Against The Grain

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know heading into POA Weekend, including the schedule, golf, Luau, meetings, app updates, text notifications, resort details, and a few helpful reminders along the way. If you're attending, this episode should help you show up prepared, know where to be, and avoid missing the good stuff. If you're not attending, you'll still get a good feel for...

In this episode of Against the Grain , we're sharing Dr. J. Bryan Unruh's presentation from the 2026 GC Horn Seminar, Regulatory Readiness: How Florida Superintendents Can Prepare for New Environmental Rules. Dr. Unruh walks through the environmental and water quality issues shaping golf course management in Florida, including TMDLs, BMAPs, BMP implementation, certification requirements, nutrient...

In this episode of Against the Grain , Gabe Gallo and Dave Meske catch up after the GCSAA Conference and Centennial celebration in Orlando, including highlights from Icon Park, the Florida gathering, and a few stories from the week. They also look ahead to what's coming up for the Everglades chapter, including the March 19 dinner meeting with GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans, the Spring Symposium, and the 55...

In this episode, we sit down with current GCSAA President, T.A. Barker, CGCS to talk leadership from the superintendent's seat, and what it's like guiding the profession into a milestone year. T.A. shares his roots in a multi-generation golf family, the real-world pressure of big infrastructure decisions (like tackling an aging irrigation system), and how he's tried to stay approachable while serv...

In this episode, we recap Thanksgiving at home, talk about how the algorithm convinced us to butterfly a turkey, and laugh through a very underwhelming Black Friday run that did not go as planned. We also hit the important stuff: a sold-out Christmas Event, what's coming up on the Chapter calendar, and why you should grab your spot for GC Horn now. Resources & Links 📢 Sign up for the latest event...

In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave sit down with Matt Taylor, CGCS, to talk about growing up in Naples before it became a golf hotspot, the unexpected path that led him from culinary school to turfgrass management, and what keeps him grounded after decades in the industry. Matt opens up about mentorship, leadership, and the friendships that shaped his career — plus the surprising...

In this episode of Against the Grain , Gabe and Dave are joined by the Triple Crown of Past Presidents, Darren Davis (GCSAA, Florida GCSA, Everglades GCSA), to preview how the GCSAA will celebrate its historic Centennial Anniversary. The celebration kicks off in February at the Conference & Trade Show in Orlando. We also talk through his path at Penn State, the Loxahatchee Club, 33 years at Old Fl...

In this episode of Against the Grain , Gabe and Dave sit down with Ralph Dain, South Atlantic Regional Representative for the GCSAA. Ralph shares stories from his years as a superintendent, including a stint in South Africa with Gary Player, how he got involved with the GCSAA, and what his day-to-day looks like now. It's a great behind-the-scenes look at one of the most connected people in the ind...

Gabe Gallo hosts his first episode as Everglades GCSA President with Dave Meske. They extend a big thank you to outgoing President Dan Brooks for his extra year of service, discuss the new board lineup, and share highlights from the annual meeting at Saltleaf. They also look forward to the upcoming joint meeting at Calusa. Links & Resources: ✅ Everglades GCSA Website ✅ Saltleaf Golf Preserve ✅...

Heat, high fives, and a hint of face paint—this episode brings you inside the 2025 POA Golf & Luau weekend at the Ritz‑Carlton Tiburón. Dave Meske and Gabe Gallo swap stories from two full days on the course, share why a four‑man scramble shaved precious minutes off Friday's round, and tiger stripes at the Luau. They shout out the board, partners, and Ritz staff for keeping everyone fed, hydrated,...

We're just 5 days out from the big POA Golf & Luau weekend, so we jumped on the mic for a quick (and slightly chaotic) rundown of everything you need to know. From BMP classes and check-in times to how to score a free drink from Dave and where the Ladies of the POA event is actually happening this year—we've got you covered. 🎟 Sign up for the BMP Class: Register here 📲 Download the EGCSA App: App...

In this episode, Gabe and David talk with John Reilly—aka TurfMonkeyBoy—about how he went from a psychology degree to running one of Florida's most progressive golf course operations. John shares the story behind his social media handle, why he's embraced electric equipment, and how data-driven turf management is reshaping the way superintendents approach tradition. They dive into why sharing both...

