The Turf Zone Podcast

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode spotlights New England Sports Field Management Association member Robin Wilson – Grounds Manager for Windham School District in Windham, New Hampshire. This Q and A is read from New England Blade magazine. How did you get your start in the sports field industry? I kind of fell into the industry. In my early 20s, I owned a bakery in Pennsylvania, but after some difficult life events, my brother encouraged me to move to New Hampshire to be closer to family. It was one of the only times I’ve listened to him, and it turned out to be a pivotal decision! I returned to college and took a job at a local high school mowing and painting athletic fields. Before long, I got “bit by the turf bug.” What started as a job became a lifelong career and an unexpected passion. Where did you go from there? After graduating, I continued managing the high school’s athletic fields and grounds for 18 years. During that time, I worked with some wonderful people, including Athletic Director Bill Raycraft. When he moved to another district, he encouraged me to apply for the Grounds Manager position in Windham, NH. I took a chance and got the job! I’ve now spent 10 years managing more than 26 acres of grounds and athletic fields for the Windham School District. Who was your mentor when you were first starting out, and why? I owe so much to Kim Britton, Grounds Supervisor at St. Anselm College. Twenty-six years ago, Kim took me under her wing and has remained a mentor, friend, and constant source of support. She introduced me to incredible industry professionals, including Paul Carey, who has also been instrumental in my growth. Paul eventually introduced us to Kelly Lynch, opening the door to volunteering with the Women in Turf team and at the Little League Softball World Series. Both experiences have been life-changing, connecting me with passionate people eager to share their knowledge and showcase our industry’s opportunities. What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received? Take pictures! I take pictures ALL the time. They’re invaluable for documenting progress, showing how fields evolve, and communicating accomplishments. They’re also helpful when seeking advice from turf colleagues. Sometimes sending a few pictures and asking, “What do you think is going on here?” is the best way to learn. Of course, 20 years ago, before we had computers in our pockets, things were a little different! What is the next “gamechanger” you see on the horizon for the sports turf industry? The Women in Turf movement! More women are entering our industry, becoming successful leaders and role models. I’m proud to be part of this movement and excited about its impact. Through social media, volunteering, mentoring, and sharing experiences, women are highlighting the opportunities in sports turf. But it’s bigger than women alone. Everyone who shares knowledge, encourages newcomers, and gets involved helps make our profession stronger and more welcoming. Bringing new people into the industry expands our talent pool, introduces fresh perspectives, and demonstrates that sports turf is a rewarding career, not just a job. I’m excited to see what the next generation accomplishes! What’s your favorite or most useful equipment, product, and technology? Equipment: John Deere 3046 with 60″ 1st Products Aeravator Products: Pure Seed Products Technology: Anything with GPS! What advice would you share with people starting out in sports field management? I have a few rules to live by, some passed along to me and others learned through experience. First, don’t forget to breathe. This industry is rewarding but demanding, with long days, unpredictable weather, tight deadlines, and unexpected challenges. You don’t have to know everything immediately. Second, always be willing to learn. Ask questions, listen, and never be afraid to admit you don’t know something. Some of the best lessons come from those working alongside you. Third, take pride in your work. What we do directly impacts athletes, students, schools, and communities. Even the little things matter. Finally, appreciate how far you’ve come. Be open to opportunities, support others, and remember that mistakes aren’t the end of the world. Some of my greatest growth has come from difficult situations. Can you share a bit about your family life and what you enjoy doing in your free time? My family’s love and support mean everything. My wife and I have four adult children, and I have nine siblings, so life is busy! I enjoy fly fishing, traveling with family and friends, getting back into golf, and woodworking. There’s always a project happening at our home! What have you enjoyed most about being a NE-SFMA member? Building relationships. The connections I’ve made through NE-SFMA have become lifelong friendships, mentorships, and professional partnerships. Having people who understand the challenges and rewards of our work is invaluable. I especially appreciate the lack of ego in this industry. People genuinely want to share knowledge and help each other succeed. Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, everyone has something to contribute and something to learn. NE-SFMA is more than a professional organization. It’s a community that cares about the profession and each other. That camaraderie is what I value most. Is there anything else you’d like to share with fellow NE-SFMA members? I’d like to thank everyone who has volunteered for NE-SFMA over the past 36 years, from board and committee members to those working quietly behind the scenes. This organization thrives because people generously give their time and energy. Special thanks to Vickie Wallace and Mary Owen, the “OG Women,” and to Virginia Wood and Charissa Sharkey for everything they do behind the scenes. I’m also thankful to those who have helped throughout my career. I certainly wouldn’t have earned an SFMA Field of the Year award without the guidance, support, and hard work of so many people. Kim Britton, Paul Carey, Justin Santos, Brian Lucini, and countless colleagues have all contributed to my journey. I’m incredibly grateful for the people and relationships this industry has brought into my life. That, more than anything, is what makes this industry so special. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post NE-SFMA Member Spotlight: Robin Wilson appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Beautiful fall weather, an impressive athletic field, and outstanding educational content made NE-SFMA’s recent Sports Field Forum at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium a tremendous success. The well-attended event brought together sports turf professionals from throughout New England for a unique opportunity to combine classroom learning with practical, real-world applications. The program, Maximizing Playability: Leveraging Soil Surfactants to Enhance Playing Surfaces, featured Christian Baldwin, Ph.D., scientist, educator, and researcher with The Aquatrols Company. Dr. Baldwin shared valuable research and practical insights into how soil surfactants can improve moisture management, promote more consistent playing conditions, and enhance overall turfgrass performance. His presentation offered attendees a better understanding of how these products work and how they can be incorporated into everyday field management practices. Following the classroom session, attendees headed outdoors to the beautifully maintained natural