Changing the Business of Golf

Syngenta Golf
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Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta is a podcast dedicated to the success and sustainability of golf course businesses worldwide. Through insightful interviews, we speak to industry leaders, sustainability experts and superintendents about the challenges and real-world solutions and innovations shaping the future of golf. Whether you’re a golf course owner, club manager, greenkeeper or industry professional, listen in and learn from the best in the game. Syngenta is a global leader in turfcare innovation, sustainability and digital solutions, and a trusted partner to golf courses worldwide.

  1. Episode 27 | Why Sustainability Needs to Be at the Core of Every Golf Business

    APR 14

    Episode 27 | Why Sustainability Needs to Be at the Core of Every Golf Business

    Welcome to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast from Syngenta Golf. In this episode, host Gary Firkins sits down with Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International – a leading non-profit dedicated to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in golf. Christine has spent her entire career in the non-profit and environmental world. Now, with golf experiencing a significant boom and a new generation of players entering the game, she sees an opportunity to reshape how the industry thinks, talks and invests in sustainability – not as a compliance exercise, but as a genuine driver of business growth. Christine shares the three changes she believes every golf business can make today, including: - Why sustainability must be built into every part of a golf business – from course operations and F&B to staffing and culture – and why a dedicated sustainability point person could be the most impactful hire a club makes. - How creating partnerships with non-traditional partners and proactive storytelling through marketing and social media is a major opportunity for golf course businesses. - Why third-party validation is no longer optional, providing golf courses with credibility and resilience when it counts. Is your golf course business ready for the future? Learn how to get ahead of the curve with sustainable practices that drive business growth and long-term stability. __ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 06:25 Change #1: Build sustainability into every operational decision 13:55 Change #2: Create partnerships with non-traditional partners 23:57 Change #3: Seek third-party validation

    30 min
  2. Episode 26 | Why Golf Businesses Need Superintendents at the Leadership Table with Rhett Evans

    MAR 10

    Episode 26 | Why Golf Businesses Need Superintendents at the Leadership Table with Rhett Evans

    Welcome to Syngenta Golf’s Changing the Business of Golf podcast. In this episode, host Gary Firkins is joined by Rhett Evans, CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). For more than 15 years, Rhett has led the association’s 22,000 members in elevating the voice of superintendents across the industry, advancing environmental progress and helping facilities strengthen their bottom line. Drawing on Rhett’s extensive industry experience, the conversation explores why golf course businesses would benefit from superintendents having a seat at the table in operational, financial and strategic decisions. Evans discusses how elevating the superintendent into higher leadership roles would lead to better playing conditions, smarter investment decisions and stronger alignment across golf organizations. Throughout the episode, Rhett shares his three changes for the business of golf: - Fully integrate the superintendent into the leadership of every golf business - Embrace Best Management Practices as a core business strategy - Build more accessible and affordable green-grass golf experiences Watch now to discover why putting the individuals at the heart of golf courses is crucial to improving a facility’s long-term business sustainability. ___ Timestamps: 00:21 About Rhett Evans and the GCSAA 02:31 Fully integrate the superintendent into the leadership of every golf business 08:50 Embrace Best Management Practices as a core business strategy 16:53 Build more accessible and affordable green-grass golf experiences ___ Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media: X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

    29 min
  3. Episode 25 | Strengthening Golf Clubs for Future Success with Renate Roeleveld

    FEB 17

    Episode 25 | Strengthening Golf Clubs for Future Success with Renate Roeleveld

    Welcome to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast from Syngenta Golf. Each episode, we speak to industry leaders, sustainability experts and superintendents to identify three actionable changes to shape golf’s future. In this episode, we’re joined by Renate Roeleveld, CEO of the Golf Course Association Europe (GCAE). Renate’s journey into the game has been far from traditional — first picking up a golf club at the same time she entered the industry. Now as CEO of the GCAE and a golf course owner herself, Renate brings a unique perspective on what needs to change to ensure a sustainable future for golf. Across this 30-minute conversation, Renate shares the key shifts she believes will create a more inclusive, positive and profitable golf industry, including: - Why golf club managers must start thinking like new golfers — from flexible membership models to facilitating spaces where people can connect through the game - Why increasing the number of women in leadership roles isn’t about diversity targets, but better decision-making and long-term business success - Why golf needs to do more to challenge outdated perceptions and present itself as a fun, social and accessible experience Watch now to hear practical insights for golf club leaders looking to better understand their customers, strengthen their communities, and future-proof their businesses. ___ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:10 Change #1: Adapt to Changing Customers 11:02 Change #2: More Women in Leadership Positions 20:58 Change #3: Change the Image of Golf ___ Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media: X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

