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Turf Today
Turf Today
Author: Turf Today
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Welcome to the biggest show in Golf Course Maintenance. Join Adam Courchaine and Brian Laurent from the Superintendent Network, as they host an engaging cross section of guests from the worldwide Turf community. Feel right at home as they talk shop without any boundaries. Listen, learn and laugh at the numerous entertaining experiences from various turf, golf and related professionals that you will enjoy getting to know. Feel free to reach out over our social media channels @turftoday and @thegcsnetwork
132 Episodes
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In this episode, the boys sit down with Craig Kirby, Founder and CEO of Golf. My Future. My Game, for a conversation packed with purpose, passion, and plenty of laughs. With more than 40 years of experience in politics and as a graduate of Harvard University, Craig brings a unique perspective to the game of golf. While he's long enjoyed playing, his appreciation for the craft of greenkeeping truly took off after visiting TPC River Highlands, an experience that opened his eyes to the people and passion behind the scenes. Craig is on a mission to create greater access and opportunity in golf, working to bring more people of color not only into the game but into careers within golf course industry. His enthusiasm is contagious, and this episode reflects that energy from start to finish. We talk family, leadership, finding your lane, and the importance of mentorship. Craig shares incredible stories from his journey and offers thoughtful insights for young people still searching for their path. This is a fun, heartfelt episode with meaningful takeaways for anyone who loves the game... or believes in growing it the right way.
This week on Turf Today, The guys chat with a friend of many in this industry, Mark Jordan. Mark spent 36 years at Westfield Country Club, serving as Superintendent, General Manager, and Director of Agronomy. A rare combination of leadership roles that speaks to the trust, respect, and vision he brought to the property. From championship-level course conditions to leading teams and mentoring future industry professionals, Mark's impact runs deep. A former President of the GCSAA, Mark shares powerful stories about leadership, mentorship, family life on the golf course and the lifelong friendships built through service and volunteering. Now retired from daily golf course operations, Mark continues to shape the game through his work with the Ohio Collegiate Golf Tour, investing in the next generation of players and industry leaders. This episode is about legacy, humility, and what it truly means to serve the game of golf. A conversation every turf professional, and anyone who loves the game, needs to hear. Please share the show with your friends and give the show five stars!
On this episode, Adam and Brian sit down with Ashley Young, owner, superintendent, and second-generation steward of a truly special property called The Fields. Ashley's story comes full circle. His dad, Mike Young, originally designed and built the course back in '89. Decades later, Ashley now leads the very land his family shaped from the ground up, carrying the vision forward while putting his own stamp on it. We get into the pride and pressure of managing a course with that kind of history, what it's like balancing ownership and superintendent responsibilities, and how he maintains such an incredible property year after year. Ashley also shares some absolute all-time stories, the kind only this industry can produce, from growing up around the course to running it today. This episode is about legacy, leadership, family, and what it means to truly care for a piece of land. If you appreciate good turf, great people and real golf course culture, you'll love this one.
In this episode of Turf Today we sit down with Grace Allen, a rising young professional in the turf industry from Brentwood, California, whose story is rooted in growing up on the golf course alongside their dad. What started as childhood exposure turned into a true passion for turf management and leadership. Grace walks us through their journey, from school and internships to earning the Second Assistant Superintendent position at PGA West when the opportunity opened up. Grace shares what it was like stepping into that role, learning to lead, and finding confidence early in their career. The conversation goes beyond job titles, touching on leadership, growth, and creating space for women, and everyone, in the turf industry. Grace brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective that's both inspiring and practical, making this a great listen for students, young professionals, and seasoned Superintendents alike. An honest, encouraging episode about finding your path, earning your seat at the table, and helping move the industry forward. Please do your part if you love the show: give us a 5 star rating and share with your frineds in the industry!
On this episode of Turf Today, the boys are joined by Tye Nichols, the creator of Fairway Fields, an abandoned golf course he and his family took a leap of faith on and brought back to life. What started as a passion project quickly turned into one of the most popular turf and golf stories on social media. Tye shares the journey of buying a neglected course, the challenges of restoring it, and why documenting the process struck a chord with millions of viewers. We talk family, risk, creativity, and how authenticity turned Fairway Fields into a movement that's redefining how people connect with golf culture. Dive in to learn about this unique story, about a property that you and your friends could visit one day. Don't forget to share this show with all your friends in the industry!
In this episode, Brian and Adam sit down with Bryan Hunter, Head Superintendent at Seven Lakes Golf Club, for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation. Bryan shares how his early passion for greenkeeping sparked a career that took him through a variety of roles across the turf industry, including a period away from the profession before ultimately finding his way back. Beyond the agronomy, Bryan offers insight into the lessons learned along the way, the value of diverse experiences, and what it means to lead with perspective. A devoted husband and dad with a great sense of humor, Bryan brings plenty of laughs and personality to the discussion, making this a fun, relatable, and insightful episode for anyone in, or curious about the golf course maintenance industry! Please share the show with your friends in the industry.
