USGA Green Section Podcast

In our new podcast, we talk with Chris Tritabaugh about data collection, innovation, and how focusing on surface performance and golfer satisfaction leads to great greens at Hazeltine.

Are frequent aeration and topdressing only needed because turf growth isn’t being properly managed? What maintenance practices aren’t worth the time, effort and money – and what should you being doing more of? In our new podcast episode, Dr. Micah Woods answers these tough questions in a fast-paced, informative conversation. He also shared his thoughts on what role zoysiagrass might play in golf’s future and why focusing on playability instead of just agronomy can lead to more success. It’s a great discussion with one of the sharpest minds in turf.

In our first episode of 2024, USGA agronomist Chris Neff discusses what’s been happening in the Southeast this winter, his role in the Green Section and tips to get the year off to a great start. Related Article(s): Southeast Regional Updates in the Green Section Record Chris Neff Joins the Green Section as an East Region Agronomist

Are you ready for winter? In our new podcast, Dr. Paul Koch from the University of Wisconsin discusses the WinterTurf project and strategies for getting turf through the cold weather ahead. Related Article(s): Be a Part of the WinterTurf Project Paul Koch, Ph.D. – The Koch Lab

From robot mowers to education and leadership, Dan Meersman is a pioneer in the golf course maintenance industry. In our latest episode, we caught up with the third-generation superintendent to discuss how his role has evolved at The Philadelphia Cricket Club and the fleet of robots he has helping him maintain three golf courses and various other turf areas around the facility. He’s been very happy with his robot mowers so far and sees even more promise on the horizon.

Have you ever wondered about the best way to sample for organic matter in your greens? How many samples should you take? How deep should they be? Grass on or off? What’s the right amount of organic matter for your course? In our latest podcast episode, we talk with University of Nebraska professor and 2023 USGA Green Section Award recipient Dr. Roch Gaussoin for some answers to these and other sampling questions. He’s been working on a collaborative project to standardize putting green organic matter testing with USGA agronomists and researchers around the country.

The focus of the golf world is in Rome this week at the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. We spoke with Lara Arias, the host course superintendent, about her career in course maintenance, hosting the Ryder Cup, growing grass in Italy, and more!

In our new podcast episode, Dr. Ben Wherley from Texas A&M sheds some light on the issue of shade and its impact on turf. We cover how light is measured, how much light different grasses need to grow well, tips for dealing with shade, new research on this topic and more!

In our latest episode, we cross the pond to chat with James Bledge, links manager at Royal Liverpool. He detailed the agronomics of links golf, prepping for a major and his experience on greenkeeping in the UK.

Buckle up for a cross-country road trip as we catch up on the latest trends in each region with USGA Agronomists. We’ll recap 2023 so far, discuss organic matter and the GS3, then preview the U.S. Open at LACC.

Dr. Scott McElroy, professor at Auburn University, joins us to chat about several topics including robot mowers, Poa annua and goosegrass, data and his work in Italy.

Dr. Cole Thompson, director of research at the USGA, joins us for a special Earth Day episode to discuss the research program he leads and all the ways golf courses benefit the environment. Related Articles: Golf Courses Benefit People And WildlifeGolf, USGA Green Section Doing Their Part to Make Game Environmentally FriendlyWhat Is a Golf Course?

Our latest podcast takes you on a trip to the Caribbean as we talk with Damon Di Giorgio, superintendent at Cabot St. Lucia, about the ups and downs of building a golf course in paradise.

Catch our conversation with Chris Tritabaugh, golf course superintendent at Hazeltine, to learn how he approaches putting green data collection and how he uses that data to make decisions.

Catch our conversation with David Bermudez, director of agronomy at Del Rio CC, about the motivation and process involved in converting their fairways from common to hybrid bermudagrass.

Menlo Country Club superintendent Chris Eckstrom talks about making the switch to hybrid bermudagrass fairways and how it has the course well positioned for the future. Related Articles: Pulverize Your Way To Hybrid Bermudagrass FairwaysConverting Fairways To Bermudagrass In Northern CaliforniaConverting to Bermudagrass FairwaysFairway Regrassing — Can You Afford Not To?

In the third part of our fairway regrassing series Knollwood Club superintendent Drew Barnett takes us through converting a mixed stand of cool-season turf to an improved creeping bentgrass. Related: Successful Fairway Regrassing Starts With Proper Planning

In this episode of our fairway regrassing series, we learn about going from bermudagrass to zoysia with no-till sprigging from Brian Powell, director of golf course management at Old Chatham. Related: Old Chatham Golf Club to host 2026 U.S. Girls’ JuniorFairway Conversion From Bermudagrass To ZoysiagrassThe Ins And Outs Of Zoysiagrass Fairway Management

In the first part of our multi-episode series on fairway regrassing, we’re joined by John Hoyle, CGCS, superintendent at Corning Country Club in New York. John takes us through the multi-year process of converting fairways to a newer bentgrass variety with improved playability and reduced inputs. Related Articles: Bentgrass Fairway Conversion Improves Playability And Reduces InputsSuccessful Fairway Regrassing Starts With Proper PlanningFairway Regrassing — Can You Afford Not To?

Troy Flanagan, director of golf course maintenance at The Olympic Club, discusses the upcoming renovation of the Lake Course, his perspective on hosting USGA championships and more. Related Episodes: Marissa Mar on the Upcoming Gil Hanse Renovation at The Olympic ClubUS Women’s Open Preparations with Shannon Rouillard and Troy Flanagan