    30 min
  4. Episode 24 | What Does a Well-Run Golf Club Look Like Today? With Henry DeLozier

    JAN 13

    Episode 24 | What Does a Well-Run Golf Club Look Like Today? With Henry DeLozier

    Welcome to another episode of Syngenta Golf’s Changing the Business of Golf podcast. In this episode, host Gary Firkins is joined by Henry DeLozier, Principal at GGA Partners, to explore a key question for today’s industry: what does a well-run golf club really look like? Drawing on Henry’s vast experience across golf club leadership, strategy, and industry insight, this conversation looks at why many clubs still make investment decisions without a clear, long-term plan - often driven by assumption rather than insight - and why understanding members and anticipating change are now critical for success. The episode also focuses on two major opportunities shaping the future of golf: the growth of women’s golf and environmental sustainability. From creating more inclusive clubs to recognising the role of superintendents as environmental stewards, the discussion highlights how clubs can take advantage of these opportunities for long-term business profitability. Throughout the episode, Henry reveals his three changes for every golf club leader and board members: - Make smarter, evidence-led investment decisions - Accelerate the growth of women’s golf, the industry’s $35b opportunity - Recognize the importance of environmental sustainability and empower golf superintendents to take the lead in sharing golf’s story to the public. Watch now to discover the decisions your golf course business can make today to ensure long-term sustainability. ___ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 05:03 Change #1: Make better investment decisions 14:11 Change #2: Accelerate the growth in women’s golf 20:50 Change #3: Recognize the importance of environmental sustainability ___ Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media: X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

    30 min
  5. Episode 23 | What Skills Will Future Turf Managers Need? | Mike O'Keeffe

    12/02/2025

    Episode 23 | What Skills Will Future Turf Managers Need? | Mike O'Keeffe

    Welcome to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast from Syngenta Golf. Each episode, we speak to industry leaders, sustainability experts and superintendents to identify three actionable changes to shape golf’s future. In this episode, we’re joined by Mike O’Keeffe, Program Manager at the Ohio State University International Intern Program (TOP). Mike shares insights from his decades of experience connecting turf professionals around the world, including the story behind OSU’s long-standing partnership with Syngenta and the success stories that have come from it. In a conversation with host Gary Firkins, Mike outlines his three changes for the future of the turf industry: - Bring more young people into the industry - tackling the labour crisis through education, inspiration and better storytelling. - Give your turf team education and experience - how investing in people builds stronger teams and reputations. - Embrace next-generation technology - why adapting to rapid innovation is key to golf’s ongoing success. Watch now to discover how your golf course business can help the next generation shape the future of the golf industry. ___ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 05:42 Change #1: Bring more young people into the industry 14:30 Change #2: Give your turf team education and experience 21:33 Change #3: Embrace next generation technology ___ Welcome to Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries. To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com ___ Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media: X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

    30 min
  6. Episode 22 | Why Prioritizing Mental Health Matters with Dr. Stacy Stellflug & Kee Dunning

    11/04/2025

    Episode 22 | Why Prioritizing Mental Health Matters with Dr. Stacy Stellflug & Kee Dunning