grass field at Rentschler Field, home of UConn Huskies football and a popular venue for major concerts and special events. Head Sports Turf Manager James Lappetito and his experienced team provided a firsthand look at the challenges and strategies involved in maintaining a high-performance playing surface. The field session brought the earlier discussion to life, demonstrating how soil surfactants and other management practices are put to work to maintain field consistency, improve playability, and support athlete safety. The combination of classroom instruction and on-field learning was especially appreciated by attendees, who welcomed the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and gain practical knowledge they could take back to their own facilities. NE-SFMA extends its appreciation to Dr. Christian Baldwin, James Lappetito, and the Rentschler Field team for sharing their expertise and providing such an outstanding educational experience. We are also grateful to our event supporters: Read Custom Soils, PBI Gordon, and Tom Irwin, whose generous support helps NE-SFMA continue to deliver quality professional education. Finally, special thanks to Scott Vose and the other members of NE-SFMA’s Education Committee for their leadership, planning, and commitment to making this year’s Sports Field Forum such a success. Events like this demonstrate the value of learning from one another and the strength of our New England sports field management community. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Sports Field Forum Delivers Valuable Learning: On and Off the Field appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode covers managing water from source to soil. Effective water management has always been central to turfgrass health. Today, managing water is about much more than deciding when and how much to irrigate. Weather patterns are becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Extended periods of drought and extreme heat can put turf under intense moisture stress. High humidity and prolonged periods of wet weather can increase disease pressure. Thunderstorms and torrential downpours can deliver more water than the soil can absorb, contributing to runoff, erosion and nutrient leaching. Strong winds and rapidly changing conditions can also make it more difficult to apply products accurately and efficiently. For turf managers, every one of these conditions creates a different challenge, and often, one extreme is followed quickly by another. A long stretch of hot, dry weather may suddenly give way to several inches of rain. A saturated soil profile can be followed by drying conditions and heat. A period of high humidity can increase disease pressure just as turf is already under environmental stress. The result is a constant balancing act: getting enough water to the rootzone without wasting it, making applications count without putting products where they don’t belong, and maintaining healthy, consistent turf while working within increasingly demanding environmental conditions. The challenge isn’t simply getting water onto the property; it’s managing water effectively throughout its entire journey. That’s where The Aquatrols Company can become your ultimate water partner. Our approach to water management extends from the water source to the spray tank, across the target, and into the soil. Across each stage, our technologies are designed to help turf managers manage water more effectively, optimize applications, and make better use of the resources they already have. When water is involved at every stage of turf management, water management shouldn’t be viewed as one isolated task, it should be considered as part of the entire process. At the Source: Start with the Water You Have Effective water management begins at the source. For many golf courses, ponds and reservoirs are an important part of the irrigation system. These water sources provide the supply needed to maintain turf through changing environmental conditions, making their management an essential part of the bigger water picture. Poor water quality can create challenges that extend well beyond the pond itself. Organic matter, waste and sludge can accumulate over time, affecting water clarity and quality while creating unpleasant odors and increasing the need for intensive management practices. Precise Pond is designed to address the problem at its source. Its concentrated, function-specific biological formulation accelerates the breakdown of partially decomposed organic matter, waste and sludge that accumulate at the bottom of lakes and ponds. With 20 to 30 times more activity than ordinary biological products, Precise Pond helps improve water clarity and quality while reducing the need for harvesting, dredging and algaecides. By helping manage accumulated organic matter, turf managers and property managers can take a more efficient approach to maintaining their water resources rather than relying solely on more intensive corrective measures. The appearance of a pond or reservoir can also be an important part of the overall property. Aquatrols offers professional-grade water shading products to help manage this. Jet Black EZ SoluPak creates a deep, reflective black appearance while reducing sunlight penetration into the water. True Blue EZ SoluPak provides a natural blue appearance for ponds, lakes and decorative water features while also reducing sunlight penetration. Reducing available sunlight can help slow photosynthesis and inhibit algae growth, providing another tool for managing water at the source. While source-water management may seem separate from what happens on the turf, it is actually the first step in understanding and managing the water that ultimately reaches the playing surface. The goal throughout the water-management process is to make the most of the available water. This becomes especially important during drought or extended periods of heat, when water resources may be under greater demand. It also matters when significant rainfall creates an abundance of water in a short period of time. In the Tank: Water Quality Matters Before the Application Begins Once water leaves the source it becomes part of another critical process: the spray tank. Every spray application is a combination of water and products designed to accomplish a specific objective. Water is not simply a carrier though; its characteristics can influence how products interact and perform. Water quality, pH and tank-mix compatibility can all play a role in an application. If conditions in the tank aren’t optimized, products may not perform the way it’s intended. Greg Caldwell of Pete Dye River Course says “This year we have taken water samples from our Municipal water source and learned the pH is reading at 8.1 We have implemented New Balance into the program in all spray tanks to help buffer the pH below 7 to prevent alkaline hydrolysis of our tank mix sprays.” Aquatrols’ adjuvants, like Low-Volume Spray Enhancer, Convert and New Balance, help turf managers address spray-tank conditions and tank-mix compatibility, supporting applications before they ever leave the nozzle. LV combats hard water cations, mitigates high pH degradation and maximizes low-volume efficacy, while Convert eliminates chemical curdling, clears “cottage cheese” precipitates and reduces equipment maintenance. This is an important part of maximizing efficiency. When turf managers invest time, labor, water and products into an application, getting the most from that