USGA Green Section Podcast

Caring for a Classic: Superintendent Jon Jennings on Maintaining Shinnecock Hills | EP. 70

With the 2026 U.S. Open just a few weeks away, Shinnecock Hills superintendent Jon Jennings joins our podcast to talk about maintaining one of the most iconic venues in golf. From managing Poa annua greens in a windy environment to the vast native areas and dramatic bunkers, Jon shares what it takes to produce exceptional playing conditions on a truly unique property. We also talked about the planning and teamwork required to host the U.S. Open, what it’s like working in an area where you are surrounded by great golf courses, and his upcoming retirement after more than 40 years working in golf course maintenance. It’s a packed episode!  

Chris Tritabaugh on Managing What Matters | EP. 69

Our new podcast features a conversation with Hazeltine National superintendent Chris Tritabaugh, who joins us to discuss how his approach to golf course maintenance has evolved over time – including his approach to organic matter testing, sand topdressing and fairway irrigation. We also explore the key priorities that guide his day-to-day decision-making, get his thoughts on building a strong team culture and advice for early-career superintendents. From pursuing excellence over perfection to prepping for a busy championship schedule at Hazeltine, it’s a great conversation.

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.