TN Turf Tuesdays

Our guest in this episode needs no introduction. We are joined by emeritus professor, Dr. Tom Samples. We’ll discuss his historic career in turfgrass extension, particularly the changes in pest management he observed in East, Middle, and West Tennessee over the years. Additionally, we’ll touch on his work with community sports fields and how fundamental agronomic and pest management practices can...

A recent winner of “Renovation of the Year,” Lookout Mountain Club is a historic golf course property just outside of Chattanooga that was originally designed by Seth Raynor in 1925. In this episode, we are joined by Erik Guinther, CGCS, Director of Grounds at Lookout Mountain Club to discuss the challenges associated with managing bermudagrass atop a mountain – be it drought stress, winter injury...

Located in Spring Hill, TN, FireFly Golf Club is a new golf course property designed by Andrew Green. In this episode, we are joined by August Rocco, Director of Golf Maintenance at FireFly Golf Club, to discuss how this original design was constructed to maximize turfgrass quality and minimize pest invasion.

Horticulture Extension plays an important role in supporting Tennessee’s evolving communities, where ornamental plants are often managed alongside turfgrass in residential, commercial, and golf course landscapes. In this episode, we are joined by Natalie Bumgarner, University of Tennessee Extension horticulture specialist, to discuss current seasonal issues affecting a wide range of ornamental pla...

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!

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 leve...

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...

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 environm...

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.

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.

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...

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....

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.

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.

The 23nd FIFA World Cup will be coming to North America in 2026 and UT researchers are actively working behind the scenes to prepare fields for play. In this episode we are joined by Drs. John Sorochan, Kyley Dickson, and Rhys Fielder to learn more about on-going research in advance for the 2026 World Cup. They’ll discuss agronomic and pest management challenges associated with growing sod on plas...

The world of golf visited Valhalla Golf Club for the PGA Championship in May and UT alumnus, John Ballard was at the center of the action. John is the Course Superintendent at Valhalla Golf Club and lead the facility through a multi-year renovation project in advance of the PGA Championship. In this episode, he’ll discuss the agronomic practices and pest management interventions deployed in advanc...

In this episode we are joined by UT alumnus, Andy Perry. In recent years some of the largest golf course properties in the region have undertaken major re-sodding projects and Andy has played a key role in getting zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, and more from the farm to the field. He’ll discuss the agronomic and pest management practices that surround these re-sodding decisions and also provide an upd...

Originally designed by C.B. McDonald, The Lido Golf Club opened in 1914 off the coast of New York but was demolished during World War II. In 2023, the course was rebuilt at Sand Valley Resort in Neekosha, WI and is currently being maintained by UT alumnus, Jimmy Humston. In this episode, we will discuss the environmental hurdles faced during construction as well as the agronomic and pest managemen...

In this episode we are joined by two of the newest turfgrass scientists in the southeastern region, Dr. Wendell Hutchens and Dr. Hannah Wright-Smith with the University of Arkansas. Researchers actively working in the fields of turfgrass pathology and weed science, they’ll share updates on their current programs relevant for those managing cool- and warm-season turfgrass. Additionally, we will tou...

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Frank Rossi of Cornell University. A pioneer in using podcasts to share turfgrass research findings, Dr. Rossi will discuss his latest work on sustainable turfgrass management, particularly practices that reduce nutrient use and pesticide inputs. Learn about how Dr. Rossi’s research practices have helped golf courses, cemeteries, and everything in between.

In this episode we are joined by Eddie Harbaugh, CSFM. Eddie is a Sport Field Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles. A leader in the sports field industry, Eddie will discuss his use of alternative grasses at Lincoln Financial Field and how integrating optimal agronomic practices on his fields has affected pest management strategies. We touch on a number of topics in this session. Eddie can be reach...

“The incredible, edible egg….” “Meat, it’s what’s for dinner….” These slogans were born in part from checkoff programs within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Casey Reynolds from Turfgrass Producers International to discuss the turfgrass sod checkoff being discussed within the USDA, how it will affect pest management, turfgrass production, a...

Supply chain is a term that everyone in turfgrass has become familiar with since the pandemic. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jeff Marvin from PBI Gordon Corporation to discuss supply chain issues affecting pesticide products used for turfgrass management.

Diseases are a problem for everyone in turfgrass. Whether it’s brown patch on tall fescue lawns, anthracnose affecting Poa annua, or spring dead spot of bermudagrass, there are many pathogens to control. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jesse Benelli from Envu Environmental Sciences to discuss the latest fungicide technologies available for disease control in the transition zone.

We are joined by Dr. Becky Bowling, the newest addition to the UT Turfgrass Team. Dr. Becky Bowling will be taking over for the legendary Dr. Tom Samples who retired in 2022. In this episode, we will learn about Dr. Bowling’s background in the turfgrass industry and how she plans to engage with turfgrass managers on pest management issues in the future.