investment matters. The question isn’t just, “What are we applying?” It’s also, “Are we preparing the application to perform as effectively as possible?” By considering water quality and tank conditions as part of the application process, turf managers can take another step towards making every application count. Through the Air: Getting the Application Where It Belongs Once an application leaves the spray tank, water management shouldn’t stop. The spray has to travel through the air before it reaches its intended target, and environmental conditions can make that journey more complicated. Wind, heat, humidity and changing weather can all affect application conditions. A weather window that looks favorable at the beginning of an application can change quickly, creating challenges for maintaining precision. For turf managers, off-target movement isn’t simply an application concern, it can also mean wasted product, reduced efficiency and resources being directed somewhere other than where they were intended to go. Border 2.0 is designed to help reduce off-target movement and improve deposition, helping keep applications where they’re intended to go. Keeping the application controlled through the air helps turf managers better protect their investment in the products being applied. Scott Mauldin of Bayville Golf Club shares “Bayville uses Border 2.0 when spraying native areas and herbicide sprays in the Bermudagrass to enhance weed control. Border 2.0 provides some added benefit since we are a breezy golf course site!” It also supports a broader environmental objective: putting the right product in the right place. When conditions are challenging, application efficiency becomes even more important. On the Target: Making Every Application Count Once an intended target is reached, coverage, adhesion and retention become the next priorities. A product needs to reach the plant and remain where it is intended to work. Border 2.0 helps improve deposition and coating, helping to keep products in place and protect the investments in the tank mix. Solarous approaches turf performance from a different perspective. Rather than simply functioning as a traditional green pigment, it combines a natural-looking green colorant with UV radiant technologies and an advanced surfactant system. This technology is designed to support coverage and adhesion while helping turf manage harsh sunlight and environmental stress. Jeremy Phillips says Kanawha Golf Courses “After I spray Solarous, the feedback is immediate – I get a ton of comments from players saying, ‘Wow, what did you do to those greens?’ and ‘Man, those greens look amazing!’ But the visual impact is only half the story. The added benefit of UV reduction is a lifesaver; it gives the turf the protection it needs to beat the heat and pushes the greens right through severe summer stress without breaking a sweat.” That distinction matters because appearance is only one part of what turf managers are trying to achieve. During periods of extreme heat, intense sunlight and other environmental stresses, maintaining turf performance can become increasingly challenging. The goal isn’t simply to make turf look better. The more efficiently an application can be deposited, distributed and retained on the intended target, the greater the opportunity to maximize the value of the resources that went into making that application. In a world where weather conditions can change by the hour, maximizing every application is an important part of responsible resource management. In the Soil: Where Water Management Becomes Turf Management Ultimately, water has to make its way into the soil and rootzone, and this is where some of the most visible challenges of water management occur. During heavy rainfall, soils may receive more water than they can absorb. Water then can move across the surface rather than infiltrating into the rootzone, contributing to runoff and potentially carrying nutrients and other materials with it. On the other hand, prolonged heat and drought can create conditions where soils become difficult to wet. Water may move unevenly through the soil profile, leaving some areas adequately hydrated while other areas remain dry. The result can be inconsistent moisture, stressed turf and increased management demands. Wetting agents such as Zipline, Dispatch and Vivax Oro are designed to help improve water movement and distribution through the soil profile. Better infiltration and more uniform moisture distribution can help turf managers make better use of the water they apply, whether they’re managing prolonged dry conditions or trying to recover from extreme rainfall. Trevor Hedgepath of Kinloch Golf Club says “We’ve been all-in on Zipline for our putting greens the past two summers. The distinguishing characteristic that we have observed is the ability to uniformly wet the profile, prevent LDS almost completely all the while avoiding a wet surface after an application. Our biggest challenge now is trying to expand its use to not only greens but all closely mown turf.” One Water Cycle. Many Challenges. The weather doesn’t always cooperate. A stretch of extreme heat can increase moisture demand and put turf under stress. Humidity can follow, bringing increased disease pressure. A prolonged dry period can suddenly give way to a thunderstorm or torrential downpour. These extremes create a complicated balancing act for turf managers. A sudden heavy rain doesn’t solve drought when the turf is already stressed and can’t absorb the water effectively. Likewise, after extended wet conditions, a return to high temperatures can rapidly change the turf’s moisture needs. Managing these challenges requires turf managers to respond to conditions rather than rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. It also means looking at water management as a connected process: Where does the water come from? What happens to it in the spray tank? How effectively does the application travel through the air? How well does it reach and remain on the intended target? Where does that water go once it reaches the soil? Each question is connected to the next. An opportunity to improve efficiency at one stage can support better performance at the stages that follow. Water management is often discussed in terms of irrigation, but the conversation is much broader than that. Every spray application relies on water. Every application has to move from the tank to the target, and every application ultimately interacts with the plant, soil and surrounding environment. Water management and application efficiency are closely connected. Optimizing tank conditions can help prepare an application for success. Reducing off-target movement can help keep products where they belong. Improving deposition and retention can help maximize coverage. Improving water movement through the soil can help turf make better use of available moisture. Together, these steps support a more efficient approach to managing the resources involved in turf care. This is also where water management intersects with environmental stewardship. Using water efficiently is important. So is using nutrients and crop protection products responsibly. Reducing runoff and leaching, improving application efficiency and keeping products where they’re intended to go can all contribute to a more thoughtful approach to turf management. Since you can’t control the weather, understanding how water behaves is one way to help make better decisions as conditions change. During