We're joined once again by Tanner Coffman, Director of Turf Management with the TGL and TMRW Sorts, for an inside look at season 1 and what's ahead in season 2. Tanner breaks down what it took to bring the inaugural season to life, shares behind-the-scenes stories from the turf side, and offers a glimpse into the future of the league. We also dive into innovation and branding, including Tanner's creative vision for the TGL turf trolley and how identity, presentation, and performance all intersect at the highest level. From lessons learned to what's coming next, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and forward-thinking ideas from one of the most unique turf operations in the game. Follow @turftoday on instagram to stay connected and share the show with your friends in the industry.
In this episode of Turf Today, Adam and Brian chat with Dave Ragan of Ragan Technical Solutions, a true veteran of the irrigation industry. Dave shares unforgettable stories from his career, including a memorable run-in at Five Guys, learning the hard way about winter gear, and a pivotal moment where legendary golf course architect Pete Dye saved him on the course. Beyond the stories, Dave offers valuable perspective on how the irrigation industry has evolved over the decades and where it's headed next. We also dive into the innovative work Ragan Technical is doing with GPS mapping, reshaping how courses understand and manage their irrigation systems. Insightful, entertaining, and packed with industry wisdom. Make sure you add this one to your list and share the show with your friends in the industry!
Adam and Brian jump on for the final episode of the year and recap some of the successes and highlights from a wonderful turf season. We want to thank all of the guests who have joined us, as well as the parters that keep the show running! We also want to thank our listeners for bringing this show to life and to where it is today. We are so fortunate to have such passionate and supportive individuals involved in this exciting industry. Keep those reels sharp, we'll be back in January!
In this fourth episode of Rolling With the Green Section, Adam and Brian bring on two USGA agronomists who are shaping the way Superintendents think about turf stress, recovery, and long-term planning. First, we sit down with Tom Gould, author of "It's Wet Wilt Season" and "Mending by Seeding", to break down moisture stress, wilt patterns, and some ways to rebuild turf during peak pressure. Then we talk with Brian Gietka, whose pieces "Hope Is Not a Plan" and "Dealing With Winter Injury" serve as essential reminders that preparation determines how well turf survives the cold season. From summer stress to winter recovery, this episode connects the dots across the calendar and gives superintendents actionable insights they can use right now. Turf Today is a proud partner of the USGA and is a part of The Superintnedent Network
On this episode of Turf Today, Adam and Brian sit down with Tim Kelly, Golf Course Superintendent at Huntingdon Valley Country Club. Tim walks us through his early days at Saucon Valley CC, Aronimink Golf Club and the various events that shaped his career. He shares his favorite memories from the job. Not alwyas huge celebrations, but the everyday wins with his team and some memories close to his heart. Tim also shares some funny behind-the-scenes stories from the Western Amateur and the BMW Championship. We also dive into Tim's work with the Super-Scratch Foundation and his passion for strengthening advocacy within the turf industry. This is a grounded, honest, and easygoing conversation with one of the good guys in turf. We appreciate all your support and love all our listeners. Please rate the show and drop us a review. You can always reach out to the show at adam@superintendentnetwork.com Huge shoutout to our community partners: The Toro Company, The USGA, The Andersons, Standard Golf, Apex-10 and Flash Weather Ai.
Garrett Bastardi, Head of Innovation and Development at Flash Weather AI, joins the show to talk about how weather technology is changing the way Superintendents and Course Managers make decisions. Garrett shares stories from his days as a competitive golfer, chasing storms with his father, his work on major events like the U.S. Open, and how his team is building tools that bring more precision and confidence to turf operations. From morning walks at Oakmont to developing cutting-edge weather systems, this episode blends science, golf, and a few all-time stories. Want to Support us? Download the show, rate it 5 stars and leave a review if you can! You can also visit www.turftodayshop.com for all your TT merch. We appreciate all our listeners around the world and the companies that we are proudly supported by. Thank you to our sponsors: The Toro Company, The Andersons, Standard Golf, Green Nature, Flash Weather Ai and The USGA.
This week on Turf Today, Adam and Brian sit down with Tyler Miget, Equipment Manager at Harmony Club in Fort Collins, Colorado. Tyler brings a fresh and often-overlooked perspective to the industry as the voice of the equipment manager. He shares plenty of laughs, lessons, and great stories about the role he plays behind the scenes keeping the operation running smoothly. Tyler also opens up about family life, his love for the job, and what it takes to build a strong team culture. This is one you won't want to miss and should be shared throughout the industry Want to Support us? Download the show, rate it 5 stars and leave a review! You can also visit www.turftodayshop.com for all your TT merch. We appreciate all our listeners around the world and the companies that we are proudly supported by. Thank you to our sponsors: The Toro Company, The Andersons, Standard Golf, Green Nature, Flash Weather Ai and The USGA.
