Turfnet Radio

Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks with golf course architect Kevin Norby about the perceived glamour vs. the reality of designing golf courses throughout the country and around the world. They also discuss some of Kevin's past work and ongoing projects and the role of the architect in making golf courses easier for the superintendent to maintain, especially in times of increased labor and budget challenges.

This expansive Frankly Speaking episode is filled with Science, Economics, and Formula 1. Frank begins with Professor Michelle DaCosta from the University of Massachusetts on her career and winter injury research. You’ll be surprised to learn what a new USDA multi-million-dollar research program will be studying in the next few years. Frank then turns to long time contributor Jim Koppenhaver, from Pellucid Golf, answering the question, “are we holding onto gains in golf realized in 2020, during 2021?” But the better topic is Jim’s advice for how to put that money back into the most important resource, the golf course. The show wraps up with a “catch-up” chat with Chris Tritabaugh. Frank and Chris discuss the season in review, what makes a good irrigation system, Formula 1, and taking good care of yourself during some challenging times.

Some Love for Labor! Frank speaks unusually Frankly with Tyler Bloom, a former golf course superintendent currently specializing in workforce development. A far-reaching conversation about the woes, wins and opportunities that lie ahead for the labor needs in the golf and sports turf industries. Aligning labor and business goals in a golf course operation requires some progressive thinking. Tyler provides some useful tips. Frank ends the episode checking in with the official SE Diagnostician of the Frankly Speaking Podcast, Lee Butler at NC State University. Frank-Lee speaking about above and below ground issues from the growing season and how to prep for next year’s disease pressure now!

In this episode, Frank Speaks with Pete Cookingham, recently retired director of the Turfgrass Information File based at Michigan State University. Pete reviews the history of the database and the unique nature of managing a topic specific database, like turfgrass science. His lifetime commitment is celebrated every time we use the information and he continually receives donations of information by the pallet! Frank also chats with Dr. Casey Reynolds, Executive Director of Turfgrass Producers Inc (TPI) about the soon to be voted on Sod Checkoff program. Casey outlines the research and marketing program currently underway with TPI and the startling amount of money that this program could generate. $14 million!

In this episode of Renovation Report, sponsored by The Andersons, Capillary Bunkers and Golf Preservations, Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., sits down with golf course architect and restoration specialist Andrew Green about his reputation for taking historic golf courses back in time after years of change. Green, who says his goal is as simple as doing good work with good people, talks specifically about projects such as Scioto Country Club and Inverness Club, site of this year's Solheim Cup matches.

In this episode, RW and the gang deliver an emergency warning about an Army Worm invasion, reveal our progress in golf course robot evaluations, discuss the big change coming in golf and explain why those folks at The Masters need a wall. In "Storytime" we tell about our favorite time on the golf course. Presented by DryJect.

In this episode, Frank Speaks with Dr. Leah Brilman about the breeding and development of creeping bentgrass, mixtures and blends, and the current state of the turfgrass seed industry from the recent weather patterns to long term supplies. “We'd better get used to paying more for seed”. Frank then speaks with Emily Braithwaite from Oregon State University about the impact of the heat in the PNW and how “bentgrass is taking over the research farm”. Frank wraps up the episode with the Mindful Superintendent, Paul MacCormack, discussing how to take care of yourself when short-staffed, and maintaining a healthy relationship with making mistakes.

Inness, a King-Collins design-build project condensing the old Rondout Golf Club from 18 to 9 new holes, opened in June with Anthony Minniti at the helm. It wasn't easy. Minniti came over from The Creek and Shinnecock Hills to grow in and polish the new resort course Accord, NY, in the upper Hudson Valley between the Catskill and Shawangunk Mountains. Weather, short staffing and lots of clay and rock stood in the way. Anthony Pioppi chats with Minniti about the challenges and the accomplishments at Inness.

In this episode Frank takes a deep dive into spray application technology with Ken Rost of Frost Inc. They cover the gamut from where we are today in turfgrass spray application technology to where we will be tomorrow! Frank then welcomes Derek Settle back to his former role with the Chicago District Golf Association, “My first job was my best job”. Frank and Derek chat about his return, some of the changes he’s seen and what’s the stress and pest situation in 2021. Frank closes the show highlighting more good work in the golf industry with an update on the Wee-One Foundation, with Executive Director Luke Cella.

In this episode of the Renovation Report, sponsored by The Andersons, Capillary Bunkers and Golf Preservations, Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks wiith golf course architect Drew Rogers about his time working with his mentor, Arthur Hills, running his own golf course design firm, JDR Design Group, and the transformation of the business from original design to primarily one of restoration and renovation in the face of golf industry contraction.