drought, that may mean focusing on getting available water into the rootzone and making it available to the turf for as long as possible. During periods of extreme rainfall, it may mean focusing on infiltration, distribution and reducing the potential for runoff and leaching. When application conditions are challenging, it may mean looking for ways to improve deposition and reduce off-target movement. When environmental stress is high, it may mean looking beyond appearance to technologies that support coverage, adhesion and turf performance. The common thread is water. Managing it effectively requires looking beyond a single irrigation event, product or application and considering the entire journey. At The Aquatrols Company, we believe water management should be considered across the entire process. From the source, to the tank, through the air, onto the target and into the soil, our technologies are designed to help turf managers better manage water and optimize the products they rely on. Each solution addresses a different point in the water journey. Together, they represent a broader approach to water management; one focused on efficiency, performance and stewardship. Being a water partner isn’t about simply helping you apply water, we’re here to help you understand the entire journey of water and help manage it better at every step. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Your Water Partner: Managing Water from Source to Soil appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features more on the architecture of The Olde Farm. Written by Eric Spurlock of Landscape Supply. Recently, I had the opportunity to play a bucket-list golf course: The Olde Farm in Bristol, Virginia. For the past 15 years, I have worked alongside the golf course superintendents and managers and have toured the property countless times. What made this visit especially meaningful was finally experiencing what is known as “The Olde Farm experience” across the cattle guards. The experience begins with a simple yet elegant Clubhouse that complements the setting rather than competing with it. Perched atop a hill, the clubhouse offers sweeping views of the property. Your eye naturally finds No. 12 and the Orchard Course to the left, while Nos. 1, 11, 10 and 9, along with the Party Barn, frame the foreground and right side of the view. The playability and presentation of the golf course, under the direction of Corey Landon and his team, are among the best in the Mid-Atlantic. The course is conditioned in a way that allows the ground game to play a significant role in how shots are approached and executed. Firm, fast fairways are complemented by approaches and “roll-off” areas that are even firmer. Depending on your game, that can turn a well-played shot into a fun and exciting par—or just as easily into a bogey. Approach shots vary dramatically throughout the course, with uphill, downhill and even blind shots, along with slopes that move in virtually every direction. Yet nothing feels forced or abrupt. The transitions from the fairways and approaches into the greens and green surrounds are seamless, with the tie-ins extending well beyond the putting surfaces and creating a natural continuity throughout the course. The name The Olde Farm is a reflection of the property’s roots as a working farm, and many of those elements remain woven into the experience. The Long Barn has been beautifully refurbished and now serves as a player comfort station. As you progress through the round, you pass by the garden, which provides seasonal produce for the club’s renowned dining program. In the distance, the third hay baling of the season was well underway—a subtle reminder that, despite the exceptional golf course and amenities, the property remains very much connected to its agricultural roots. That combination is what makes The Olde Farm unique. It is an exceptional golf course, but the experience extends well beyond golf. From the moment you cross the cattle guards, the property, the golf course, the conditioning and the history all work together to create something that feels genuinely special. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post More on the Architecture of The Olde Farm… appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode spotlights Jim McGlothlin’s The Olde Farm in Southwest Virginia. Written by Beck Stanley. When I enter Southwest Virginia, only one thing comes to mind: a deep wonder of when and if I will ever play Jim McGlothlin’s The Olde Farm. That prayer was finally answered this September when I visited with the club’s staff and membership to enjoy the legendary course staked out by architect Bobby Weed in two short days back in the late 1990’s. It only recently fell down a spot to #2 in the state according to Golf Digest but went up to #103 nationally, notable as the logjam of world class courses continues to grow. And frankly, it should grow. Golf enriches the world and benefits everyone involved, protects natural environments, provides recreational venues for all and attracts millions in tourist spending. More unsettling is how exactly North Carolina’s mountain region outcompetes Virginia’s in this era of destination golf. Even Tennessee is emerging with major new courses, led by Virginia Tech grad Andrew Green’s exciting new Firefly project. McGlothlin’s commitment to the idea of The Olde Farm, a flawless, focused, excellent experience by every measure, fuels it into the future. Gone a year or so, his presence is still felt in every corner of the sprawling property. The course, Clubhouse, grounds, on-site bee hives, produce gardens, orchards and infrastructure are all flawless, with staff going to great lengths to deliver a world class experience to anyone who bounces over the cattle guards, steel emblems of entrance and escape. What blew me away and cements this club as a national leader, is its insistence on continuing and expanding the philanthropic contributions of its founder. McGlothlin and his network sprang into action after Hurricane Helene ripped through Appalachia, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for home rebuilds. The club has hosted high dollar fundraising campaigns for the Grundy school McGlothlin supported in his hometown, Mountain Mission School, where children from all over the world are given hope and healing. In just one event in 2010, the Big 3 for Mountain Mission School, over $15M was raised, shattering PGA Tour records for one-day fundraisers. In 2018, The Olde Farm hosted The American Legends Golf Tournament, raising almost $57 Million for Mountain Mission School. For his 85th birthday, just six weeks before his passing, more than $400,000 was raised for Mountain Mission. But there’s another local school, the Morrison School, where McGlothlin’s widow, Fran, is still hard at work securing a better future for children dealt a bad hand. Having seen its impacts and how it can grow in the coming years, the VTC will be making our Christmas contribution in Fran’s honor to the Morrison School, and a link can be found at the end of this article where you, too, can support both Mountain Mission and Morrison schools. The club’s General Manager and COO, Larry Klein, first came across McGlothlin in the mid 1990’s. “He was sharp as a tack and engaged in his business, family and community until the very end. There is no secret to his success. He simply worked hard and paid attention to the details,” Klein told me. “He was a great friend, and I strive to ensure