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The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast

The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast

By Steve Smith

The podcast to listen to if you want to know everything there is about Australian golf courses, greenkeeping and architecture so you can get more out of your game!
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EP.16 Greenkeepers Shed - The Psyche Behind Golf Course Setup

The Golfing Greenkeeper PodcastApr 19, 2021

00:00
58:06
EP.84 The Board Room - Mat Goggin (7 Mile Beach Golf Course)

EP.84 The Board Room - Mat Goggin (7 Mile Beach Golf Course)

The Board Room segment of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is sponsored by The Social Media Birdie. If you're a golf club, golf course or business in the golf industry, then The Social Media Birdie is who you need to look after your social and digital media for you. Check them out by clicking here The Social Media Birdie


Ever thought "Hey, someone should build a golf course over there!" Well, that's exactly what touring professional golfer Mat Goggin thought many years ago of an area of land at 7 Mile Beach in Hobart, Tasmania.

If you're into golf then you've probably heard something about the new golf course being built at 7 Mile Beach. If not, that's ok, because I'm about to load you up full of sand! And by sand, I mean information about the 7 Mile Beach golf course as I spend some time with Mat Goggin, the driving force behind one of the most exciting golf course construction projects in Australia.

Join Mat Goggin and I as we discuss just how much time, effort and work is involved in building a world class public access golf course from scratch. Mat is very open as we dive not only into the moments that spawned the idea of building a golf course at 7 Mile Beach, but also the passion he is putting into this project and what he wants it to become.

This podcast you are sure to enjoy no matter how much you think you already know about 7 Mile Beach!


You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!


People and places mentioned in this podcast:

7 Mile Beach Golf Course

7 Mile Beach Instagram account

7 Mile Beach Golf Shop

Mat Goggin (Wiki Profile)

Lindy Goggin - One of The Greats (by David Newbery) Inside Golf - 27th May 2016

Clayton DeVries Pont (CDP)

Barnbougle

Royal Melbourne Golf Club

2009 Open Championship Turnberry



Sep 12, 202301:30:45
EP.83 Recorded Live at The ASTMA Conference in Adelaide

EP.83 Recorded Live at The ASTMA Conference in Adelaide

This episode of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Colin Campbell Chemicals⁠⁠⁠. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information or simply go to www.campbellchemicals.com.au This was fun! This episode was recorded LIVE at the annual Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) Conference in Adelaide at the turf trade show booth of this podcast episode sponsor Colin Campbell Chemicals. Nadeem and I had a lot of fun at the conference recording this one which also gave me the opportunity to grab a few of the superstars of turf to sit down on the couch for a brief chat as they walked past. I sit down with a broad mix of guests for a few great chats about the conference and the greenkeeping industry.

Settle into that seat of yours, turn down the background noise and lets have a good time.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!


People & Places mentioned in this podcast:

Colin Campbell Chemicals

The ASTMA

Royal Perth Golf Club

Te Arai Links

Dr Jim Brosnan

Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club

NSWGCA


Jun 29, 202347:55
EP.82 Keeper Of The Greens - Rowan Daymond (The Grange Golf Club)

EP.82 Keeper Of The Greens - Rowan Daymond (The Grange Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by ⁠⁠Colin Campbell Chemicals⁠⁠. Click on their name or go to and it will take you straight to their website for more information or simply go to www.campbellchemicals.com.au

Rowan Daymond is a Superintendent that has just experienced what it's like to LIV through being the host of a major tournament. (See what I did there?!)

Rowan's greenkeeping career began from humble beginnings in a small regional town along the mighty Murray River. Playing golf with his Grandfather as a young boy, Rowan would grow up to enjoy the game of golf along with getting a start as a greenkeeper on the local golf course of his home town of Coomealla. A move to the South Australian capital Adelaide would see Rowan gain significant experience under the guidance of a very well respected Superintendent before taking a break to travel to the UK. Rowan's career restarted back in Adelaide where he would begin his long relationship with The Grange Golf Club over a couple of stints including a rebuild.

Fast forward to today and Rowan leads a large team maintaining the largest golf facility in Adelaide at The Grange Golf Club which has just finished playing host to the very first LIV tournament held in Australia.

Sit down and grab a drink for this one as Rowan gives us an insight into what it was like hosting the newest version of tournament golf in the world. He also puts The Grange on your bucket list of courses to play as we explore just what make The Grange, The Grange.

