USGA Green Section Podcast

A Conversation With the One and Only Paul R. Latshaw | EP. 42

To say that Paul R. Latshaw is one of the most accomplished and influential golf course superintendents of all time would not be an overstatement. He is the only superintendent in history to host all three U.S. majors, he’s been a mentor to countless industry leaders, and he changed how courses are prepared for championship golf. Oakmont, Augusta National, Congressional, Riviera, Winged Foot and others benefited from his innovative and energetic approach to greenkeeping. We are thrilled to share our conversation with this giant of the golf course maintenance industry as he reflects on a remarkable career.

 

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Chris Tritabaugh on Managing Putting Greens for Maximum Performance | EP. 41

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.

18 Minutes With Dr. Micah Woods | EP. 40

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.

USGA Agronomist Chris Neff on Wild Weather, Winter Injury, Weeds and More | Ep. 39

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 

The Cold Truth: Winter Turf Tips With Dr. Paul Koch | Ep. 38

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 

Dan Meersman on Autonomous Mowers, Leadership and More | Ep. 37

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.

Standardizing Organic Matter Testing With Dr. Roch Gaussoin | Ep. 36

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.

When in Rome: Ryder Cup Course Prep With Lara Arias | Ep. 35

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!

How Much Light Does Grass Need? | Ep. 34

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!

James Bledge, A Greenkeeper’s Journey to The Open Championship | Ep. 33

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.