his favorite place on earth, The Olde Farm, remains true to its traditions.” Every single person I spoke to about this story raved about Klein’s work, citing a lynchpin whose experience brings together hospitality, authenticity, and a deep understanding of what’s now at stake for the game of golf. Klein’s career brought him to some of the world’s most beautiful places, like the Grand Tetons and The Greenbrier, but he told me more than once during our visit how he wouldn’t trade his current role for anything. And who can blame him? Anyone who has combed through The Olde Farm’s substantial media coverage would hold high expectations for this place. It exceeded every single one of mine. First, the staff. Klein follows Bill Miller and Marc Eubanks as GM, leading a committed, overqualified team that includes Superintendent Corey Landon, a Penn State grad and turfgrass prodigy who clearly has no trouble maintaining this national treasure. Handpicked by McGlothlin himself, Klein and his team are now entrusted with caring for what will certainly rise into the top 100 courses in America. They handle the club seamlessly and carry with them a devout passion for their work. Much like Kinloch — the beloved Lester George/Vinny Giles collaboration — this club spent its first 25 years racking up accolades and universal praise while claiming a sturdy Clubhouse crowd; they’ve got both Bushes, the entire Manning Family, the late Arnold Palmer, 6-time PGA Tour winner Mike Hulbert, Darius Rucker, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Mike Smith, Dan Marino, Tim Finchem, the Watkins brothers and Frank Beamer among its membership, which seems to be unofficially capped around 400. Shortly after covid lockdowns were lifted, the Manning Family happened to be the first to enjoy a meal in the reopened Clubhouse. Next, the course. Its long, wide open and flowing fairways connect holes under one giant carpet of L93 bentgrass, but every hole somehow still feels secluded. The many half par holes are delightful, and you’ll find plenty of backstops and opportunities for creative shotmaking. Large greens – rolling a 12.8 in mid-September – welcome long, dramatic runouts for older players while fending off the fragile, distance shy gamemakers with ample trees, 7100+ yard lengths, and treacherous competition pin placements. The club added a par-3 Orchard Course in 2014 to rave reviews, and the practice facilities have been updated since the course’s opening in 2000. Broomsedge speckles the landscape and bunker lines. Native grasses whisk between fairways and the “Long Barn,” an especially unique halfway house filled with regional memorabilia, fully restored to historic specifications. In the background of the opening three holes, bales of hay dot the field above where you can see almost the entire 1200-acre property. The drought plaguing most of Virginia this year never hit Bristol, and Superintendent Corey Landon is grateful. To be frank, it all feels a lot more like a top 30 or 40 to me, comparable to some of Bandon’s courses or nearby Old Town, with a membership on par with the greats. It was only recently knocked off its perch as best in Virginia by Kinloch, but even some members there openly wonder how long that will last. Perhaps one explanation for Kinloch’s staying power is its ability to attract elite amateur competition. After all, this is a game meant to be played, not just enjoyed. The Olde Farm is a natural fit for USGA championships with minimal alterations necessary to host the game’s top amateurs. Its membership should embrace it. Finally, the Clubhouse. It’s a brick replica of a Charlottesville estate known as Castle Hill. Out front, a reproduction Civil War cannon is used for shotgun starts, a hat tip to the property’s history as a thoroughfare for armies and calvary. The Golf Shop is especially thoughtful in its size and product offerings. There are a lot of things in Golf Shops these days that bring me pause. What kind of psychopath is buying hats with upside down words on them? Or easter bunny pastel gloves, in the men’s section? None of that garbage can be found at The Olde Farm. Upstairs to the locker rooms, the typical comforts are found and presented simply. The walls are covered in warm greetings from presidents, CEOs, and professional golfers who fell in love with the place. Weed’s original drawing of the topography and routing is framed at the top of the stairs, and commissioned paintings from McGlothlin’s epic art collection adorn the dining room. True to form, he donated most of his $60M+ collection to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for all to enjoy. Downstairs is a wine cellar with plenty of bottles you won’t find anymore, anywhere, for any price. I got a peek at a food menu, and it felt more like a James Beard award-winning restaurant than anything you will ever see in Bristol. The hardest part of the day was leaving. Hulbert, that six-time PGA Tour champ I mentioned earlier, happened to be in the parking lot praying over the Book of Rules. He travels the country with CBS’ golf crew, advising the network’s team on officiating calls. He also happens to be an East Tennessee State University alum, lives nearby in Erwin part-time and raises funds for the school’s golf program under AD Doc Sander, who is also a member. “Most mountain courses have to close in the fall, but we get to enjoy this place until December,” he tells me. “And so many of these great courses are covered in houses, it’s nice to get away from that. USGA events, yeah, there is an opportunity for it here. I think the membership could be persuaded. College events, too, maybe a three-day.” Golf is a series of risks. We can take plenty of ‘em now in Bristol at its new Hard Rock casino, and we shouldn’t be surprised to learn McGlothlin had a major hand in bringing that to town, too. We all get to hold those chances in our hands when we tee up a ball or miss a putt then, next thing we know, the clank of those cattleguards returns us to reality. For men like Jim McGlothlin, there was no such option, no such risk. He simply made the putts that mattered most. The difference is that after he made them, he helped others do the same, leaving behind a culture of excellence at The Olde Farm. To make a donation to the Morrison School, visit https://morrisonschool.org/giving To make a donation to Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia, visit https://mountainmission.org You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post The Olde Farm Shines On appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. One of New England Sports Field Management Association’s founding fathers, James “Jimmy” Connelly passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026. Born in 1943, Jimmy was a dedicated professional, respected industry leader, and cherished friend to many. His leadership, devotion to the profession, and indomitable spirit helped shape New England Sports Field Management Association and left a lasting mark on the sports field management community. Jimmy’s contributions to our industry were many, but it is the friendships he built and the lives he touched that will be remembered most. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jim’s beloved wife, Karen, and the entire Connelly family. We are grateful for Jim’s many years of friendship and service. He will be missed greatly. Jimmy’s family has requested that memorial donations be made to Angel Flight NE which provides free angel flights and ground transportation so children and adults can access life-saving medical care. