TurfNet Podcasts

The Wrexham Expert | Frankly Speaking with Richard Hayden

Frank catches up with Richard Hayden to discuss all things designing, constructing, establishing and managing sports turf around the world. Highlighted recently by his work with the Wrexham AFC and Ryan Reynolds. Beyond that we cover his time at STRI, hybrid grass construction, sports turf in Ukraine, Horse Track Fraise Mowing, FIFA guidelines, etc. Richard is one of the most recognized sports pitch consultants in the world. In 2024, Richard completed his 700th sports infrastructure project across 58 countries, with experience spanning FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO stadium pitches. Uniquely qualified in both agronomy and civil engineering, he combines over two decades of practical operations management with global design and consultancy expertise. He also authored the natural turf section of the FIFA Stadium Handbook and is known for innovations such as the soil-based gravel raft natural grass showjumping surface, while remaining equally engaged with community and soil-based pitch projects.

Beyond the Green | Paul Carter, CGCS

Paul Carter, CGCS has been a very busy man. He is superintendent at the Bear Trace at Harrison Bay near Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Director of Agronomy for the nine-course Tennessee Golf Trail, and recently began his one-year term as president of the GCSAA in its centennial year. In this inaugural episode of Beyond the Green, sponsored by Molasses Kings, Carter talks about his role and responsibilities as president of the association, how — and why — he became involved in representing his colleagues in Tennessee and nationwide, and who is to "blame" for that decision. Finally, Carter talks about the challenges of managing agronomics for nine courses throughout Tennessee, and how unseasonably cold and icy conditions during winter might affect green up of Bermudagrass stands throughout the trail.

It is a good time to be in golf | with Jim Koppenhaver and Stuart Lindsay

All Stars of Turf John Colo and Jim Colo

This interview features twin brothers John and Jim Colo, both golf course superintendents in Florida, discussing their parallel careers in turf management. John works at Frenchman's Reserve in Palm Beach Gardens while Jim is at Naples National Golf Club. Both started their careers in their native Ohio before attending Rutgers for turf education and completing internships at Castle Pines. They share insights about their mentors Steve Ehrbar and Jim Loke, and discuss the challenges of managing golf courses in South Florida's climate. The conversation covers labor recruitment and retention strategies, with both emphasizing the importance of treating crew members well through competitive wages, benefits, and hands-on leadership. They maintain daily communication about work challenges and solutions, supporting each other's professional growth. The interview also touches on how the golf industry has evolved over their 30-plus year careers, from early financial struggles to current leadership roles managing multi-million dollar operations.

Renovation Report Donnie Beck

In this TurfNet Renovation Report, Anthony Pioppi interviews Donnie Beck, superintendent at Fishers Island Club, about their major irrigation system renovation. Beck, the fifth superintendent in the course's 100-year history, discusses the unique challenges of maintaining a links-style golf course located seven miles off the Connecticut coast but belonging to New York. The course faces increasing saltwater flooding, now occurring 6-7 times per year compared to once or twice when Beck started in 1994. The new Rain Bird irrigation system, designed by Paul Roche and installed by Tanto, replaced a partial system from the 1990s and includes innovative long-range rotors that throw 115 feet to cover the massive Seth Raynor greens averaging 10,000-11,000 square feet. The project required complex logistics, with 15-16 crew members commuting daily by ferry from Connecticut and staging materials months in advance. The system focuses on greens, tees, and select fairways used primarily for salt leaching rather than turf irrigation, maintaining the course's traditional firm and fast playing conditions.