I discuss ATC blog posts, with supplementary information, stories, and the reasons why I thought the topic was worth writing about, and worth reading about. Thus, a doublecut of these topics. This covers grass selection, playability, and all the work done to create a certain type of turfgrass surface.
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Greenkeeping Podcasts
When I visit golf courses, I ask a standard series of questions about grass types, mowing heights, maintenance work, and site-specific maintenance challenges. In this show, I speak with turfgrass managers around the world, asking them the same questions about the work at their location.
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Golf Badgers (ɡɒlf bæʤə) - noun: A group of golfers obsessed with the game.Does this sound like you? If so, you're in the right place.Sam Cooper (Golf course architect) and James Bledge (Course Manager @ Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake) invite some of their friends from across the architecture and green keeping industries to join them for a deep dive on all things golf.Feasting on a gluttonous diet of golf course architecture, greenkeeping, agronomy and all of the topics usually too dull ...
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Bringing you all the industry leading content of Turfcare interviews, profiles, product information and demonstrations alongside the odd fun item directly to your favourite podcast provider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Join us in celebrating all things lawns! Our podcast provides lawn tips and advice on all things lawns and gardening. Whether you are looking for lawn care advice, lawn care products or turf variety information – we have you covered. Lawn Solutions Australia is a group of Australia’s best and most experienced turf growers. We have a national network, so we can provide knowledge relating to varying climates and conditions, about the different grass varieties available and recommend lawn care ...
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The golf world is filled with colorful characters. Join Josh Waldron as he interviews a broad range of guests who share a connection to the sport. If you enjoy conversations with people who don't quite fit the mold, this podcast is for you. Tune in to explore golf, life and plenty of random topics along the way. Presented by Par 3 Near Me.
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67 - Jim Croxton on BTME, BIGGA’s Big Year, and Why Greenkeeping Needs a Bigger Voice
56:07
56:07
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56:07Bledge and Jim sit down to talk all things BIGGA—from Jim Croxton’s journey through the PGA and into 14+ years as CEO, to what’s changed behind the scenes over the last 18 months. They dig into membership growth (and the honest “warts and all” survey), how BTME continue to learn keep evolving, why some of the most valuable sessions aren’t always th…
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068 - Mowers, Mayhem & Milestones: Part Two with Lee Strutt
1:01:38
1:01:38
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1:01:38Bledge and Lee sit down for a nostalgic dive into turf machinery—from ancient Matadors to modern marvels like the Baroness Core Collector. The pair reflect on machines that made them sweat, laugh, and sometimes swear, all while sharing tales from storied clubs and wet winter days. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcas…
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Top 10 posts of 2025 holiday extravaganza with Joe Gulotti
1:34:05
1:34:05
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1:34:05Joe Gulotti joined me to give the doublecut treatment to the top posts of 2025 on the ATC blog, plus a bit of holiday extravaganza. Blog post discussed is: https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/top-10-posts-2025/ National Links Trust updates: https://www.nationallinkstrust.org/whats-happening-now Petition to keep D.C.'s publich courses out of politic…
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Nutrient recommendations when clippings are removed vs. returned
19:41
19:41
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19:41When grass clippings are returned to the turf, the quantity of nutrients required as fertilizer is decreased. In this episode I discuss how I handle the clippings returned situation. Blog post discussed is: https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/clippings-removed-or-returned/ Also discussed how to get a quick estimate of grass nutrient use: https://ww…
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Send us a text It's (almost) the end of the year so we thought there was no time like the present to sit down and take a look back at the year that was. From production facility expansions, trade shows and conferences to what's going on in the world of sport (and sports turf) as well as some shoutouts to new members joining LSA and those that have …
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Soil nutrient values in units of "years of use" rather than units of ppm
21:58
21:58
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21:58The #MLSN method for nutrient recommendations involves an MLSN value that the soil is not supposed to drop below. But what does this value mean, when converted from the usual units of ppm (mg/kg) to how many years it would take grass to use that much of the element? The blog post discussed is https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/soil-nutrients-and-e…
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066 - Top Turf Tech: The Machines That Changed Greenkeeping