Don't forget to join both Nadeem, from the sponsor of this podcast episode Colin Campbell Chemicals, and I at this year's ASTMA Conference in Adelaide, June 19 - 22. Don't forget you can register for free to enter the trade show by clicking this link https://www.astma.com.au/conference/trade-show-visitor-registration/


You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!


Places Mentioned in this podcast:

The Grange Golf Club

Coomealla Golf Club

Kooyonga Golf Club

Royal Adelaide Golf Club

Murray Downs Golf Resort

The Castle Course, St Andrews


Jun 13, 202301:43:22
EP.81 Walking The Fairways - Golf But Not As We Know It!

EP.81 Walking The Fairways - Golf But Not As We Know It!

Walking The Fairways segment is here along with some news from what's happening on golf courses around Australia including the NT for something new. I also give you my take on the whole LIV/PGAT/EUROPGAT! So much going on but I just had to throw my thoughts in there this time around.


You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Jun 08, 202356:48
EP.80 Keeper Of The Greens - Liam Ash (Pennant Hills Golf Club)

EP.80 Keeper Of The Greens - Liam Ash (Pennant Hills Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by ⁠Colin Campbell Chemicals⁠. Click on their name or go to and it will take you straight to their website for more information or simply go to www.campbellchemicals.com.au Recorded LIVE in the Maintenance Facility at Pennant Hills Golf Club.

Liam Ash could easily be confused with someone twice his age if you looked only at his list of places worked or had a conversation with him about greenkeeping, such is his level of experience and knowledge. But this well experienced young man now holds the keys to the castle, as he puts it, as Superintendent at one of Sydney's premier golf clubs, Pennant Hills Golf Club.

My conversation with Liam takes us through three states on the east coast of Australia, looking after turf grasses across the whole spectrum that grow in hot climates all the way to very cold. Liam started mowing grass at a very young age and it wasn't long before he began his greenkeeping career on the first rung like all of us, as an apprentice. Hard work and determination put Liam on a path to working for some of the best people in the industry before turning his hand to maintaining turf on private golf holes for some of Sydney's more wealthy people, before golf course greenkeeping called out his name again. This second stint came with a more hardened greenkeeper, one that could hold his own with the best at still quite a young age.

You're really going to enjoy this interview I have with Liam hearing about his broad experience gained in such a short space of time. Pennant Hills Golf Club itself is turning 100 this year and is soon to embark on a redesign which Liam gives us some insight on. There's lots in this one so come and join me for some fun as Liam and I chat with some unexpected noises in the background!

Don't forget to join both Nadeem, from the sponsor of this podcast episode Colin Campbell Chemicals, and I at this year's ASTMA Conference in Adelaide, June 19 - 22.


You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!


Places Mentioned in this podcast:

Pennant Hills Golf Club

Brookwater Golf & Country Club

Barnbougle

Cape Wickham Golf Links

Monash Country Club

Killara Golf Club

Jun 01, 202301:13:53
EP.79 LIV Golf Adelaide - My Experience and Opinion
May 09, 202301:27:45
EP.78 Keeper Of The Greens - John Mann (Metropolitan Golf Club)

EP.78 Keeper Of The Greens - John Mann (Metropolitan Golf Club)

Ok, so here it is! I finally managed to put this one together after recording it at the start of the year.

Metropolitan Golf Club holds a very special place in the heart of Australian golf. A host of multiple major tournaments throughout its history, Metro as it's affectionately known, is on most peoples bucket list and that of many professional players around the world.

Superintendent John Mann has only been at the club for a relatively short time, but as you will hear through his intelligent comments, is more than ready to take Metro to the next level. Come with us as we dive deep into the detail of Metro and unearth what is at the beating heart of one of Australia's finest golf courses as we also learn a bit about John Mann and what he brings to the table as a Superintendent with a great mind for history, agronomy and a level of detail that few possess. 


You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green.

Oh and don't forget to leave a review so more people can find and enjoy The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast just like you. 


This episode of The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast is sponsored by - The Social Media Birdie

If you need someone to take your social media and digital presence to the next level, look no further than The Social Media Birdie. We have the expertise to bring your social media and digital assets to life and engage your audience like never before. With a team that has industry experience in both digital marketing and golf, we're better than par!

Visit our website www.thesocialmediabirdie.com.au


Places mentioned in this podcast:

Metropolitan Golf Club

Royal Melbourne Golf Club

Woodlands Golf Club

Commonwealth Golf Club

Healesville Country Club & Resort

Lonsdale Links


Mar 19, 202301:18:24
EP.77 Walking The Fairways

EP.77 Walking The Fairways

Happy New Year and it's great to be back!

