TurfNet Podcasts

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TurfNet personalities Frank Rossi, Randy Wilson, John Reitman, Tony Pioppi, Brad Klein, Dave Wilber and Peter McCormick interview a variety of turfies on a multitude of subjects... or just pontificate upon occasion.

  1. Robots are here. Now what? | with J. Scott McElroy

    JAN 22

    Robots are here. Now what? | with J. Scott McElroy

    In this episode of Frankly Speaking, host Frank Rossi interviews Professor Scott McElroy from Auburn University about the evolution and future of robotic mowing in turf management. McElroy shares his journey from theater and communication studies to becoming a respected weed scientist and turf management expert. The conversation explores his early skepticism about robotic mowers when he first encountered them in Italy in 2016, working with the University of Pisa group, to becoming a leading advocate for autonomous mowing technology. McElroy discusses the different categories of automated mowers, from fully autonomous small units to semi-autonomous large systems like Firefly technology. He provides practical insights on deployment strategies, emphasizing that slopes and hills offer the quickest return on investment, sometimes paying for themselves in just seven to eight weeks. The discussion covers technical aspects including network coverage requirements, setup challenges, and the importance of proper expectations when implementing robotic systems. McElroy also addresses how increased mowing frequency from autonomous systems improves turf quality and density while potentially changing fertilization and maintenance practices. The conversation concludes with predictions about industry adoption, suggesting 2027 as a potential tipping point for widespread robotic mower implementation, and the shift from mechanical to electrical engineering skills needed in turf management.

    46 min
  2. Is your course too difficult? Frankly Speaking with David Pierce

    JAN 12

    Is your course too difficult? Frankly Speaking with David Pierce

    Frank Rossi interviews David Pierce, president of Stellar Golf Advisors and former USGA research director, about his groundbreaking research on golf course playability and golfer experience. Pierce shares his unique journey from chemical engineering at Dow Chemical to golf research, explaining how his engineering background translated perfectly to systematic golf research methodologies. The conversation centers on Pierce's development of a playability index system that categorizes golf courses from introductory to formidable based on obstacles rather than just distance, stripping out length considerations to focus on hazards, bunkers, and course forgiveness factors. Pierce reveals concerning data showing that roughly half of male golfers and three-quarters of female golfers regularly play courses too long for their skill level, despite knowing they're doing so. He discusses the psychology behind tee selection, the importance of appropriate challenge versus frustration, and how forced carries particularly impact golfer retention. The discussion covers practical applications for superintendents and PGA professionals, including hole location strategies, the benefits of firm playing conditions, and the critical relationship between course setup and golfer satisfaction. Pierce emphasizes that while golf gained a million net golfers during COVID, five million still left the game, highlighting the ongoing need to improve the golf experience to retain players long-term.

    51 min
  3. Firm, Fast Desert | with Brian Whitlark

    12/30/2025

    Firm, Fast Desert | with Brian Whitlark

    TurfNet Podcasts

    51 min
  4. 2025 The Year in Review with Frank Rossi

    12/19/2025 · VIDEO

    2025 The Year in Review with Frank Rossi

    TurfNet Podcasts

    1h 4m
  5. All Stars of Turf John Colo and Jim Colo

    12/19/2025 · VIDEO

    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.

    40 min
  6. Rising Star Tony Springmann

    12/19/2025 · VIDEO

    Rising Star Tony Springmann

    In this episode of Rising Stars of Turf, Tony Springmann shares his unique journey from Notre Dame football player to superintendent at Wicker Point Golf Club in Alabama. Springmann discusses how he discovered golf late in college after his football career ended and worked his way up through courses like Trinity Forest, Oakland Hills, and others. He explains the challenges of managing a new Coore and Crenshaw-designed course that opened in 2023, including extensive drainage work in Alabama's red clay and maintaining wall-to-wall Zeon zoysia with firm playing conditions. Springman emphasizes his management philosophy of cross-training all staff members, his passion for golf history and architecture, and how his Notre Dame education taught him to think critically. He also discusses the importance of mentorship, team building, and maintaining high standards while creating a supportive work environment for his assistants.

    31 min
  7. Innovation Meets Application | with Ken Rost

    12/10/2025

    Innovation Meets Application | with Ken Rost

    Frank Rossi interviews Ken Rost, founder and CEO of Frost Spray Technologies, about the evolution and adoption of GPS guided precision spraying systems in golf course and turf management. They discuss the barriers to technology adoption, including early reliability issues with GPS systems and the advantages of the Novotel satellite system that Frost uses. Ken explains how their partnership with Greenkeeper App has simplified map creation and enabled superintendents to have better control over their spray applications. The conversation covers variable rate applications, productivity improvements, and the emerging role of drone spraying technology for hard-to-reach areas like native grass zones. Ken shares insights from recent research presentations with Wendell Hutchens and Dave McCall on spring dead spot mapping, demonstrating 80-85% reductions in chemical use through targeted applications. The discussion also touches on licensing requirements for drone applications and the potential for automation in spray technology, with Ken teasing new developments to be unveiled at GIS in Orlando.

    47 min
  8. Wilber and McCormick, Tag Team #17

    12/10/2025 · VIDEO

    Wilber and McCormick, Tag Team #17

    Dave and Peter are back in the saddle after a three-month hiatus, mostly due to Peter's life-stage paring down, rehoming and restructuring of his life. The lesson there is, just like doing major surgery to a golf green, to do it when you're healthy and can do it. All this leads to Peter's announcement of his pending retirement at the end of January. Dave and Peter reflect on the myriad ways that TurfNet has changed the industry over the past 32 years, from community building to jobs, used equipment, education... and touch on some of the "agents of change" who have been a part of it for a long time.

    1h 7m
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About

TurfNet personalities Frank Rossi, Randy Wilson, John Reitman, Tony Pioppi, Brad Klein, Dave Wilber and Peter McCormick interview a variety of turfies on a multitude of subjects... or just pontificate upon occasion.

Information

  • Creator
    TurfNet RADIO
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TurfNet / Turnstile Media Group
  • Show Website
    TurfNet Podcasts

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