This week on Turf Today, Adam and Brian are joined by Matt Powell, Superintendent at The Country Club, ouside of Cleveland Ohio. Matt shares stories from his career journey, including the mentors who shaped him and the lessons learned working at one of the most respected golf properties in the country, Muirfield Village. From the culture inside a top-tier operation of his own, to the relationships that define a Superintendent's life, Matt offers an honest look at what it takes to build a solid career in this wonderful industry.
This week on The Turf Today Podcast, we're rolling through some memorable moments from past episode. Sit back and listen to some of the stories, laughs, and lessons that have stuck with us throughout the years. From early mornings on the course to behind-the-scenes insights from the people who keep the turf world running, this highlight reel cuts together the voices that define our industry. Hosted by Adam, This a fun look back at what makes turf life so unique and this show is for everyone in the industry. This is a video podcast so check out the video version on Youtube Want to Support us? Download the show, rate it 5 stars and leave a review if you can! You can also visit www.turftodayshop.com for all your TT merch. We appreciate all our listeners around the world and the companies that we are proudly supported by. Thank you to our sponsors: The Toro Company, The Andersons, Standard Golf, Green Nature, Flash Weather Ai and The USGA.
This week Adam and Brian sit down with Scott Bordner, Director of Agronomy for the Union League of Philadelphia, to talk about his work overseeing one of the most dynamic organizations in golf. Scott shares insights into managing multiple properties, upcoming projects, and how he balances it all while staying connected to the game on a personal level. He also discusses his involvement with the Super Scratch Foundation and the annual golf tournament, along with his passion for introducing students and young professionals to the turf industry through working with the First Tee of Philadelphia. It's a great conversation about leadership, mentorship, and finding purpose in the work we do on and off the course. Want to Support us? Download the show, rate it 5 stars and leave a review if you can! You can also visit www.turftodayshop.com for all your TT merch. We appreciate all our listeners around the world and the companies that we are proudly supported by. Thank you to our sponsors: The Toro Company, The Andersons, Standard Golf, Green Nature, Flash Weather Ai and The USGA. Outro Music- Wilde Things - Let You Down
This week on Turf Today, Adam and Brian sit down with Eric Van Gerwen, Superintendent at Black Bear Ridge Resort, one of Canada's Top 100 golf courses. Eric's journey is a blend of turf and business. After completing two years at the University of Guelph's Turf program, he went back to school to study business, giving him a unique edge as a modern superintendent. He's sharp, passionate about the game, and already showing the makings of a great leader in the turf industry. Tune in to hear his story, insights, and what drives his approach to managing one of the country's premier courses. Want to Support us? Download the show, rate it 5 stars and leave a review if you can! You can also visit www.turftodayshop.com for all your TT merch. We appreciate all our listeners around the world and the companies that we are proudly supported by. Thank you to our sponsors: The Toro Company, The Andersons, Standard Golf, Green Nature, Flash Weather Ai and The USGA.
This week on Turf Today, we sit down with Alex Tolbert, Superintendent at Orangeburg Country Club and current President of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association. Alex shares his journey through the turf industry, the unique challenges of managing a golf course in South Carolina, and how leadership extends beyond his own crew to the broader Superintendent community. From agronomic strategy to mentoring the next generation, Alex brings valuable perspective on what it means to manage turf at a high level while serving the profession as a whole. We also get a preview of the Carolinas show in Myrtle this November! Want to Support us? Download the show, rate it 5 stars and leave a review if you can! You can also visit www.turftodayshop.com for all your TT merch. We appreciate all our listeners around the world and the companies that we are proudly supported by. Thank you to our sponsors: The Toro Company, The Andersons, Standard Golf, Green Nature, Flash Weather Ai and The USGA.
In this episode of Turf Today, we sit down with Jeff Markow, the Superintendent at Cypress Point for the past 32 years. Jeff shares stories from his remarkable career, what it's been like to manage one of the most iconic courses in golf, and the people who've shaped his journey along the way. From the challenges of maintaining world-class turf to the relationships built over decades in the industry, this conversation is full of insight, perspective, and a genuine love for the game. It was a pleasure to chat with Jeff and we hope you love this conversation. Want to Support us? Download the show, rate it 5 stars and leave a review if you can! You can also visit www.turftodayshop.com for all your TT merch. We appreciate all our listeners around the world and the companies that we are proudly supported by. Thank you to our sponsors: The Toro Company, The Andersons, Standard Golf, Green Nature, Flash Weather Ai and The USGA. Outro Music- Julian Avila - California
In this episode of Turf Today, we're joined by a Decorated Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who has turned his experience on the battlefield into lessons for everyday life. Sean Bacon, now a mental toughness coach, provides workshops and seminars on resilience, leadership, and teamwork. We highly reccomend listening and sharing this episode as we talk about what it really means to stay calm under pressure, how to reframe setbacks as opportunities, and the role of teamwork and leadership when the stakes are high. Whether you're managing a team on the golf course, running a business, or pushing yourself in competition, this conversation is packed with practical insights on building resilience and leading through disruption. Thank you to our sponsors and loyal listeners! Outro Music- Jacob Tillberg - Broken