    Welcome back to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast. In this episode, host Gary Firkins is joined by Dr. Stacy Stellflug, Associate Professor at the University of Montana-Bozeman, and Kee Dunning, Clinical Professional Counselor based in Billings, Montana. Both specialize in mental health and wellbeing and have supported superintendents and course leaders for a number of years. In 2021, Syngenta’s mental health survey revealed that more than 60% of greenkeepers and superintendents had experienced increased work-related mental health challenges since the start of the pandemic. Following a particularly demanding few years for turf professionals, Stacy and Kee reveal why stress, isolation and stigma continue to affect so many within the profession, sharing stories and advice on what golf clubs can do to create safer, healthier workplaces. In this conversation, they outline three essential changes every golf business can make: - Recognize the importance of mental health and the impact it has on performance and wellbeing - Create a safe space to talk by listening, supporting, and building the right culture within the workspace - Communicate better through Kee’s six concepts of communication Tune in to learn how your golf business can build a culture that supports mental health, strengthens leadership, and helps every team member thrive. ___ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:23 About Stacy and Kee and their work in the golf industry 05:10 Change #1: Recognize the importance of Mental Health 12:30 Change #2: Create a Safe Space to Talk about Mental Health 22:59 Change #3: Communicate Better ___ Welcome to Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries. To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com ___ Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media: X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

    35 min
  7. Episode 21 | The Future of Golf Course Management with Ed Pettit

    09/30/2025

    Episode 21 | The Future of Golf Course Management with Ed Pettit

    Welcome to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast. In this episode, host Gary Firkins is joined by Ed Pettit, Managing Director at Carr Golf Services. A former PGA Professional turned golf business leader, Ed draws on more than two decades of experience to share his practical strategies for building long-term business success in golf. Ed reveals findings from a survey, conducted by Carr Golf Services, which showed that while 90% of golfers believe the course is the most important part of their experience, only 22% were satisfied with year-round course conditioning. In this conversation, Ed outlines three critical changes that every golf club needs to consider today, including: Why prioritizing the conditioning your golf course is the key driver of revenue growth How clubs of all sizes can use data to improve decision making and course performance What golf clubs must do to meet future regulation challenges and ensure long-term business sustainability Tune in to learn how your golf business can prepare and adapt for the future. ___ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:22 About Ed and Carr Golf Services 05:20 Change #1: Prioritize Your Golf Course 11:35 Change #2: Use Data to Inform Your Decision Making 16:33 Change #3: Prepare for the Future ___ Welcome to Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries. To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com ___ Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media: X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf LinkedIn - / syngenta-turf-landscape

    23 min
  8. Episode 20 | How to Achieve Golf’s Business Potential with Jay Karen

    09/02/2025

    Episode 20 | How to Achieve Golf’s Business Potential with Jay Karen

    Welcome to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast. In this episode, Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), joins host Gary Firkins to share his vision for the future of golf. Named among the top 25 most powerful people in golf by Golf.Inc Magazine, Jay leads the golf industry’s trade association and initiatives, supporting over 4,000 golf course businesses across the United States. Throughout the 30-minute conversation, Jay outlines the key changes he believes will open the game to more people and strengthen the long-term growth of the industry, including: - Why partnering with Parks & Recreation associations is the key to attracting more players to the game. - How connecting green grass golf with off-course golf entertainment can fuel the industry’s growth. - How golf course businesses can speak up and share their environmental success story to change the public’s perception. Plus, Jay reveals his BONUS change, where he shares how golf courses can leverage the power of technology while maintaining control of customer relationships. Which of Jay’s changes do you believe could have the biggest impact? Let us know in the comments ⬇️ ___ Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:26 Jay’s Golf Origin Story 04:59 Change #1: Fish Where the Fish Are 12:58 Change #2: Connect Off-Course Golf & Green Grass Golf 21:31 Change #3: Tell Golf’s Good News Environmental Story 29:27 BONUS Change ___ Welcome to Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries. To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com ___ Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media: X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape

    33 min
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About

Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta is a podcast dedicated to the success and sustainability of golf course businesses worldwide. Through insightful interviews, we speak to industry leaders, sustainability experts and superintendents about the challenges and real-world solutions and innovations shaping the future of golf. Whether you’re a golf course owner, club manager, greenkeeper or industry professional, listen in and learn from the best in the game. Syngenta is a global leader in turfcare innovation, sustainability and digital solutions, and a trusted partner to golf courses worldwide.

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