1:16:43
1:16:43
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1:16:43Bledge and Lee sit down to count down their top five greenkeeping machines, from ProCores and sprayers to electric mowers and drones. They dive into the tools that shaped their careers and the ones leading the future. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.By By Cookie Jar Golf
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Abbey Hill Golf Centre with Craig Wyatt (England)
50:47
50:47
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50:47Craig Wyatt is the Golf Course Manager at Abbey Hill Golf Centre in Milton Keynes, England. We discuss leaves, leatherjacks, #ClipVol, and a lot more in this episode of Turf Without Borders. Read more about all kinds of turfgrass topics at https://www.asianturfgrass.com/ Find a suite of decision-making tools at https://www.paceturf.org/ Get free AT…
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How to make greens soft, and the opposite, making soft greens harder
18:25
18:25
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18:25This episode explains the steps I'd take to change greens from too hard (surface hardness and ball bounce, not hard as in difficulty) to just right. It follows that the opposite steps could be taken to move greens from too soft to just right. The blog post discussed is https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/to-keep-green-soft/ The ball bounce video fr…
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Send us a text In this episode, Nathan Edwards fills in for regular host Joe and welcomes back our very first podcast guest Dr. Brian Schwartz, Professor - Crop & Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia. Dr. Schwartz is one of the leading minds in warm-season turfgrass breeding. Dr. Schwartz shares updates on the development of TifTuf, insights …
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Geoff Webb reflects on 20 years of leadership at the GMA
24:01
24:01
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24:01TBTV sat down with Geoff Webb on day two of SALTEX to reflect on his 20 years as CEO of the Grounds Management Association. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sand quantity as depth, and a suggestion to measure sand application rates
24:24
24:24
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24:24Expressing sand quantities as a depth makes communication easier. But to know the depth, you need to know how much sand was applied to begin with. I've been surprised at how many turf managers don't know the exact amount applied. This short episode explains why I think you should measure sand amounts. Blog post discussed was https://www.asianturfgr…
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065 - Surviving and Thriving: Jack Percival’s Story of Resilience
1:10:27
1:10:27
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1:10:27Bledge and Jack sit down for an unfiltered conversation about Jack Percival’s rise from foster care and graveyard shifts to becoming a respected course manager. They cover his early struggles with literacy, battles with addiction, and how greenkeeping gave him purpose. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.…
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Send us a text In this episode, Joe sits down with Paul Prout, National Corporate Account Manager for Toro Australia, to discuss his journey in the turf industry and future of turf management. Paul shares insights into how Toro is leading innovation in mowing technology and smart automation to make turf care more efficient and sustainable. www.lawn…
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The right rate for N and sand topdressing: how I do it
21:42
21:42
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21:42I explain how I answered a couple questions about how much N and how much sand a particular grass might require. Specifically, I recommend adjusting N based on #ClipVol and sand based on #OM246. Blog post discussed: https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/sand-nitrogen-measuring-guessing/ OM246 calculator: https://asianturfgrass.shinyapps.io/om246/ Rea…
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064 - From seed to sale: How Inturf Service Sports Pitches
1:04:49
1:04:49
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1:04:49Bledge and Stephen sit down to dig into the real business of growing turf — from supplying Wembley and Wimbledon to feeding the nation’s show homes. They chat about soil science, family legacy, precision tractors and why rolling contact is everything. A deep dive into turf farming you’ll never look at your lawn the same way again. Send us a message…
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Usage rates for #ClipVol and #MLSN on golf courses in New York
26:53
26:53
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26:53The New York Golf Economic & Environmental Impact Report has interesting results for MLSN and ClipVol usage in New York. 58% of golf courses measure clipping volume and 47% interpret soil tests using MLSN. Blog post: https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/survey-says-mlsn-clipping-volume-golf-courses-new-york/ Full report: https://www.newyorkgolfimpac…
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E73 - Mick Pascoe, GCSAA Class A Superintendent
33:44
33:44
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33:44Send us a text In this episode Joe chats with Mick Pascoe, a seasoned golf course superintendent whose career has taken him across Australia, the UK and US, Barbados, Jamaica, Panama, Vietnam and Indonesia. Mick shares insights from decades in the turf industry, discussing the challenges of managing world-class courses in every environment imaginab…
