Turf Today

Not every path into the golf industry looks the same, and David Warszawski is proof of that.

Known to many as the Primary Cup Cutter at Tampa Palms Country Club, David didn't attend turf school or follow the traditional route into golf course maintenance. Instead, he learned from the Superintendents who took the time to teach him, developed a passion for the craft, and found purpose in creating exceptional playing conditions one cup at a time.

In this episode, David shares what it's really like being responsible for setting the day's pin locations, the peaceful early mornings that keep him coming back, and the unforgettable experience of watching a golfer make his first-ever hole-in-one on a green he had just prepared.

We also dive into his rapidly growing podcast, which has taken him across Florida and beyond in his classic VW Bus, connecting with superintendents, club professionals, industry leaders, and golf organizations. From earning media credentials at the PGA Show and the GCSAA Conference to chasing his dream of cutting a cup at every PGA Tour event, David's enthusiasm for the game is contagious.

Whether you're in turf, golf, or simply appreciate the people who make the game possible, this is a conversation about passion, relationships, and finding your own path in the industry.

Jack Willhite joins the Turf Today Podcast to share his journey from his first days at Savannah Golf Club to becoming a Golf Course Superintendent at Berkeley Hills in Georgia. A graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), Jack has built his career through hard work, a passion for the industry, and a willingness to embrace every challenge along the way.

In this episode, we cover everything from setting goals at a new property and building strong relationships with greens committees and boards to the importance of great mechanics, and the ongoing search for talented assistants. Jack also shares his perspective on the value of turf education and what it takes to continue growing as a superintendent and as a person, by leaning on the people around him.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Turf Today episode without a few laughs. Jack tells some unforgettable stories from his early days in the industry, including late-night aerification shifts, ghost pepper challenges, and one of the most legendary mole-catching stories we've ever heard.

Whether you're an assistant superintendent, mechanic, student, seasoned superintendent or working another important role in our industry, this conversation is packed with practical advice, honest insights, and plenty of entertainment.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors and all the people that make the show what it is!! 

If you love the show, share it with your friends in the industry and rate the show 5 stars!!

This week on Turf Today, we sit down with Nick Daley, Golf Course Superintendent at Capilano Golf & Country Club.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Nick's journey through the turf industry has taken him from his first days at Nicklaus North Golf Course to becoming one of Canada's rising leaders in golf course management. A graduate of Penn State World Campus, Nick has worked his way through nearly every level of the profession, gaining valuable experience as a grounds crew member, irrigation technician, Assistant Superintendent, and now Superintendent at the private West Vancouver club.

In this episode, we discuss Nick's transition into the Superintendent role and the challenges that come with moving from a hands-on agronomic focus to overseeing the entire golf course operation. We explore leadership, communication, delegation, staff development, and what it takes to manage both people and turf at a high level. 

Nick shares insights from hosting and volunteering at championship events and reflects on winning the 2023 CGSA Assistant Superintendent of the Year award. We also talk about the moments that continue to fuel his passion for the industry, from early mornings on the golf course to major projects, aeration weeks, and helping team members advance in their careers.

Whether you're an aspiring Superintendent, a seasoned turf professional, or simply interested in the people behind great golf courses, this conversation offers an honest look at career progression, leadership, and the evolving role of today's golf course superintendent.

This week on Turf Today, we sit down with Anton Vergottini, a Superintendent at Suntree Country Club in Florida.

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Anton shares his journey into the turf industry. From his early days as a carnival operator to becoming a Golf Course Superintendent, Anton talks about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that helped shape his career. This includes: some unforgettable mornings mowing fairways in the mountains of North Carolina and a memorable encounter with a roller and a lake.

Anton also opens up about the sacrifices that come with pursuing opportunities in the industry, raising a young family with two boys under the age of two, and being away from his parents in South Africa for more than seven years.

One of the main themes of this conversation is leadership and team chemistry. Anton shares why building a strong culture within an agronomy team is critical to success and how investing in people can have a lasting impact on both the workplace and the golf course.

This is a conversation about hard work, perseverance, family, leadership, and the passion that drives so many people in the turf industry to keep getting better every day.

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This week on Turf Today, Adam and Brian chat with golf fitness instructor and the founder of Golf Gains, John Irvine to discuss the importance of taking care of yourself while working in the golf and turf industry. John shares his journey into golf fitness, his experience training golfers of all skill levels, and why physical health plays such a critical role in both performance and quality of life.

