara Golf Club, but extensive new research into the origins of Avondale's story, not only showed folklore to be a fallacy, but also opened up an entire new understanding of Avondale's origins. A strong Scottish connection between the club's pioneers and the earliest golf experts at its beginning is arguably larger than any other in Australia. And when coupled with previously unknown information of Dan Soutar's involvement, you know there is a distinct recipe and drive for success!Part 1 of Avondale Golf Club's earliest history explores the extent of its Scottish background, exactly how this golf club would go on to choose one of the most inhospitable sites for a golf course in Sydney's unique bush landscape, and tell the story of its path to being Eric Apperly's first ever golf course design.Join me for an amazing journey through the life of one of Sydney's hidden treasures in a way never heard before, to a depth the club itself never knew they had!You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Avondale Golf ClubSir Robert Gillespie - Australian Dictionary of BiographyDan Soutar - WikiDan Soutar's first article describing the site for the future Avondale Golf Club - The Sun (newspaper) 17th February 1925Eric Apperly - Top100golfcourses.comEric Apperly's lost pro shop architectural drawingsDame Joan Hammond - WikiKillara Golf ClubConcord Golf ClubManly Golf ClubGoulburn Golf ClubThe Australian Golf ClubThe Lakes Golf ClubEastlake Golf ClubPymble Golf ClubAustralian Golf Heritage SocietyEP.93 Aussie Golf History Killara Golf Club
Walking the Fairways segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is proudly brought to you by Dint Golf Solutions Make sure to check out their website www.dint.com.au , and also by Envu and you can find out where to buy their products here.There's a little going on around Australia and New Zealand to begin 2026 and this is the right podcast to stay up to date with all of it. From a cyclone in QLD to bushfires in VIC, a new course soon to open in NZ and one soon to begin in QLD. It's all here for you to stay up to date and even consider just where your next golf trip will be.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Dint Golf Solutions - Instagram & FacebookEnvu - Instagram & FacebookMackay Golf ClubProserpine Golf ClubTropical Cyclone Koji - abc.net.auByelee Waters Golf ProjectGladstone Golf ClubGibbston Valley Golf Club - Golf Course ArchitectureFox Hills Golf ClubPenrith Golf ClubFlagstaff Hill Golf ClubCathedral Lodge & Golf ClubAlexandra Golf ClubLongwood Bushfire Victoria - news.com.auArm End Golf CourseArm End Golf Course - FacebookTitirangi Golf ClubWindross Farm Golf Course
Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest John Deere dealer at deere.com.auJock McPherson comes across as a humble kinda bloke. And when you find out that his greenkeeping career began in Tamworth, NSW, it kinda sounds about right too. But when you find out that he is currently Senior Assistant Superintendent at the one and only Congressional Country Club just outside Washington DC in the USA, you really want to know more!I'm not going to divulge his whole career in this caption needless to say that Jock's story is one you want to hear. Jock's career story includes both golf courses in Tamworth, the extremely private and famed Ellerston golf course, and a career changing melting pot of USA experiences thanks to the Ohio State Program. Jock may come across as somewhat calm and unassuming, but don't let that fool you, he has worked hard to carved out a greenkeeping career that many will find inspirational and even admire!Join Jock and I as we step through his wonderful career, from country NSW, all the way to the big smoke of Congressional just outside Washington DC, discussing the wide range of different weather conditions and diverse turf surfaces he has experienced in a relatively short time frame. This is one you will enjoy!You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Congressional Country ClubCal Club (California Golf Club)Tamworth Golf ClubLongyard Golf CourseGreg Norman Golf Course DesignTamworth, NSW - WikiEllerstonBarnbougleThe Cliffs Kangaroo IslandEP.135 Steve's Ransom Special Guest - Mike O'KeeffeOhio State ProgramAustin Country ClubAustin, Texas - WikiMedinah Country ClubOCM Golf Course Design
Walking the Fairways segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is proudly brought to you by Dint Golf Solutions Make sure to check out their website www.dint.com.auThis segment has lots of news once again from all over Australia and little from New Zealand with a focus on smaller clubs and regional golf clubs. There's also a whole lot of detail that was recently released about the redevelopment of the public North Adelaide golf course in readiness to host LIV Adelaide in 2028 which I will go through with you at length.Join me for the very last podcast episode of 2025 before we fire things up in the new year!You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Dint Golf Solutions - Instagram & FacebookCaloundra Golf ClubNedlands Golf ClubNorth Adelaide Public Golf CourseNorth Adelaide Public Golf Course Redevelopment DetailsGreg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD)Kooyonga Golf ClubWomen's Australian OpenMount Osmond Golf ClubBalgowlah Golf ClubPalm Beach Golf ClubMudgee Golf ClubYoung Golf ClubCobram Barooga Golf ClubMedway Golf ClubQueenscliff Golf ClubMidlands Golf ClubRiversdale Beach Golf ClubEP.117 Walking the Fairways - Adam MarchantEP.159 Keeper of the Greens - Adam MarchantEP.99 Keeper of the Greens - Jason Seis