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063 - From Stimp to USGA Smart Ball: Measuring What Matters on Modern Greens
1:06:37
1:06:37
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1:06:37Bledge and Sam sit down with the USGA’s Jeff Kinney and Wes Stewart to dig into GS3—the Bluetooth “smart ball” that reads speed, firmness, smoothness and trueness—and why firmness might be the ultimate defence of great golf. They get into Deacon's role as the data hub, a new moisture meter that maps watering decisions, and how better metrics help c…
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Send us a text In this episode, Joe from Lawn Solutions Australia sits down with Master Greenkeeper Alan FitzGerald, who is currently leading turf operations at Rehoboth Beach Country Club in Delaware. Before his appointment there in 2023, Alan spent 19 years as superintendent at LedgeRock Golf Club in Pennsylvania. With over 30 years of experience…
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062 - Royal Liverpool’s Robot Revolution with Craig Stoba (Husqvarna)
1:14:08
1:14:08
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1:14:08Sam Cooper and James Bledge sit down with Husqvarna’s Craig Stoba to unpack how lightweight GPS-guided mowing robots are changing daily set-ups, from virtual boundaries and millimetre-precise heights to 24/7 schedules that improve turf health and free up greenkeeping time. We get into worm-cast wins, winter cutting on wet sites, and that headline w…
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061 - From Cattle Stations to Toro: Bradley Taylor’s Greenkeeping Rise
1:09:21
1:09:21
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1:09:21Sam and Bledge sit down with newly crowned Toro Student Greenkeeper of the Year Bradley Taylor to unpack a whirlwind few years: Australia’s outback, a Belfry apprenticeship, tournament stints from Celtic Manor to Yas Links, and a move to Beau Desert Golf Club. They dig into a tough winter of disease and snow, the sand-heavy recovery, the switch to …
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Fertilizer quotes from Piper, Oakley, and Arthur, and #MLSN
34:38
34:38
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34:38Piper and Oakley wrote that "there is nothing mysteriously beneficial in their formulas" and that mixed fertilizers are "extensively advertised" but "are not to be recommended." Arthur wrote that soil testing is a "commercial gimmick" and that fine turf with clippings collected needs only "a little nitrogen in spring, no phosphates, and very little…
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E71 - Propagating a new Turfgrass variety with Scott Rowe
38:02
38:02
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38:02Send us a text In this episode, Joe sits down with Scott Rowe to talk about the fascinating (and labour intensive process) of propagating a brand-new turfgrass variety. Scott shares his insights into the science and patience behind the process — from the very first buffalo runner through to large-scale production. Joe and Scott also discuss the cha…
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Turfgrass soil sample depth, and what a pesticide-free golf course looks like (photo gallery)
42:07
42:07
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42:07I explain why I recommend collecting soil nutrient samples to a 10 cm (4 inch depth). I also discuss the importance of repeated soil sampling in order to check the change in test results over time. I look at a photo gallery from the 2025 Danish Golf Championship. Posts discussed include: https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/recommended-soil-sampling…
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060 - From Valderrama to Blackwell: Ben Lovett’s Greenkeeping Adventure
59:41
59:41
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59:41Bledge and Ben sit down in the boardroom at Blackwell GC to unpack a life in turf— from junior days at Trevose and Valderrama to East Lake, Troon North, Australia, Spain and the Turkish Airlines Open. Ben lifts the lid on Blackwell’s quirks: port and brandy in the clubhouse, the legendary 12th “snake” bunker, and a downhill par‑3 on 13 that inspire…
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059 - Crafting Royal Portrush: Graeme Beatt on Fescue, Robots & Links Magic
51:40
51:40
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51:40Bledge and Graeme sit down at Royal Portrush after a dawn ferry crossing to dig into Graeme’s journey from Scotscraig and Kingsbarns to course manager at one of the world’s great links. Covering fescue-first green conversions, managing anthracnose and dollar spot, reimagining bunkers, and the build-out ahead of Portrush’s Open where Scottie Scheffl…
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E70 - Autonomous Tractors with Cory Spaetti/Sabanto
39:49
39:49
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39:49Send us a text In this episode, Joe is joined by Cory Spaetti, Chief Operating Officer of Sabanto -an innovative agricultural autonomy company pioneering automation kits for tractors. We dive into the future of robotic automation and how this breakthrough technology is set to transform the turf industry in Australia, particularly within large-scale…
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058 - Nine, Twelve, or Nothing: Rethinking Golf’s Next Chapter
41:44
41:44