Whether you're looking to improve your energy levels, reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, or simply feel better throughout the season, this episode is packed with practical advice you can start applying today.

Tune in for an insightful conversation with John Irvine and learn why investing in your own health may be just as important as investing in your golf course. 

In this episode of Turf Today, we sit down with Andrew Lewandowski, a Golf Course Superintendent whose journey in turf began at Oldham County Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky and led him through The Ohio State University's turfgrass program and into different roles before becoming Superintendent at Cherry Blossom GC.

Andrew shares stories from his career, including volunteering at the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla and the 2025 ISCO Championship at Hurstbourne. We discuss the value of education, career development, and how completing the GCSAA Assistant Superintendent Certificate Program helped shape his path in the industry.

The conversation also dives into one of Andrew's biggest passions: why every golf course should have a turf nursery or turf plot. Drawing from his own experience and a recent article he published with GCM, Andrew explains how these programs can save money, improve course conditions, and give superintendents greater flexibility when managing their properties.

Of course, no Turf Today episode would be complete without a few laughs. Andrew shares some unforgettable stories from his early days in the industry, including getting launched into the air by a tarp on a windy day and taking an unexpected slide down an icy fairway hill.

From career advice and professional development to practical agronomic insights and memorable turf stories, this episode has something for every superintendent, assistant superintendent, equipment manager, and turfgrass professional.

A big thank you to Andrew for joining the show and sharing his experiences with the Turf Today community.

Be sure to visit the link in our bio for Turf Today merchandise, industry job opportunities through Bloom Golf Partners, access to the Green Section Record, and more.

Keep those reels sharp. We'll see you next week

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This week on Turf Today, the boys sit down with one of the most respected voices in the turfgrass industry, Frank Rossi.

From his years at Cornell University to consulting, research, education, and podcasting, Frank has spent decades helping shape the way golf courses are maintained around the world. In this episode, Frank joins Adam Courchaine and Brian Laurent for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolution of golf course maintenance, sustainability in modern turf management, leadership within the superintendent profession, and some ideas on where the industry is heading next.

They discuss the pressure of delivering championship-level conditions while managing environmental expectations, how technology and robotics are changing golf maintenance, and what younger turf managers need to focus on to succeed in today's industry. Frank also shares stories from throughout his career, lessons learned working with superintendents across the country, and his thoughts on communicating the value of golf course maintenance to golfers and club members.

This episode is packed with insight, experience, and practical advice for superintendents, assistants, equipment managers, and anyone passionate about the turf industry.

Thanks again to Frank, our sponsors and the listeners all over the world. All of the support you give us and this industry, doesn't go unnoticed.

This week we sit down with Stewart Naugler, Director of Agronomy at LoraLoma Club, one of the newest golf developments in Texas. A third-generation superintendent, Stewart shares his journey through the industry, the mentors who helped shape his career, and what it's been like helping bring a brand new golf course to life from the ground up.

Packed with experience, industry insight, and plenty of advice for the next generation of turf professionals, this episode dives into leadership, mentorship, career growth, and the realities of building and maintaining a modern golf course. Stu's passion for the industry and deep connections throughout the turf world make this a conversation you won't want to miss.

This week we're joined by Jim Pavonetti, longtime superintendent at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut. Fresh off receiving the President's Award for Environmental Stewardship from the GCSAA, Jim brings a wealth of experience, perspective, and leadership to the conversation.

What really stands out about Jim is how genuine he is. He's not only a highly respected superintendent, but also a proud father, husband, and someone who leads with authenticity every day. Throughout the episode, he shares some incredible stories from his career, along with plenty of laughs that make this one an easy and enjoyable listen.

We get into his journey in the turf industry, the importance of environmental stewardship, and what it takes to build a strong culture within a team. There's a lot of value in this episode for anyone in the industry, whether you're just getting started or have been around it for years.

Great stories, real insight, and a conversation that shows exactly why Jim is so well respected in the game.

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This week on Turf Today, we're joined by Marcus Harness, Superintendent at Sand Point Country Club in Seattle.

A longtime friend of the show, Marcus brings a wealth of experience from a career that's taken him through 10 different golf courses, starting from his early days growing up on a course to ultimately finding a place he now calls home.

Now in a leadership role, Marcus shares what it means to be the mentor he once looked up to, and reflects on the lessons, challenges, and stories that shaped his journey along the way.

We dive into career progression in the turf industry, leadership, and practical advice for those looking to climb the ranks. This episode is packed with insight, perspective, and a few great stories you won't want to miss.

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