Starting off 2023 with Walking The Fairways. You have all been such loyal listeners that I've also added a small addition of Walking The Airwaves with some info about how big you've helped make The Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast last year. 

I've got a big year planned ahead and stay tuned for my new website coming out very soon where there will be more information for you to enjoy.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Jan 01, 202355:08
EP.76 Education Is Important (Recorded live at the Poa Forum)

EP.76 Education Is Important (Recorded live at the Poa Forum)

This podcast episode is proudly sponsored by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click their name or visit their website to find out how they can help you protect your turf - www.campbellchemicals.com.au

Something very different for me and you on this episode. I was invited to record live at the Colin Campbell Chemicals - Poa Forum held at Woodlands Golf Club on Melbourne's famed Sandbelt where two speakers were going to present loads of information about, you guessed it, Poa. Dr Jim Brosnan from University of Tennessee and Dr. Peter Boutsalis from University of Adelaide were incredible in what they delivered for everyone who attended.

This podcast episode however isn't about Poa itself but more about what some of the attendees thoughts were on attending education events like this and why they think it's important.

Thanks to Nadeem from Colin Campbell Chemicals for inviting me to attend the Poa Forum. Thanks also to those who gave their time for this podcast episode:

Pete Cawsey (Superintendent - Eastwood Golf Club)

Richard Forsyth (Director of Courses - Royal Melbourne Golf Club)

Doug Agnew (Teacher - Melbourne Polytechnic)

Brad Sim (Superintendent - Cape Kidnappers Golf Course)

Craig Anthony (Superintendent - Spring Valley Golf Club)


You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Nov 03, 202227:45
EP.75 Keeper Of The Greens - Tim Warren (Glenelg Golf Club)

EP.75 Keeper Of The Greens - Tim Warren (Glenelg Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information.

Tim Warren may be kicking goals left, right and centre as Superintendent at Glenelg Golf Club, but he's also worked at a number of golf courses prior to this position, many of which you may never have heard of.

Tim grants me, and you as the audience, an open invitation into his extensive greenkeeping career which saw him leave the family farm from rural Victoria for an early and brief taste of sports turf maintenance at the one and only MCG. Tim walks us through the challenges he encountered from being a hungry young greenkeeper in search of his first golf course as a Superintendent, through to managing a golf course during disastrous bushfires of Central Victoria, all the way to being ahead of the curve in environmental stewardship managing the course at Glenelg Golf Club in Adelaide.

Tim also gives us an insight into just what the team and club at Glenelg are getting up to on course (which is a great deal) including the work behind Tim and Monina Gilbey recently receiving the ASTMA Claude Crockford Sustainability & Environment Award. We also get talking about getting the message of the work golf clubs and courses are doing regarding environmental stewardship out into the broader community.

I don't think I need to tell you about my enthusiasm of having Tim on the podcast for this interview where I've been fangirling at the thought of this for quite some time! There's so much to take in during this podcast, so sit back and get ready to enjoy this one with Tim Warren.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green.


Places mentioned in this podcast:

Glenelg Golf Club

The Grange Golf Club

Royal Adelaide Golf Club

Kooyonga Golf Club

Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Resort

West Beach Parks Golf

Horsham Golf Club

Penola Golf Club

Millicent Golf Club

Mt Gambier Golf Club

Oct 27, 202202:04:12
EP.74 Campbell's Corner - Resources

EP.74 Campbell's Corner - Resources

Campbell's Corner is a podcast segment with my sponsor of the podcast Colin Campbell Chemicals. www.campbellchemicals.com.au

This installment of Campbell's Corner has Nadeem passing over some of his best resources. Where you can find more information about the the science of the turf industry and a way for you to learn more in your own time.

We look at a number of book titles which are Nadeem's favourites. We also look into websites and social media groups, along with some of Nadeem's recommended podcasts to listen to. This is all in an effort to give you more places to further your knowledge with quick recommendations, saving all the research time often required to find the good stuff. Nadeem delivers the good stuff right to your ears and we have the book titles and other links below.


Links to things mentioned in this podcast:

Books Titles:

Turf Management by Turgeon and Kaminski

Compendium of Turfgrass Diseases by Smiley, Dernoeden, Clarke

Pest Management of Turfgrass for sport and recreation by Kaapro, Beehag, Manners

A Practical Guide to Turfgrass Fungicides by Latin

Management of Turfgrass Diseases by Vargas

Weed Control in turf and ornamentals by Turgeon, McCarty, Christians


Websites (clickable links):

Turf Management Australia facebook group

Resist Poa 

Turfgrass Information File (TGIF)


University Websites (clickable Links):

Penn State

University Tennessee

Uni Florida

Rutgers

Clemson

Wisconsin University

North Carolina

Purdue

UC riverside


Podcasts (clickable links):

Behind The Turf

Turf Tuesdays

turfPH Dudes

Oct 20, 202253:06
EP.73 Keeper Of The Greens - Pete Dunn (Federal Golf Club)

EP.73 Keeper Of The Greens - Pete Dunn (Federal Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information. 

