Founded in 1901, Belle Meade Country Club holds a historic place in Tennessee golf. In this episode, new Director of Agronomy, Pat Rose, CGCS, will join 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 Men’s (2036) Amateur Championships.

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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 level while also prioritizing environmental sustainability

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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!

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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 plants, with a focus on pest management. The conversation highlights practical considerations for turf managers who also oversee ornamental areas, while offering a broader look at how Extension supports county agents, industry professionals, volunteers, and stakeholders across the state.

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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.

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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, or pest management.

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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 improve these areas for all.

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