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41:44Sam and Bledge sit down to kick around what golf might look like in ten years’ time: fewer tired 18s, more brilliant 9s and 12s, and multi‑use hubs with sand‑capped, fescue‑forward turf that stays open when the rain never stops. Spurred by Alistair Beggs’ warning on chemicals and heavy soils, the lads pull apart a model that turns a failed 18 into …
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E69 - Spring on the Farm with Megan Ford from AUSGAP
20:06
20:06
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20:06Send us a text Spring marks a critical period on the turf farm, with increased growth, higher demand, and a sharper focus on quality assurance. In this episode, Joe is joined by Megan from AUSGAP to discuss the vital role the Australian Genetic Assurance Program plays in underpinning industry standards. From genetic purity and traceability to on-fa…
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057 - From Kent to Hoylake: Fletcher’s Golf Bug (and Those High Bunkers)
37:14
37:14
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37:14Sam and Bledge sit down with young Fletcher Bledge to talk growing up 200 yards from the 7th at Royal Liverpool, bagging two aces on the club’s pint-sized par-3, and why towering bunkers are the ultimate kid kryptonite. They dig into the mini-course with holes named Natterjack, Liverbird, Pineapple and Racing Horse, the Husqvarna robots that keep i…
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056 - Lee Strutt - Sowing Seeds and Breaking Ground
1:11:05
1:11:05
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1:11:05James Bledge and Lee Strutt sit down on the banks of Loch Lomond to reflect on Struttie’s unique journey through golf course management—from grassroots beginnings to directing a world-class estate. They dig into leadership, trials, robots, and how to engineer not just a golf course, but a culture. Send us a message if you would like anything discus…
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055 - From North Wales to Deal: Ben Williams’ Linksland Journey
1:13:29
1:13:29
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1:13:29Bledge and Ben Williams sit down to trace Ben’s path from a golf‑mad childhood in North Wales to course manager at Royal Cinque Ports—via ultra‑exclusive Double Eagle in Ohio, an overseed bootcamp at Sea Pines, and a love affair with New South Wales GC. They dig into mentorship, the FTMI programme, and why a touch of spring granular on the fairways…
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E68 - Dr Jim Kerns - Professor of Plant Pathology
29:15
29:15
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29:15Send us a text In this episode, Joe is joined by Dr. Jim Kerns, Professor of Plant Pathology at NC State University, to discuss turfgrass disease management. Dr. Kerns shares insights from his extensive research on fungal pathogens, seasonal disease patterns, and integrated management strategies as well as his hopes for the future of disease identi…
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The Short Grammar book and summer internships with Jim Huntoon
1:03:33
1:03:33
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1:03:33My Short Grammar of Greenkeeping book is one of the required books for turf class at Horry-Georgetown Technical College in South Carolina. Professor Jim Huntoon joined me to discuss the book, why he uses it for teaching, and how the internship (or summer cooperative work experience) program works. We discussed this post: https://www.asianturfgrass.…
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054 - Alistair Beggs - Practical Greenkeeping and the Art of Sustainable Golf
1:12:12
1:12:12
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1:12:12Sam and Bledge sit down with Alistair Beggs for a deep dive into a lifetime in golf course agronomy, from growing up at Hoylake to consulting on multiple Open Championships. They discuss the legendary Jim Arthur, the evolution of greenkeeping, tales from the driest Open in history, and why sustainable practices are shaping the future of the game. S…
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Humidity, heat, mid-round lunches, saunas, and the ITRC with Janne Lehto
40:43
40:43
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40:43Janne Lehto from Hirsala Golf in Finland attended the 15th International Turfgrass Research Conference (ITRC) in Japan. We discussed the heat and humidity in Japan during summer, saunas, his golfing experiences in Japan, and the ITRC. The blog post with information about heat and humidity is: https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/japan-hot-humid-lati…
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Layers in the rootzone and turf performance with John Forrest and Jeff Austen
1:00:28
1:00:28
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1:00:28John Forrest and Jeff Austen joined me from Western Australia to discuss layers in the rootzone, the educational system and apprenticeships, and sand. We looked at photos of layers in this post: https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/layers-in-the-rootzone/ Read more about all kinds of turfgrass topics at https://www.asianturfgrass.com/ Find a suite o…
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Janne is the golf course manager at Hirsala Golf near Helsinki. We discussed winter, robotic mowing, and maintenance at 60 degrees north. Read more about all kinds of turfgrass topics at https://www.asianturfgrass.com/ Find a suite of decision-making tools at https://www.paceturf.org/ Get free ATC newsletters at https://www.asianturfgrass.com/newsl…