When it comes to golf, Canberra doesn't always come to mind first. We often think of Parliament House and politicians. Whilst there may not be many golf courses in Canberra, there are certainly some good ones and Federal Golf Club is one of those! 

Pete Dunn is Director of Agronomy & Facilities at Federal Golf Club. Growing up in Canberra and getting into greenkeeping from a very young age afforded Pete the opportunity to get two trades under his belt.  Pete is well equipped with the knowledge and skills to take Federal to the next level. During his career Pete has worked at a number of golf courses throughout Canberra taking in all of what works best before getting the opportunity to lead the team at Federal Golf Club.  

Located at Red Hill Nature Reserve, which is basically within Canberra's city limits, Federal is a golf course that gets plenty of camera work from not only golfers but also tourists and diplomats alike. A very Australian setting is the backdrop of Federal and also what keeps the peace from the all encompassing National capital and its suburbs.

Join Pete and I as we chat about his greenkeeping career and dive into the details of what makes Federal Golf Club different from other golf courses in Canberra.


Places mentioned in this podcast:

Federal Golf Club

Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club

Yowani Country Club

Royal Canberra Golf Club

Murrumbidgee Country Club

Red Hill Nature Reserve

Crafter + Mogford Golf Strategies Golf Course Architects

Oct 14, 202201:11:12
EP.72 Aussie Golf History - Dan Soutar's Sky High Design

EP.72 Aussie Golf History - Dan Soutar's Sky High Design

Dan Soutar was one of the founding fathers of golf in Australia. Emigrating to Australia in 1903 from Scotland, Soutar quickly established himself as one of the best golfers in the country and it wasn't long before he also turned his hand to golf course design for a number of clubs on the east coast of the country.

This story is a golf course/club biography of sorts and is centred around one of the golf courses that Soutar designed in the early 1900's, talking about its life from inception all the way through to today. I look into how the golf course and golf club began and its rise in the early days of the game becoming popular in Australia.

The fairways of this course were graced by some of the most famous names in Australian golf from the early 1900's including Dan Soutar himself, Joe Kirkwood, Fred Popplewell, Charlie Campbell, Tom Howard and Eric Apperly.

Come with me on this nostalgic trip as we begin at a time when people used to travel by steam train and a big tee shot went 180 yards!


People and places mentioned in this podcast:

EP.11 Aussie Golf History - Dan Soutar

EP.20 Aussie Golf History - Ernest Banks

Dan Soutar

Joe Kirkwood

Fred Popplewell

PGA of Australia

Nick Farr-Jones

Edwina Kennedy

Royal Adelaide Golf Club

Manly Golf Club

Concord Golf Club

The Australian Golf Club

Mudgee Golf Club

Christchurch Golf Club

Leura Golf Club

Wentworth Falls Country Club

Blackheath Golf Club

Bonville Golf Resort

Tallwoods Country Club

Dame Nellie Melba

Nelly Melba & The Daffodil Farmer




Oct 06, 202202:05:42
EP.71 Keeper Of The Greens - Jason Johnson (Broome Golf Club)

EP.71 Keeper Of The Greens - Jason Johnson (Broome Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information. Don;t forget to click here https://poaforum.floktu.com/ to buy your ticket to join the Poa Forum at Woodlands Golf Club in Melbourne on 25th October 2022.


Broome Golf Club is unique and it is remote. It has plenty wonderful wildlife in a quintessential Aussie setting and it's maintenance team is led by Superintendent Jason Johnson. Jason is the kind of guy you want to work for and the kind of guy you want working for your club. He's intelligent, humble, passionate and above all a down right great bloke!

Join us on this entertaining and enjoyable conversation as Jason delves into his greenkeeping career path which by his own admission is indifferent. A path less travelled, sure. But one that has led Jason to the remote tourist destination of Broome where he is very much at home. Jason let's us in on just what it takes to maintain a golf course in such a remote region of Australia and also such a challenging climate of Australia. If I'm being honest, I'm still unsure just how he and his team does it!

