USGA Green Section Podcast
The Green Section Podcast spotlights leaders in the turfgrass industry, sharing their knowledge, expertise, and best practices. Hosted by the United States Golf Association, it covers topics related to golf course maintenance and agronomy. Each episode features interviews with experts who discuss real-world solutions and innovations in turf management. The show is a resource for golf course superintendents and turfgrass professionals seeking practical advice.
Episodes
Paul B. Latshaw on Getting Magnificent Merion Ready for the 126th U.S. Amateur | EP. 73
With Merion Golf Club hosting the 2026 U.S. Amateur, director of grounds Paul B. Latshaw joins us to talk championship prep, leadership, his father’s legacy, and much more.
Preparing Royal Birkdale for the Open Championship | EP. 72
What does it take to prepare Royal Birkdale for The Open Championship? Course manager Sean McLean and agronomist Adam Newton from The R&A joined our podcast to discuss the nuances of maintaining a links course, the ins and outs of revetted bunkers, the ecological benefits of the native dunes around Royal Birkdale, how data collection informs course setup, and much more.
Soil Nutrient Testing Do's and Don'ts With Dr. Doug Soldat | EP. 71
How often should you soil test? What’s the best way to interpret results? Should testing alone guide fertilizer decisions? Dr. Doug Soldat answers these and many other important questions.
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 plan
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
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 d
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
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
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.
From Church Pews to Devilish Greens: Michael McCormick on Maintaining Iconic Oakmont | EP. 58
Oakmont’s iconic bunkers and greens will take center stage at next week’s U.S. Open. Superintendent Michael McCormick joins us to discuss their history, maintenance and recent restoration.
Chris Tritabaugh on Using "Turf GvX" for Better Putting Green Management | EP. 57
In our new podcast, we’re joined by superintendent Chris Tritabaugh from Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. He talks about how comparing actual turf growth with expected growth using “Turf GvX” can help superintendents at any type of golf course optimize their putting green management to deliver the best possible playing conditions on a consistent basis.
What We Can Learn From 100 Years of Green Section Research, With Drs. Cole Thompson and Mike Kenna | EP. 56
What does a century of Green Section research look like? Two of the brightest minds in turf reflect on their journeys directing the USGA’s turf and environmental research program and share how superintendents can put all that research into practice.
Turf Meets Tech With Tanner Coffman, Director of Turf Management at TGL | EP. 55
Tanner Coffman is the man behind the turf and tech at TGL, the new simulator golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods. In this episode, he covers the maintenance of both the real and artificial turf as well as all the technology it takes to make it happen.
Hot Takes On Turf With Dr. Micah Woods | EP. 54
In our new episode, Dr. Micah Woods returns for a lively discussion on a wide range of topics, including how to properly perform soil nutrient testing and how using MLSN can improve fertility programs. We also talk about the water requirements of different grasses and explore how superintendents may contribute to their own Poa annua and dollar spot problems. From tracking topdressing amounts to ge
Rodney Lingle: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence | EP. 53
In our new episode, 2025 Green Section Award recipient Rod Lingle reflects on a long and accomplished career as a superintendent, his inventions, leading the ultradwarf revolution and more!
Travis Hogan on Getting the Home Field Ready for the Kansas City Chiefs | EP. 52
Are you ready for some football? In this special episode, we catch up with the Kansas City Chiefs' director of turf management, Travis Hogan, for an inside look at what it takes to manage a field for the NFL.
Southern Hills’ Bryant Evans and Cary Cozby on Keys to a Successful Superintendent-Golf Pro Relationship | EP. 51
In our new podcast, we take a behind-the-scenes look at how two leaders and their teams work together to deliver an exceptional golf experience at one of America’s great golf clubs.
Chad Allen and Brian Powell on Using Data and the GS3 Ball to Dial-In Greens | EP. 50
Our 50th episode features a conversation with Chad Allen on how data collection leads to consistently great greens at Chatham Hills and we have an intro to the GS3 from our own Brian Powell.
Poa Annua Seed for Sale, With Dr. David Huff | EP. 49
In our new episode, Dr. David Huff of Penn State shares the challenges of developing and releasing high-quality Poa annua seed, how he succeeded, why Poa often gets a bad rap, and much more.
Inside the Turf Diagnostics Lab With Lee Butler | EP. 48
In our new podcast episode, we’re joined by Lee Butler from the NC State Turf Diagnostics Lab to learn about the latest turf pathology trends, tips on sampling for and managing disease, and much more.