In this episode Frank chats with Rich Buckley, Director of Diagnostic Services at Rutgers University Plant Diagnostic Lab, about the wet and stress of the growing season in the North. Wet soils, steamy air and soon more heat. Frank and Rich unravel the panoply of fungal problems golf course superintendents are facing. The episode also highlights the wonderful work of Paula Wienert at Bridge 127 that is connecting many in the golf industry to needs of foster care parents and kids. Any little bit helps and golf has stepped up big time! Learn more from this passionate leader and how you can help.

In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, RW reveals an important secret to leadership success, while Jelsik gets a rough mower stuck in the lake and Boof loses his radio. Cletus is forced to put those nasty water jugs back out, Ludell makes his illegal mushroom burgers again and the beer cart driver quits. Momma inspects the bunkhouse and the winner of The Turpentine Corncob is announced.  Just a normal day at Rockbottum CC. Presented by DryJect.

Bradley S. Klein, Ph.D., talks with golf industry analyst J.J. Keegan. Keegan, who has authored several books, including "The Winning Playbook for Golf Courses" in 2020, is one of the golf industry's leading consultants. He and Brad discuss the business of golf as it relates to golf course superintendents, the role of superintendents in driving the business model and what every greenkeeper needs to know about the economics of today's golf industry.

In this episode of Frankly Speaking, Franks sits down with Dr. James Hempfling, Field Development Scientist for Bayer Crop Sciences to discuss Anthracnose and dollar spot research at Rutgers, transition from academic to industry science, and his passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the golf turf industry. They even get to chat about his musical roots, interests, and the value of a hobby when you are involved in an immersive profession like academics or golf turf management. Lots to like here and more to learn!

In this episode of the TurfNet Renovation Report, Brad Klein chats with 41-year veteran superintendent Peter Bly of Brooklawn Country Club (Fairfield, CT), host site of the 2021 US Senior Women's Open. Presented by Golf Preservations, The Andersons and Capillary Bunkers.

In this episode Frank returns to the airwaves to chat with Mike Morris, Golf Course and Property Manager at Crystal Downs Country Club, a classic Alistair MacKenzie/Perry Maxwell course in Frankfort, Michigan. Crystal Downs is thought to have been a motivation for Mackenzie’s work with Bobby Jones on his next project, Augusta National. Mike also has been a pioneer in data driven management, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure”. Frank end’s the episode chatting with Professor Lee Miller of the University of Missouri about the early 2021 season and philosophically managing turfgrass stress and disease.

In this episode of Rockbottum Radio, RW discusses working for corporations and the increasing complexities of lengthy supply line disruptions in modern times.   Ludell returns from the future to explain how Gen Z solved the problem of professional politicians... and reveals what golf can expect from corporate water tech. In Storytime, RW tells the tale of his first encounter with corporate indentured servitude:  Woolworth's.

This episode of Frankly Speaking begins with a trip Down Under to discuss golf turf management in Australia with John Neylan, longtime agronomist. Frank and John cover a wide range of topics from Poa annua and herbicide resistance to putting green construction and the glorious golf on the sandbelt near Melbourne. John’s long history with annual bluegrass and experience with growing grass in arid and Mediterranean climates provides excellent insight no matter where you grow grass. There is even some discussion of organic matter management based on Claude Crockford’s method used at the Royal Melbourne. Frank is joined in the second half of the episode by Jim Koppenhaver of Pellucid Golf to discuss the 2020 season, the start to 2021, and how to use climate and participation data to identify the opportunities to sustain the COVID-bump!

In this episode of "Frank-Lee Speaking", Steve Rabideau of Winged Foot reflects on a career, restoring a couple of classic golf courses and hosting a one-of-kind US Open. The conversation is about construction management, persistence, and managing expectations of a demanding membership and a loyal and dedicated crew. “Nothing prepares you for this.” Frank also visits with Lee Butler of NC State University discussing issues facing golf course superintendents in the southeast US. Frank and Lee also review the 2020 season in the diagnostic lab that receives samples from around the country. How many were related to a pathogen? Listen to find out. Presented by Civitas, DryJect and Plant Food Company.

This episode of Rockbottum Radio features another typical day at The Rock, as Cletus realizes why he should wear PPE when spraying, Momma learns how to give legal performance appraisals, Jelsik Muldoon remote applies for a job and famous TurfNetter Charlie Fultz helps remote-write a segment on Emotional Golf Support Animals. When the crew discusses walk-striping the rough for TV at the TPC, Momma demands RW break his silence and postulate on the matter through Storytime. RW tells the story of his Dad and The Great Trickle Down... which could have been avoided. Presented by DryJect.