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post In Memoriam: James H. Connelly appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. This episode covers Bosc’s Mille Graines – An Emerging Weed Challenge in North Carolina Turfgrass Systems. Written by Venkateswar Reddy Yelkur, Navdeep Godara, Ray McCauley – North Carolina State University. Bosc’s mille graines [Oldenlandia boscii (de Candolle) Chapman] is becoming an increasingly problematic broadleaf weed in turfgrass systems in North Carolina. Native to the southeastern United States, Bosc’s mille graines is a perennial species in the Rubiaceae family and is commonly found in moist or seasonally wet turfgrass areas, roadsides, and other disturbed habitats. It has a prostrate growth habit and can form dense, mat-like patches within the turfgrass canopy. Bosc’s mille graines can be identified by its linear to elliptic, opposite leaves; highly branched, smooth, green to reddish stems; and deep, woody taproot. The inflorescences have sepals that are visible from aboveground and produce four tiny, white petals from July through September before the plant enters dormancy during the winter months. Bosc’s mille graines can invade turfgrass rapidly because mature plants can produce more than 15 shoots, with each shoot producing multiple seed capsules containing more than 100 seeds per capsule. Consequently, weedy plants that escape control measures can contribute substantially to replenishing the soil seedbank for subsequent growing seasons. Once established, the deep taproot and prostrate growth habit allow Bosc’s mille graines to persist and regrow following routine mowing. These biological characteristics can aid in successful invasion of Bosc’s mille graines in sod production fields and lawns, where infestations can reduce turfgrass aesthetics, quality and sod marketability. Recently harvested sod fields and other disturbed areas may be particularly vulnerable because soil disturbance exposes previously buried weed seeds to light, creating favorable conditions for germination and establishment. In the past two years, several sod producers across North Carolina have reported increasing infestations of Bosc’s mille graines following sod harvest. Traditional programs utilizing a single application of synthetic auxin herbicides failed to provide acceptable control of Bosc’s mille graines in warm-season turfgrasses and led to weed seed-bank buildup following escapes. Although native to this region, Bosc’s mille graines is a relatively new weed in North Carolina turfgrass systems and its appearance can be confused with other weeds of the Rubiaceae family. Several other problematic Rubiaceae weeds common in turfgrass settings are Florida pusley, old world diamond-flower, poorjoe, and Virginia buttonweed. Among these species, Bosc’s mille graines can be easily confused with poorjoe because of their similar appearance. The two species can be distinguished by several characteristics. Bosc’s mille graines has smooth stems, whereas poorjoe has noticeable hairs on its stems and fruit. Bosc’s mille graines flower sepals are visible from above and located close to the petals, while poorjoe has smaller sepals that are positioned at the base of the flower. Misidentification can allow Bosc’s mille graines to establish, replenish the soil seedbank, and make future management efforts more challenging. Factors Affecting Weed Germination Bosc’s mille graines germination is dependent on soil temperature, soil moisture and light. Most seedlings emerge from seeds near the soil surface, where they are exposed to light. Weed germination is limited when seeds are buried more than 1 inch deep. Warm temperatures favor germination, with emergence occurring when day and night temperatures are above 77 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively, and increasing as temperatures rise. Soil moisture also plays an important role in germination. Bosc’s mille graines can germinate when soil moisture is greater than 20% of field capacity, suggesting that even relatively small amounts of rainfall or irrigation may provide enough moisture for germination. Understanding these temperature and moisture requirements may help turfgrass managers improve the timing of preemergence (PRE) herbicide applications. Based on historical weather patterns, late February may be an ideal time to apply PRE herbicides before conditions become favorable for Bosc’s mille graines germination. Rubiaceae weeds can be difficult-to-control in turfgrass systems because of limited preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) herbicide options. Effective weed control often requires multiple herbicide applications, increasing management costs. PRE Herbicides Bosc’s mille graines has the capacity to produce large quantities of seed, preventing new seedling establishment is critical for long-term management. Effective use of PRE herbicides can reduce weed establishment, limit the development of new infestations, and minimize replenishment of the soil seedbank. NC State University Turfgrass Weed Science Program conducted field studies to assess the efficacy of different PRE herbicide programs for Bosc’s mille graines control in bare ground conditions. Sequential applications of Coastal (active ingredients – simazine, prodiamine, imazaquin) at 32 fluid ounces per acre, Gallery (active ingredient – isoxaben) at 31 fluid ounces per acre, Pendulum AquaCap (active ingredient – pendimethalin) at 49 fluid ounces per acre, Pennant Magnum (active ingredient – S-metolachlor) at 41 fluid ounces per acre, Ronstar (active ingredient – oxadiazon) at 3 pounds of active ingredient per acre, Specticle Flo (active ingredient – indaziflam) at 6 fluid ounces per acre, and Tower (active ingredient – dimethenamid-P) at 32 fluid ounces per acre provided excellent control of Bosc’s mille graines (> 90% control) up to 12 weeks after treatment. These herbicide products can be used on established turfgrass; however, users should consult the product label for specific species and cultivar tolerance and application rate restrictions, particularly for oxadiazon-based products. Preemergence herbicides should be irrigated with 0.25 to 0.5 inches of water following application. In our research studies, sequential applications were made at 6-week interval with initial application during first week of March; however, users should consult the individual product label for the recommended re-application interval, sod harvest and establishment interval. Because these studies were conducted under bare ground conditions, herbicide efficacy may differ in established turfgrass due to greater microbial degradation and high organic matter content affecting herbicide availability. POST Herbicides Field trials were conducted to evaluate POST herbicide programs for Bosc’s mille graines control in ‘Empire’ zoysiagrass and ‘Sola’ St. Augustinegrass. Sequential applications (first application in June followed by another application in July) of Avenue South (active ingredients – 2,4-D, dicamba, penoxsulam, sulfentrazone) at 64 fluid ounces per acre, Sublime (active ingredient – dicamba, mesotrione, triclopyr) at 32 fluid ounces per acre, Trimec Classic (active ingredient – 2,4-D, dicamba, mcpp) at 64 fluid ounces per acre, a tank mixture of Trimec Classic at 32 fluid ounces per acre with Quicksilver (active ingredient – carfentrazone) at 2.1 fluid ounces per acre controlled