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Send us a text In this episode, Joe is joined by Callum Cameron, Golf Course Superintendent at Remuera Golf Club in Auckland, New Zealand. Callum shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of managing turf in a high-traffic, year-round golfing environment. From renovation strategies to sustainability initiatives, Callum offers a practic…
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053 - Team Culture, Turf, and Tour Standards: Inside John McLoughlin’s Career
1:40:04
1:40:04
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1:40:04Sam and Bledge sit down with John McLoughlin to trace his 30-year career in golf, from Gleneagles to Royal Melbourne, and onto leading Wallasey’s greenkeeping team. They dive deep into tour-level course setups, team culture, and the management philosophies that have transformed clubs into championship venues. Send us a message if you would like any…
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The Grove's Ben Lamaison's greenkeeping journey
28:31
28:31
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28:31Senior Greenkeeper Ben Lamaison’s career journey in focus. TBTV sat down with Ben to discuss his career at the famous golf location as well as how he used his passion for photography to bridge the gap between The Grove’s 500 employees. You can follow Ben’s story on his instagram @gk_benlamaison Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform…
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Gradation, particle size distribution, sand, and more sand with Adam Moeller
59:48
59:48
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59:48How do you compare sands to show to what degree one is finer or coarser than another? I've been trying to figure out an easy way to visualize this with comparison to reference materials. Adam Moeller joined me to discuss sands, Ksat, the coefficient of uniformity, particle sizes, and more. We discussed this blog post: https://www.asianturfgrass.com…
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Regional MLSN and the soil nutrient levels producing good turf with John Emerson
1:06:26
1:06:26
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1:06:26John Emerson is an extension agent for the University of Delaware who has completed a statewide soil sampling project from good performing turf across the state. We talked about this project, and about nutrient management of turfgrass more generally, in this episode. We discussed this post: https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/good-turf-bad-turf-and…
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The median particle size of sand used for putting green rootzones and topdressing
19:37
19:37
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19:37The D50 is a value that represents the median particle diameter in a sand. I calculated the D50 for 302 sands from around the world, and 15% of them are finer than the limit defined by the USGA Recommendations for a Method of Putting Green Construction. Read about this at https://www.asianturfgrass.com/post/d50-median-sand-diameter/ Read more about…
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052 - Listener Question Time: Rain, Drought & Drainage
51:33
51:33
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51:33Sam and Bledge sit down to reflect on the growing extremes in UK weather and how this affects course maintenance and playability. From rainfall stats to reservoir builds and soil importation, it’s a deep dive into the future of sustainable golf course management. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.…
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E66 - Dr Chase Straw - Professor of Turfgrass at Penn State University
30:28
30:28
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30:28Send us a text In this episode, Joe is joined by Dr. Chase Straw, Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State University. Dr Straw shares his journey through the turf industry, from his early interests in sports turf to his current research on precision turfgrass management. They discuss the latest advancements in technology, data-driven turf care…
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051 - Beyond Turf: Golf’s Role in Biodiversity & Balance
58:22
58:22
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58:22Sam and James sit down to chat about why golf courses aren’t just about perfect turf—they’re thriving ecosystems. Join them as they explore how managing gorse, trees, and ponds can support nesting birds, red squirrels, toads, and more, plus how modern agronomy balances playing quality with environmental stewardship. Send us a message if you would l…
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Danny Negus on creating championship turf for Eastbourne International
19:18
19:18
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19:18As the dust settles on another historic Eastbourne International, we take a look back to our interview with Head Groundsman Danny Negus, when preparations were well under way for one of the biggest events in the tennis calendar. Danny discusses the challenges of creating a world class surface, the financial and natural hurdles he has faced, as well…
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050 - Listener Question Time: Course Difficulty & Rainfall
1:01:03
1:01:03
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1:01:03Sam and Bledge sit down and take listener questions, kicking off with a cracker about how to toughen up a golf course. From the science of rainfall to the sorcery of seaweed, it’s a deep dive into maintenance, architecture and a wee bit of punk rock nostalgia from Dumfries. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.…
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