USGA Green Section Podcast

Mid Ocean Club's Kenton Brunson on Managing Bermudagrass in Bermuda, Planning Renovations, and More! | EP. 68

In our latest podcast, Kenton Brunson, director of agronomy at the legendary Mid Ocean Club, joins us to talk about managing bermudagrass in Bermuda and the challenges that come with maintaining a golf course on a small island in the Atlantic. We also cover his experiments with creeping bentgrass greens, upcoming renovations at the course, the strong business mindset he brings to the maintenance department, thoughts on leadership, and much more.

Creating the Perfect Pitch for the 2026 FIFA World Cup With Dr. John Sorochan | EP. 67

Preparing grass playing surfaces for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken years of planning, research and coordination across multiple countries and venues. In our latest podcast, we chat with Dr. John Sorochan from the University of Tennessee about all the work behind developing, growing and installing 16 stadium pitches and dozens of training fields across the United States, Canada and Mexico. From grass selection and reinforced fiber systems to sod production and stadium installation, this unprecedented project is not only fascinating, it offers valuable lessons for golf course management.

Talking Turf With John Reilly, Director of Agronomy at Longboat Key Club | EP. 66

In our new episode, the incomparable John Reilly joins us to talk about data collection, social media, his secrets for maintaining smooth and true greens, and much more!

Preventing Winter Injury on Warm-Season Turf With Dr. Mike Richardson | EP. 65

Warm-season winter injury is a challenge for courses across the transition zone. In this episode, Dr. Mike Richardson explains why it happens, how to prevent it and tips for recovery.

Pat Jones on Labor, Learning, Leading and More! | EP. 64

In our new episode, Pat Jones, a leading voice in the turf industry for 40 years and a staunch advocate for superintendents, discusses the key issues shaping golf course maintenance today.

The Daily Grind: Inside the Equipment Manager’s Shop With Shane Pokorney | EP. 63

Shane Pokorney, CTEM, is Dallas National’s equipment manager and joins us to talk fleet management, staff training, fabrication, the superintendent-mechanic dynamic and more!

UNC’s Casey Carrick on Returning Kenan Stadium to Natural Grass | EP. 62

UNC Tar Heels football is going back to its roots – literally. In this episode, assistant AD of facilities and turf management, Casey Carrick, joins us to break down the switch from artificial turf to bermudagrass at Kenan Stadium, including the agronomic and performance considerations behind the decision.

Cypress Point: Maintaining MacKenzie’s Masterpiece With Jeff Markow | EP. 61

The golfing world will get an inside look at one of the cathedrals of the game as Cypress Point Club hosts the 50th Walker Cup next month. Superintendent Jeff Markow joins us in this special episode to discuss course prep, agronomy, history and what he’s learned over three decades at one of golf’s most spectacular courses.

Center Court Science: An Inside Look at Wimbledon's Legendary Grass Tennis Courts | EP. 60

For a fortnight each summer, the sporting world turns its eyes to Wimbledon, where the impeccably maintained grass tennis courts have taken center stage at The Championships since 1877. In this special episode, Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, offers a behind-the-scenes look at maintaining the club’s 90 grass courts. We also discuss their extensive turfgrass research program, the similarities and differences with golf course maintenance, innovative techniques like steam sterilization developed by Neil and his team, and so much more!

AI for Superintendents with Dr. Roch Gaussoin | EP. 59

AI is showing up everywhere – including on the golf course. In our latest podcast, Dr. Roch Gaussoin explains the basics of AI, how it can help superintendents, and what the future may hold.