Bosc’s mille graines 80% or greater. A single application was insufficient to provide season-long weed control, and sequential applications at 4-week interval were required. Herbicide applications should be avoided when turfgrass is under heat or drought stress, as these conditions can increase the risk of phytotoxicity. Sequential applications of Avenue South at 64 fluid ounces per acre, Trimec Classic at 64 fluid ounces per acre and Trimec Classic at 32 fluid ounces per acre tank-mixed with QuickSilver at 2.1 fluid ounces per acre can provide effective POST control of Bosc’s mille graines in established bermudagrass and zoysiagrass. In St. Augustinegrass, Avenue South at 64 fluid ounces per acre and Trimec Classic at 29 fluid ounces per acre tank-mixed with QuickSilver at 2.1 fluid ounces per acre can be used for POST control but will cause transient injury to turfgrass. Turfgrass will recover from transient herbicide injury by 8 weeks after application. Sublime herbicide can be used on zoysiagrass and St. Augustinegrass, when temporary turfgrass bleaching is acceptable for up to 8 weeks following application. Conclusions Successful management of Bosc’s mille graines begins with proper identification, early detection, and limiting the spread of the weed in turfgrass systems. New infestations should be removed or controlled before plants produce seed, thereby limiting further additions to the soil seedbank. Because this weed is currently more prevalent in some sod production fields, clean mowing and harvesting equipment before moving between fields to prevent the spread of weed seeds. When purchasing sod, sprigs, or other plant material, ensure that the material is free of Bosc’s mille graines. Practitioners should integrate PRE and POST herbicide programs when weed infestations are observed. PRE herbicides can reduce seedling establishment and should be considered as a preventive strategy in areas with a history of heavy infestation. PRE applications should be timed before weed germination period, as these herbicides will not control established weeds. Where feasible, rotating herbicides with different modes of action can help reduce the risk of herbicide resistance. When relying on POST herbicides to control established weed populations, sequential applications may be necessary to improve control and reduce the potential for weed escapes. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Bosc’s Mille Graines: An Emerging Weed Challenge in North Carolina Turfgrass Systems appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode covers basalt as an alternative topdressing sand and carbon sequestration strategy on turfgrass systems. Written by David Toscano and Qiyu Zhou. Mineral sands are essential to the construction and maintenance of golf courses, where they are used in putting green construction, bunkers, and topdressing. Topdressing sand is especially important to modern golf course agronomy because it helps create firm, fast putting surfaces. This sand is typically quartz-based and is extracted from terrestrial, fluvial, or coastal deposits. Because these deposits are finite, quartz sand is becoming increasingly scarce, particularly the medium to medium-coarse particle sizes that golf courses require. ands derived from calcium- and magnesium-rich silicate minerals, such as basalt and dunite, are a potential alternative. Basalt is a dark-colored igneous rock formed by the rapid cooling of lava at or near the Earth’s surface. It is among the most abundant rock types on Earth and is already used in construction, road bases, and railroad ballast because of its strength and durability. Finer fractions of crushed basalt (X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Basalt as an Alternative Topdressing Sand and Carbon Sequestration Strategy on Turfgrass Systems appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode spotlights Turfgrass Council of North Carolina member Dr. David Lee. North Carolina turf managers know the drill by now: warm-season and cool-season grasses side by side, droughts one year and deep freezes the next, and this fall bringing its own challenges. Fescue lawns and warm-season golf turf alike took a beating from the drought, and irrigation systems simply couldn’t replace what natural rainfall provides. It reminds us that the conditions here are some of the most demanding in the country. Dr. David Lee has spent his career managing that unpredictability, and this spring he stepped into a new role as Director of Agronomy at Green Resource. His path runs through some of the state’s most respected turf programs: a PhD in Plant Pathology and Crop Science from NC State, two years as an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Management at LSU, and more than a decade as Superintendent at Hope Valley Country Club before becoming Director of Golf Courses and Grounds at Forest Creek. Now, he’s bringing that research background and hands-on experience to a broader advisory role, supporting turf managers across the region. The “Roots” & Turf Management Philosophy Dr. Lee began working at Hope Valley in high school, which pulled him into the turf industry. Years later, when his mentor Bob Mashburn passed away, Dr. Lee was hired as his successor and went on to spend 13 years as Superintendent before moving to Forest Creek in 2019. He learned many lessons from those years. “Mother Nature is undefeated and expect the unexpected! Managing turfgrass in the Carolinas is one of the most difficult areas in the country. With warm and cool season grasses combined with droughts, hurricanes, deep freezes, and snowfalls every year is different and problems can be complex,” he explains. His time at LSU still shapes how he thinks, though maybe not in the way people expect. “I see myself thinking more as a superintendent,” he says. “Superintendents deal with so many real world problems that they often are the first observers of problems and begin to create management plans to solve them.” He credits NC State’s faculty with the systematic, long-term research that helps answer the questions superintendents raise in the field. That two-way relationship between the course and the classroom now defines his regional work. Visiting different properties has shown him just how resourceful this industry is: “It is amazing to me to observe how guys use different techniques to solve similar problems. Superintendents are some of the most efficient and creative people when it comes to problem solving and producing results.” The Science: Busting Myths & Best Practices Beyond the drought, Dr. Lee sees one area of turf science that’s overdue for more attention and that’s the soil microbiome. “There are a lot of products being sold on the market that claim to be beneficial. In theory, many of these products can be helpful,” he says, but he’s hoping research catches up soon so end users can act on solid evidence rather than marketing claims. A myth he’d love to retire is the appeal of the newest product on the shelf. “Nothing beats a basic, sound agronomic plan,” he says. “We can buy all the bells and whistles but if we don’t have a solid soil chemical plan and the basic fertility all the other stuff doesn’t matter.” Walking a course, the first thing he checks is the quality of cut on the mowers. Clean, sharp, well-adjusted equipment makes a measurable difference in both turf health and how a course presents. Looking Forward & the Lightning Round Dr. Lee sees his job now as a translation exercise. “I think