Back to School With the Green Section Interns | EP. 47
In our new podcast, we chat with two of this year’s Green Section interns, Elisabeth Kitchin and Manuel Salado. They talk about their careers in turf, experiences in the program and more.
Links:
Green Section Internship Program. Apply today!
Heathland Heritage: Preparing Sunningdale for the 43rd Curtis Cup Match | EP. 46
Our summer abroad wraps up in England as we welcome Sunningdale’s Jamie Wilson and George Pitts to the podcast for a chat about heathland golf, course prep and history at the Curtis Cup.
The Royal Melbourne Method: How They Manage Organic Matter, Deliver Famously Firm Greens and More! | EP. 45
In our new episode we chat with Richard Forsyth, director of golf courses at Royal Melbourne, about the unique way they manage organic matter in their bentgrass greens, and much more!
Dr. Jim Baird on Warm-Season Breeding, Water and Turf Trends Out West | EP. 44
The University of California, Riverside, Turf Breeding Program has been hard at work developing improved warm-season grasses and finding solutions to the issues facing golf courses in California and throughout the Southwest. In our new podcast episode, Dr. Jim Baird discusses how their new bermudagrass releases can help golf courses save water and improve conditions year round. We also chat about
Pinehurst Present and Past: John Jeffreys on US Open Prep and a Trip Through History at the Tufts Archive | EP. 43
Our new episode features Course No. 2 superintendent John Jeffreys on U.S. Open prep and Audrey Moriarty of the Tufts Archives on Pinehurst’s 130-year legacy of golf and course maintenance.
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 o
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
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 happ
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 sam
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.
Cross-Country Course Conditions and U.S. Open Preparations | Ep. 32
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.
Weeds, Robots and More With Dr. Scott McElroy | Ep. 31
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.
Sustainability Through Science With Dr. Cole Thompson | Ep. 30
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 Wildlife
Golf, USGA Green Section Doing Their Part to Make Game Environmentally Friendly
What Is a Golf Course?
Setting a Course for Paradise: Building Cabot St. Lucia | Ep. 29
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.
Putting Green Data Collection 101 With Chris Tritabaugh | Ep. 28
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.
Converting Fairways From Common to Hybrid Bermudagrass With David Bermudez | Ep. 27
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.
Chris Eckstrom on Regrassing Cool-Season Fairways With Hybrid Bermudagrass | Ep. 26
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 Fairways
Converting Fairways To Bermudagrass In Northern California
Converting to Bermudagrass Fairways
Fairway Regrassing — Can You Afford Not To?
Drew Barnett on Regrassing Fairways With an Improved Bentgrass Variety | Ep. 25
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
Converting Bermudagrass Fairways to Zoysia With Brian Powell | Ep. 24
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’ Junior
Fairway Conversion From Bermudagrass To Zoysiagrass
The Ins And Outs Of Zoysiagrass Fairway Management
Converting Cool-Season Fairways to Improved Bentgrass Varieties With John Hoyle | Ep. 23
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 Inputs
Successful Fai
Troy Flanagan on the Renovation at The Olympic Club | Ep. 22
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 Club
US Women’s Open Preparations with Shannon Rouillard and Troy Flanagan
Poa annua: Problems and Solutions With Dr. Jim Brosnan | Ep. 21
Dr. Jim Brosnan gives his perspective on all things Poa annua, with a focus on the Southeast, as superintendents continue their battle with one of turf’s most problematic weeds.
Related Articles:
Poa annua: There Wasn't Any Until There Was
The Pros and Cons of Poa annua
Poa annua Control on Greens
Todd Raisch at The Ridgewood Country Club on the 2022 U.S. Amateur | Ep. 20
Todd Raisch, superintendent at Ridgewood Country Club, gives us an insider’s view into the famed golf course and his preparations for the 2022 U.S. Amateur.
Marissa Mar on the Upcoming Gil Hanse Renovation at The Olympic Club | Ep. 19
Marissa Mar, green committee chair at the Olympic Club, joins us to share her perspective on the upcoming Gil Hanse renovation of the Lake Course, building a consensus on course projects and her experience as green chair at one of the top courses in the world.
USGA CEO Mike Whan Reflects on the 2022 U.S. Open | Ep. 18
USGA CEO Mike Whan joins us to talk about his first U.S. Open as CEO, his vision for what makes a good U.S. Open test, and the new E.J. Marshall platter that was awarded to the host superintendent for being an outstanding partner in agronomy and course preparation.
