Athletic field management plays a key role in many Tennessee communities. In this episode, we are joined by Bill Marbet and Ryan Storey, two leaders in athletic field management. We’ll discuss current trends in turfgrass and pest management on playing fields used for sports such as football, soccer, baseball at all levels of play – from the county level to the pros!
Jun 3
49 min
One of only two superintendents inducted into the Tennessee Golf Hall of Fame, David Stone had a legendary career managing turf in Tennessee. In this episode, we visit with David to discuss his career, as well as changes he’s seen in both turfgrass and pest management throughout the years. Additionally, we’ll touch on his thoughtful work at The Honors Course to manage turfgrass at the highest level while also prioritizing environmental sustainability.
May 5
55 min
Founded in 1901, Belle Meade Country Club holds a historic place in Tennessee golf. In this episode, new Director of Agronomy, Pat Rose, CGCS, joins us for an in-depth discussion about turfgrass management operations at Belle Meade. We will learn all about major events happening at Belle Meade over the next several years including the club hosting the United States Senior Women’s (2028) and Senior Men’s (2036) Amateur Championships.
Apr 7
47 min
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. John Sorochan, Rhys Fielder, and Dillon McCallum from the University of Tennessee. Their team has been leading UT’s efforts in preparing surfaces for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. They’ll share what they’ve learned over the past year regarding management of turfgrass to optimize playing quality and reduce pest incidence, particularly in stadium environments.
Oct 7, 2025
52 min
In this session we are joined by John Jeffreys, Director of Agronomy at Pinehurst #2. One the nation’s most historic golf courses, John will provide a behind the scenes look at how surfaces were managed leading up to the 2024 US Open Championship. Additionally, we’ll discuss how the traffic associated with resort play affects pest management decisions on the golf course.
Sep 2, 2025
55 min
In this session we are joined by Dr. Jason Henderson and Victoria Wallace from the University of Connecticut. Since a pesticide ban was enacted in school grounds in 2010, Jason and Victoria have working to aid turfgrass managers in Connecticut navigate this issue. They will share lessons learned over the past decade regarding turfgrass managers’ response to this legislation.
Aug 5, 2025
55 min
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Micah Woods. Through his work with the Asian Turfgrass Center and Pace Turf, Micah provides guidance to golf courses and sports fields across the globe regarding the effects of organic matter and fertilizer programs on turfgrass quality and performance. We discuss how modern measurements such as clipping volume and minimum levels for sustainable nutrition (MLSN) can facilitate growth such that pest incidence is lowered.
Jul 1, 2025
57 min
In this episode we are joined by Chris Hurley with Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. As a sports field manager at Gillette Stadium, Chris is responsible for preparing high quality surfaces for both the National Football League and Major League Soccer. We’ll discuss the process of optimizing turfgrass quality and minimizing pest invasion at the professional level, balancing non-sporting events (e.g., concerts) with turfgrass maintenance practices, and more.
Jun 4, 2025
51 min
In this episode we are joined by Brad Jean from Crossroads Sod in Belvidere, TN. Brad shares his experiences working in sod production over the past two decades and speaks to the growth of the industry across the state. Additionally, we delve into new turfgrass cultivars being produced that offer reduced pest management inputs.
May 7, 2025
58 min
In this episode we are joined by Mitchell Mote, from UT Extension – Rutherford County. Mitchell has over 30+ years of turfgrass management experience in Tennessee. We’ll discuss changes in pest management that have occurred over his distinguished career in Extension, particularly those pertaining to lawn care.
Apr 1, 2025
53 min
Load more