understanding the research protocols and then taking practical solutions from the university to the end user,” he shares. “Sometimes what works in a laboratory or controlled environment will not be practical for the guys in the field. We all need to work together to adjust what works in the field so we can deliver effective solutions in the field.” Before we let him go, we put him through the lightning round. Favorite turfgrass variety? “Bermudagrass. It is forgiving! You can make a mistake and it usually will come back.” Mower blade sharpness philosophy? “It is critical for plant health and presentation.” Can a former superintendent play a round of golf without silently judging the turf? “NO!!” Thank you for sharing your story and insight with us, Dr. Lee! You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post From the Fairway to the Lab: A Chat with Dr. David Lee appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features the article “Evaluating effect of Fercristal Summum Nitro and 18-3-6 with UMAXX fertilizer on turf quality and nutrient efficiency in perennial ryegrass and bermudagrass” written by Xunzhong Zhang, Mike Goatley, Berit Smith, Taylor Motsinger, and Sydney Hook. Introduction and Objective Improvement of nutrient use efficiency, especially nitrogen, is an important issue in turfgrass management with respect to plant health, quality, economics and environmental protection. New technology has been used to develop fertilizers which may have high nutrient use efficiency when compared to traditional fertilizer such as ammonium nitrate. The objective was to evaluate effect of Fercristal Summum Nitro (FSN) and 18-3-6 with UMAXX for improving N uptake and turfgrass performance in comparison with ammonium nitrate in perennial ryegrass and bermudagrass turfgrasses. Materials and Methods Perennial ryegrass (cv. ‘Gray Hawk’) and bermudagrass (cv. ‘Latitude 36’) plugs (4″ diameter) were collected from field plots and transplanted into 6-inch pots filled with fine sand plus 10% calcined clay in early June 2025. The grasses were trimmed, irrigated, and fertilized regularly. After about 4- weeks of non-stressed growth with optimum temperature, water, fertilizer, and light, the pots were grown in a controlled environment growth chamber at optimum growing conditions. The three treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. These treatment solutions were uniformly applied to the canopy: 1). Control standard ammonium nitrate at 0.10 lb N/1000 ft²) 2). Fercristal Summum Nitro at 0.1 lb N/1000 ft²) 3). 18-3-6 with UMAXX at 0.10 lb N/1000 ft²) biweekly. All nitrogen in the 18-3-6 with UMAXX is stabilized with dicyanodiamide and N-(in-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide and the product contains 0.1% iron. The FSN contains 20.5% nitrogen and 18 amino acids. The soluble sustainable nitrogen (SSN) technology was used to improve nitrogen use efficiency. P and K and micronutrients were applied to all pots as base nutrients to support normal growth. Additional P and K in forms of potassium chloride and triple phosphate for treatments #1 and 2 were used to match P and K input for treatment #3. All treatments received no additional N inputs, and non-N nutrient solution was applied biweekly. Turf quality, fresh clipping weight, photochemical efficiency, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf protein, leaf proline, and leaf nitrogen content were measured biweekly during the period of 56 days. Root growth characteristics including root biomass, length, surface area, diameter, and volume were measured at the end of the trial. The data were analyzed with an analysis of variance and mean separations were performed with a protected Fisher’s least significance difference at 5% probability level. Results and Discussion Turf quality Foliar applications of Fercristal Summum Nitro (FSN) and 18-3-6 with UMAXX (abbreviation: UMAXX) improved turf quality when compared to the control (ammonium nitrate, AN) as measured from day 14 (July 22) through Day 56 (Sept. 2) in bermudagrass and perennial ryegrass. On average, both SSN and UMAXX consistently increased turf quality ratings relative to the control. Leaf chlorophyll content Foliar applications of FSN and UMAXX increased leaf chlorophyll content when compared to the control (ammonium nitrate as measured at day 42 (August 19) and Day 56 (Sept. 2) in bermudagrass and at day 29 (August 5) in perennial ryegrass. On average, both SSN and UMAXX increased chlorophyll content relative to the control in bermudagrass and also SSN in perennial ryegrass. Photochemical efficiency Foliar applications of FSN improved leaf photochemical efficiency when compared to the control (ammonium nitrate) as measured from day 14 (July 22), day 28 (August 5), and day 56 (Sept. 2) in bermudagrass and day 42 and 56 in perennial ryegrass. In addition, UMAXX treatment improved photochemical efficiency relative to the control as measured at day 56. On average, both SSN and UMAXX consistently increased photochemical efficiency relative to the control. Clipping production Foliar applications of FSN and UMAXX increased clipping fresh weight when compared to the control (ammonium nitrate) as measured at day 42 and 56 in bermudagrass (except for UMAXX at day 56) and day 28, 42 and 56 in perennial ryegrass. On average, both FSN and UMAXX consistently increased clipping production relative to the control. Leaf protein, N content, and estimated N use efficiency (NUE) Foliar applications of FSN and UMAXX increased leaf protein and N content when compared to the control (ammonium nitrate) as measured at day 42 and 56 in bermudagrass, and day 28, 42 and 56 in perennial ryegrass. On average, both FSN and UMAXX increased leaf protein and N content in the two turfgrass species. Based on total N input and total leaf N uptake, the NUE was estimated. The FSN and UMAXX increased the N use efficiency by 12.7% and 12.9%, respectively, in bermudagrass, and 19.5% and 8.3% in perennial ryegrass, when compared to ammonium nitrate. Leaf amino acid proline content Foliar applications of FSN and UMAXX increased leaf proline content when compared to the control (ammonium nitrate) as measured from day 14 (July 22) through day 56 (September 2) in bermudagrass (except for UMAXX at day 14) and perennial ryegrass (except for SSN at day 14). On average, both SSN and UMAXX consistently increased leaf proline content in all three turfgrass species. Root growth characteristics and viability Foliar applications of FSN and UMAXX increased root biomass, length, surface area, and volume when compared to the control (ammonium nitrate) in the two turfgrass species. In addition, FSN treatment improved root viability relative to the control in bermudagrass and UMAXX improved root viability relative to the control in perennial ryegrass. Summary. Foliar applications of Fercristal Summum Nitro (FSN) and 18-5-6 with UMAXX improved turf visual quality, physiological fitness, leaf protein and N content, amino acid proline content, and root growth when compared to the control (ammonium nitrate) in bermudagrass and perennial ryegras under normal growth conditions. No consistent differences in the measured parameters were found between Fercristal Summum Nitro and 18-3-6 with UMAXX. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Evaluating effect of Fercristal Summum Nitro and 18-3-6 with UMAXX fertilizer on turf quality and nutrient efficiency in perennial ryegrass and bermudagrass appeared first on The Turf Zone.