A Final Look at the U.S. Open With Dave Johnson | Ep. 17
In the final episode of our series with Dave Johnson, director of grounds at The Country Club, we’ll discuss how things are shaping up on the course heading into the U.S. Open.
A Growing Tradition: Women in Turf Volunteering at USGA Championships | Ep. 16
Women in turf volunteering at the U.S. Women’s Open is becoming an annual event. Golf course superintendent Jill Seymour joins us to share her experiences with this growing tradition.
Effective Communication Strategies for Superintendents With Ross Miller, CGCS | Ep. 15
On our latest podcast, we discuss successful communication strategies for today’s superintendent with Ross Miller, golf course superintendent at the Country Club of Detroit.
Weed Control Insights From Dr. Matt Elmore | Ep. 14
We talk with Dr. Matt Elmore from Rutgers University about the timing, products and practices needed to control golf course weeds like goosegrass, crabgrass, kyllinga and more.
Dr. John Kaminski on Current Challenges and a U.S. Open Course Update From Dave Johnson | Ep. 13
Catch our conversation with Dr. John Kaminski from Penn State about winter injury, disease control and labor issues, and get an update on U.S. Open prep from Dave Johnson at Brookline.
Superintendent-Turned-COO Todd Voss and a U.S. Open Course Update | Ep. 12
On our latest podcast episode Todd Voss, COO at the Double Eagle Club, talks about making the jump from superintendent to his current role and Dave Johnson, director of grounds at The Country Club, gives an update on U.S. Open prep.
Diving Into DEACON | Ep. 11
Catch our latest podcast to learn more about DEACON™ – what it can do, how it works, and how it can help you improve playing conditions and resource management at your course.
New Frontiers of Autonomous Mowing | Ep. 10
Interest in autonomous mowing on golf courses continues to grow as technology advances and labor issues remain a serious challenge for many superintendents. Learn more about how autonomous mowers are performing on golf courses in our conversation with Bjarni Hannesson, course manager at Ness Golf Club in Iceland, and Erwan Le Cocq, head greenkeeper and robot technology specialist from Winston Golf
Talking Winter Injury Prevention on Putting Greens | Ep. 09
Learn about the latest research and techniques to reduce the risk of winter injury with Dr. Mike Richardson on warm-season grasses (0:00-29:00) and Dr. Kevin Frank on cool-season turf (29:00-End).
USGA CEO Mike Whan on Golf Course Maintenance and the Future of Our Game | Ep. 08
Listen as USGA CEO Mike Whan talks about his experiences in course maintenance (he got electrocuted), the big issues facing golf courses and how he wants the USGA to help.
Discussing 2021 Course Care Issues With USGA Agronomists | Ep. 07
Our latest podcast is an update on course care issues around the country from our USGA agronomists. Topics include pests, labor challenges and the high cost of products.
Talking Tees with Golf Course Architect Andy Staples | Ep. 06
On this podcast, we talk about the art and science of tee design with golf course architect Andy Staples. Location, sizing, construction, and dealing with stigmas about tees are all covered.
Developing a Consistent Approach to Organic Matter Testing | Ep. 05
Learn how Dr. Doug Soldat, USGA agronomist Brian Whitlark, and others are developing a standardized and improved way to measure putting green organic matter.
Catching Up On The Latest Summer Trends With USGA Agronomists | Ep. 04
In our latest podcast episode, USGA agronomists from across the country discuss strategies they’re seeing and recommending that can help courses withstand hot weather and heavy play.
US Women’s Open Preparations with Shannon Rouillard and Troy Flanagan | Ep. 03
Take a behind-the-scenes look at course setup and conditions for the U.S. Women’s Open with Shannon Rouillard from the USGA and the Olympic Club’s director of golf maintenance, Troy Flanagan.
Course Renovations at Scioto Country Club with Bob Becker and Zach Nicoludis | Ep. 02
Scioto Country Club is about to undergo a large-scale course renovation. Superintendent Bob Becker gives us detailed insight into the plans and what to expect when the work is complete.
Improving Putting Green Management by Collecting Data with Jared Nemitz and Paul Jacobs | Ep. 01
In the first episode of our new Green Section podcast, we discuss the benefits of data collection in golf course maintenance with Jared Nemitz, director of golf course and grounds at the Ford Field & River Club and Paul Jacobs, USGA agronomist in the Central Region.
Welcome to the USGA Green Section Podcast
The Green Section Podcast will be published throughout the year as we speak with USGA agronomists, superintendents, researchers, and industry stakeholders about important maintenance topics and the latest trends in the turfgrass industry.
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