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 30 | How Data is Transforming Golf Course Management with the USGA's Matt Pringle

    2d ago

    Episode 30 | How Data is Transforming Golf Course Management with the USGA's Matt Pringle

    In this episode of Changing the Business of Golf, host Gary Firkins sits down with Matt Pringle, Managing Director of the USGA Green Section and one of the most influential voices shaping the future of golf course management. With a foundation in mechanical engineering, Matt has spent his career bridging innovation and the game – from inventing the pendulum test for spring effect in drivers to developing the USGA TruFirm turf firmness measurement system, now the standard at USGA championships, PGA TOUR events, and major championships worldwide. In 2019, Matt turned his full attention to the USGA Green Section, where he's driving a fundamental shift in how the industry thinks about golf course science, sustainability, and the people behind it. In this conversation, Matt shares the three changes that he believes will help rethink how golf courses are led, measured, and sustained for generations to come: 1️⃣ Outcome-driven decision making – Superintendents must move beyond habit and tradition, using data to focus on what actually drives course performance and business results. 2️⃣ A seat at the leadership table – The golf course is a club's single most valuable asset. According to Matt, the professionals who steward it belong at the decision-making table. 3️⃣ Building the next generation of turf talent – The industry faces a real labour shortage. Matt makes the case for why superintendents need to become champions for their profession, and how to do it. If you’re looking to adopt smarter course management, stronger leadership, and a sustainable talent pipeline, this episode is essential watching. ___ Timestamps: 00:00 About Matt Pringle 08:05 Change #1: Become more focused on outcomes 16:41 Change #2: Make superintendents part of the leadership team 22:57 Change #3: Increase awareness of careers in turf ___ 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

    25 min
  2. Episode 29 | Golf's Sustainable Future: People, Planet & Profit

    Jun 9

    Episode 29 | Golf's Sustainable Future: People, Planet & Profit

    Welcome back to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast. In this special edition, host Gary Firkins is joined by three of the industry's leading sustainability experts, fresh from a landmark Syngenta-hosted discussion at the Golf Business Technology Conference in Belfast. Joining Gary in this episode: - Simon Elsworth – Global Head of Professional Solutions, Syngenta - Gina Rizzi – President, Radius Sports Group - Jonathan Smith – Founder, GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf Together, they work through the good, the difficult and the different, taking an honest look at where golf's sustainability journey currently stands and mapping out a clear path forward for the industry. Best Management Practices are already delivering measurable environmental results, digital tools for sustainable course management are more accessible than ever — golf is doing the sustainability work, but does it need to do more to communicate it? In this episode, you'll discover how golf can close the gap between the work it's doing and the story it's telling, and what the panel believe needs to change for the industry to take control of its own sustainable future. This is a conversation every golf course business needs to hear.

    32 min
  3. Episode 28 | Roll More, Mow Less: Dr. Thomas Nikolai on the Future of Sustainable Turf

    May 12

    Episode 28 | Roll More, Mow Less: Dr. Thomas Nikolai on the Future of Sustainable Turf

    Welcome to Syngenta Golf’s Changing the Business of Golf podcast. In this episode, host Gary Firkins is joined by Dr. Thomas Nikolai, popularly known as the "Doctor of Green Speed." Thom is a Senior Turfgrass Academic Specialist at Michigan State University, specializing in putting green mechanical and cultural practices. He earned his nickname through groundbreaking research into the relationship between turfgrass health, maintenance practices, and golfer satisfaction. Thom is a pioneer of the industry, best known for his discovery that lightweight rolling actually decreases dollar spot and other pests - a finding that challenged decades of conventional wisdom. In this wide-ranging discussion, Thom shares his unconventional journey from a "troubled youth" working in factories to becoming a leading global voice in turf science. He shares his three changes for the business of golf: * Implement best management practice in water conservation * Introduce robotics into greens maintenance * Stay ahead of regulation through innovation Timestamps 00:20 Introduction to Dr. Thomas Nikolai 01:00 Thom’s journey: From factory worker to the "Doctor of Green Speed" 03:33 Change 1: Implement best management practice in water conservation 13:40 Change 2: Introduce robotics into greens maintenance 27:55 Change 3: Stay ahead of regulation through innovation 31:40 The "Leaf Mulching" discovery: How tree leaves could become the next natural herbicide 38:40 Why golf is leading the charge in environmental concerns About Dr. Thomas Nikolai: Beyond his academic work at Michigan State University, Thom is the author of The Superintendent's Guide to Controlling Putting Green Speed and is the creator and host of the long-running GCSAA Turfgrass Talk Show. ____ 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

    40 min
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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