Whilst it's called Steve's Random Special Guest, this episode brings back long time friend of the podcast, Nadeem Zreikat. This time however, Nadeem has a new title to add to his repertoire - board member of the International Turfgrass Society.Nadeem joins me to talk about not only his recent appointment as part of the International Turfgrass Society, but also we discuss just what the society of all about and what they do in the world of turf. Many of you may not have heard of them before, me included, and this was a great little chat to hear about the many benefits of their work and also how you can be involved to help improve yourself.And, with the recent news of the passing of Peter McMaugh, we finish off the podcast with a late inclusion of our own little tribute to Peter's life and work.Thank you to Avondale Golf Club for allowing us to record this podcast episode inside their wonderful clubhouse.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!You can contact Nadeem on these details below:Email - zreikat@campbellchemicals.com.auPhone - 0403 110 608LinkedIn - Nadeem ZreikatYou hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:International Turfgrass Society (ITS)Avondale Golf ClubBrett Morris - LinkedInWill Bowden - LinkedInBehind The Turf PodcastEP.39 Behind the Turf Podcast - Peter McMaugh Part A (Spotify)EP.40 Behind The Turf Podcast - Peter McMaugh Part B (Spotify)The R&A and Torgerson Gilbey - Golf Course 2030 ProjectASTMA article - Vale Peter McMaugh
Keeper Of The Greens segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is brought to you by John Deere Golf. When you work where others play, you need a partner you can trust to keep your course in perfect condition. Find your nearest John Deere dealer at deere.com.auAdam Marchant has just overseen one of Australia's most significant golf course rebuilds! You wouldn't know it but Adam's current high level of responsibility as Royal Sydney Golf Club's Director of Grounds comes from humble beginnings in regional NSW.Adam grew up in the NSW country town of Mudgee. Well known as a wine region, Mudgee couldn't be more removed from the hustle and bustle of Sydney and the high profile Royal Sydney Golf Club. For a time, Adam's father was a trainee professional golfer at the local Mudgee Golf Club where Adam would frequent as a kid and learned the game of golf. Adam would also get his first taste of greenkeeping at Mudgee GC doing school work experience on course for a couple of weeks. And it was from here that Adam realised what he wanted to do.Although his first employment began as an apprentice greenkeeper at one of Mudgee's bowling clubs, Adam had the opportunity to visit Royal Sydney Golf Club in his early years of learning the trade. This lit a fire in Adam and he soon chased for a chance to work as an apprentice greenkeeper at a golf course, Royal Sydney no less. And it is from this beginning that Adam has climbed from the bottom to the very top of maintaining the golf course at Royal Sydney!I'm not going to give it all away here needless to say that Adam's story is one of perserverance, dedication, achieving goals and staying humble. He has achieved so much at such a revered golf club, along with recently working with one of the world's most renowned golf course architects in Gil Hanse for one of Australia's most significant golf course transformations.Join Adam and I as we step through his amazing greenkeeping career all the way to today as Director of Grounds, experiencing and managing an incredible facility of not just golf, but world class turf surfaces of bowls, tennis, and croquet (funny story in this episode)!I couldn't think of a better way to cap of an amazing 2025 than to have the opportunity to share this unique conversation with Adam, from one of the world's most amazing greenkeeping office's, at one of Australia's most well known and historically significant golf club's.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Royal Sydney Golf ClubHanse Golf Course DesignMudgee Golf ClubClub Mudgee (Bowling Club)Mudgee - WikiRoss Watson - Planet GolfCroquet Australia - Eire Cup2011 Davis Cup Tie at Royal SydneyAll England Lawn Tennis Club - WimbledonHarley Kruse - Kruse GolfEP.99 Keeper of the Greens - Jason Seis