Henry "Skip" Hines, Equipment and Facilities Manager at Royal Poinciana in Naples, joins Gabe and David to talk about winning the Edwin Budding Award and his decades of leadership in the industry. Skip shares how he helped start the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association, pushed for technician education, and helped shape today's technician certification through GCSAA. This one's...

In this episode, hosts Gabe Gallo and David Meske sit down with Ryan Swilley, CGCS, Vice President of the Florida GCSA. They explore the latest trends in golf course management, the biggest challenges superintendents face, and practical strategies for maintaining high-quality turf conditions. Ryan shares his experiences, industry insights, and advice for golf course professionals looking to stay a...

Big changes are coming for pesticide licensing and regulation! In this episode, we take you to the GC Horn, where Dr. Brett Wells Bultemeier breaks down the EPA's updated rules, how they impact licensing requirements, and what pesticide applicators need to do to stay compliant. 🔗 Tap the link below to access the presentation and all the links mentioned. 👉 Click Here

In this episode of Against the Green , hosts Gabe and Dave bring humor and updates 🎄 Holiday Hijinks: Christmas Minions and car-buying adventures. 🛠️ Industry Updates: Big changes to pesticide licensing and chemical labeling 💰 Making an Impact: Learn how much was raised for the Golisano Children's Hospital. 📅 Upcoming Events: Get the scoop on the Dinner Meeting, Spring Symposium, and POA 🐊 A G...

Gabe and Dave kick off the holiday spirit in this festive Against the Grain episode! They chat about the upcoming Christmas event, GC Horn updates, BMP Facility Manuals, Christmas lights, and some hilarious Elf on the Shelf antics. A fun, quick listen! Support Golisano Children's Hospital through our 50/50 Raffle! Here Register For the GC Horn Here Create Your BMP Facility Manual Here Follow us on...

Adam Garr went from fixing ball marks to transforming golf course communication as the founder of Course Cares. In this episode, he shares how Course Cares produces custom content like team recruiting videos, member updates, drone flyovers, and educational series on course etiquette. Discover how creative storytelling can lighten the load for golf course staff while keeping members informed, teams...

Get into the Halloween spirit with this special episode of Against the Grain ! Join Gabe and Dave as they chat about last-minute costume ideas, candy favorites, and plans for spooky celebrations. Gabe and Dave keep it light from neighborhood parties to haunted plans, sharing a few laughs and prepping for the Halloween season. Plus, they share some exciting updates on upcoming events for the Evergl...

In this episode of Against the Grain , we sit down with turfgrass expert Todd Lowe to discuss his 20+ years in golf course management. From growing up as a superintendent's son to working as a USGA agronomist and consultant, Todd shares the key challenges and rewards of his career shift. He also breaks down his innovative work in soil diagnostics and turf health, offering practical tips for improv...

In this episode of Against the Grain, hosts Gabe and Dave sit down with TJ Shine, a past President of the EGCSA, to explore his unique journey from golf course superintendent to sales rep. TJ opens up about what initially drew him to a career in turf management and the pivotal moment that inspired his switch to the sales side of the industry. He shares candid insights on the challenges he faced du...

In this lively episode, Dave and Gabe dive into a mix of hilarious and heartfelt topics. They kick things off with a discussion about Thunder Vests for dogs and how to keep pets calm during 4th of July fireworks. The conversation takes a fun turn as Dave admits he hasn't listened to any of their past episodes, despite always being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for recordings. They also touch on the...

Join us for an engaging conversation with David Shepp and Seth McKeel from The Southern Group as they share their experiences and insights on lobbying for golf courses in Florida. We discuss their roles, the impact of their efforts on regulations and policies, and the challenges they've encountered, especially regarding local fertilizer ordinances. Discover their key achievements, how they tackle...

Join us as we sit down with Dan Brooks, the past president of the Everglades GCSA, to explore his journey and insights. Dan shares what he enjoyed most about his time on the board, his motivations for joining, and key lessons learned. He also offers valuable advice for those considering a role on the Everglades GCSA Board and shares his thoughts on the organization's future.

Come on down, swing on by, in this episode, Gabe and Dave discuss Dave's recent birthday, upcoming EGCSA events, and a promise to treat everyone who passes the BMP class on 4/16 to drinks at the pool. Follow us on X/Twitter @evergladespod Sign up for the POA BMP class HERE