Walking the Fairways segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is proudly brought to you by Dint Golf Solutions Make sure to check out their website www.dint.com.auThis is a slightly different Walking the Fairways. There's the usual news from around Australia and New Zealand including the brand new ISPS Handa Japan Australasia Championship to be held at Royal Auckland & Grange GC, Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast is set to lose 9 of it's 27 holes, and Aston Hills Golf Club is doing some work to rebuild their practice facilities. I also provide you with some of my own experience from the men's Australian Open at Royal Melbourne where I was down there to record an upcoming behind the scenes podcast series and some videos with Beschen Pou about what it takes to prepare and deliver RM's Composite Course for the tournament. This was an incredibly exciting experience and I can't wait to bring it to you, but i will give a little taste of just what it was like within the team for the 4 days I was recording for.Hope you enjoy this episode as we get a little close towards the end of 2025.You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Dint Golf Solutions - Instagram & FacebookRoyal Melbourne Golf ClubISPS Handa Japan Australasia Championship - Golf Australia MagazineRoyal Auckland & Grange Golf ClubHumpty Doo Golf ClubRACV Royal Pines ResortRoyal Fremantle Golf ClubGlenelg Golf ClubRyan Van Der VeenCrafter + Mogford Golf StrategiesAston Hills Golf ClubNewcastle Golf ClubHarrison Golf7 Mile Beach Golf CourseClayton DeVries & Pont (CDP)Rockingham Golf ClubEP.95 Keeper of the Greens - Richard Forsyth (Royal Melbourne Golf Club)EP.75 Keeper of the Greens - Tim Warren (Glenelg Golf Club)EP.69 Sustainable Golf - Monina Gilbey (Glenelg Golf Club)EP.121 The Design Brief - Ryan Van Der Veen (Van Der Veen Designs)EP.84 The Board Room - Mat Goggin (7 Mile Beach Golf Course)
Here is a convo that I'm sure you are going to enjoy! I chat with Mike Clayton from Clayton DeVries & Pont and member of the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects.Mike has been in the golf industry for a long time in various forms. From playing professionally and competing at the highest level, to writing, to designing golf courses. Known for speaking his mind and how he sees things, I felt it was high time I invited Mike on for a chat.We discuss many different topics, some of which include how he first got into golf course architecture as a profession, his past design work, and the relationship between architecture and greenkeeping to name just a few. Needless to say that I was packing it at the thought of speaking with someone of Mike's calibre. Nevertheless, we had a laugh from time to time as we discussed things that hopefully you haven't heard anywhere else before. Sit back, load up your favourite beverage, and make sure your ears and eyes are set to open!You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!The Golfing Greenkeeper - InstagramThe Golfing Greenkeeper - FacebookThe Golfing Greenkeeper TV - YouTubeSend me an email to - thegolfinggreenkeeper@gmail.comPeople and places mentioned in this podcast:Too many to list but here goes....Clayton DeVries & PontClayton GolfMike Clayton - WikiSociety of Australian Golf Course Architects (SAGCA)BarnbougleRanfurlie Golf ClubVictoria Golf ClubRoyal Queensland Golf ClubThe National Golf ClubCape Wickham Golf LinksClaude Crockford - Royal Melbourne Golf ClubKingston Beach Golf ClubThe Vines ResortPalm Meadows Golf CourseMorfontaine GolfSwinley Forest Golf ClubNational Golf Links of AmericaRACV Healesville Country Club & ResortRosebud Country ClubGreen Acres Golf Club13th Beach Golf Links7 Mile Beach Golf CourseLake Karrinyup Country ClubTerrey Hills Golf and Country ClubPeter Fowler - WikiWoodlands Golf ClubMetropolitan Golf ClubRoyal Melbourne Golf ClubKingston Heath Golf ClubSt Andrews Beach Golf CoursePeter Thomson - WikiSeve Ballesteros - WikiGolf.com 2025 World Top 100Spirit of St Andrews - Alister MacKenzie (Evalu18.com)Golf Architecture for Normal People - Geoff ShacklefordAnatomy of a Golf Course - Tom Doak (Evalu18.com)Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf ClubKruse Golf - Harley KruseClub CatalinaNarooma Golf ClubRoyal Perth Golf ClubMount Lawley Golf ClubOCM DesignGosnells Golf ClubTom DoakLancelin Golf Club - FacebookYering Meadows Golf ClubCapital Golf ClubMoonah Links ResortThe Dunes Golf LinksPortsea Golf ClubSorrento Golf ClubPort Fairy Golf LinksRoyal Hobart Golf ClubElanora Country ClubKew Golf ClubRoyal Sydney Golf ClubHanse Golf Course DesignEP.84 The Board Room - Mat Goggin (7 Mile Beach Golf Course)EP.118 The Design Brief - Rob Collins (King Collins Dormer)EP.78 Keeper of the Greens - John Mann (Metropolitan Golf Club)EP.156 Keeper of the Greens - John Spraggs (Royal Wellington Golf Club)EP.95 Keeper of the Greens - Richard Forsyth (Royal Melbourne Golf Club)EP.101 Keeper of the Greens - Glenn Stuart (Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club)
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States