You will definitely laugh along the way during this podcast, no doubt like I did, and you will also realise what the future holds for Broome Golf Club with a person like Jason as Superintendent. A very bright one! 

So strap yourself in, grab a drink of choice and put your thongs on because this one will take you away for an adventure!


Things mentioned in this podcast:

Broome Golf Club

Margaret River (Margs) Golf Club

The Australian Golf Club

What is Pindan?

Just how far it is from Broome to Perth for TAFE

Sydney Funnel-Web Spider

Sep 28, 202201:49:47
EP.70 Keeper Of The Greens - Pat Wilson (Pambula Merimbula Golf Club)

EP.70 Keeper Of The Greens - Pat Wilson (Pambula Merimbula Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information. Click here to find out more about the products mentioned in the podcast Ad - Lonhro Herbicide and Stature herbicide


Pat Wilson is Pambula born and bred! It's in his veins and he's proud to say it. So when you hear him talk about George Bush, The White House, President's Cup and Wimbledon, you could be forgiven for thinking he's a globe trotting, city slicker. Nothing however could be further from the truth.

Pat is certainly a well experienced greenkeeper and his journey around the world with the Ohio State Program gave him all the overseas and greenkeeping experience anyone could ask for. Always grounded by his family, upbringing, country life and a life mantra of treating people how you want to be treated, Pat has boomeranged from an apprentice greenkeeper at Pambula Merimbula, around the world and back to Pambula Merimbula, this time as Superintendent. This is a great story of what greenkeeping has done for Pat and in my opinion what Pat has done for the local area of Pambula Merimbula. Pat has ensured that the golf club is a way for young people to gain experience in a work place environment and also a place to start a career in greenkeeping if they choose. He also leads the maintenance team that work hard to present the golf course of Pambula Merimbula in top condition for the locals and visitors of the magnificent NSW South Coast.

Plug your ears in for this one and by the time you've finished listening you will want to book your next holiday at Pambula Merimbula and drop in to say hi to Pat.


People & Places mentioned:

Pambula Merimbula Golf Club      

White House Putting Green       

President's Cup       

Tura Beach Country Club      

Ohio Program       

2019 Bushfires        

EP.66 Aussie Golf History - Kameruka Golf Course

Sep 09, 202201:35:57
EP.69 Sustainable Golf - Monina Gilbey (Biodiversity Manager - Glenelg Golf Club)

EP.69 Sustainable Golf - Monina Gilbey (Biodiversity Manager - Glenelg Golf Club)

This could quite possibly be the most important podcast interview I've done!

Monina Gilbey is the Biodiversity Manager at Glenelg Golf Club in Adelaide, South Australia. Her role in part entails maintaining and managing the out of play areas of the golf course which includes both the flora and fauna of the overall golf course land. Glenelg Golf Club as a whole, have committed to a sustainable future in maintaining the golf course land and part of that is the backing of Monina and Superintendent Tim Warren's vision in the potential that the golf course land at Glenelg can offer the local environment and community. Through the hard work of everyone involved at the club, the land of the course has now become a sanctuary for local flora and fauna, living in harmony with a fully functioning, highly regarded 18 hole golf course, which in my eyes is a model for the future.

Monina let's us all in on just what they have been creating and preserving at Glenelg Golf Club. Monina also explains how important the green space of golf courses, and only golf courses are, as wildlife sanctuaries in urban centres, contrary to the social and media commentary we all hear about. We talk about insects, birds, endangered plants that only remain on golf courses in Adelaide, and also a favourite topic of mine - HONEY!

There's so much in this podcast to take in that you really need to share it around to all lovers of wildlife and plant life! We need more people to hear about just what is happening and what is possible using the land of a golf course for preservation and conservation of flora and fauna in a modern world!


Places and people mentioned in this podcast:

Glenelg Golf Club       Glenelg maintenance team Instagram         Glenelg maintenance team Facebook

The Grange Golf Club       Royal Adeialde Golf Club       Kooyonga Golf Club       Green Adelaide



Sep 03, 202201:21:50
EP.68 Keeper Of The Greens - Nick Launer (Keysborough Golf Club)

EP.68 Keeper Of The Greens - Nick Launer (Keysborough Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information.

It's time to go to the Melbourne Sandbelt, to a place you may or may not have heard of before for this segment of Keeper Of The Greens. Keysborough Golf Club is my next stop and Superintendent Nick Launer is my guest on the podcast for this episode.

Nick grew up in regional Victoria where the local golf club, Neangar Park, was his Royal Melbourne as he puts it. Considering his future work prospects at a young age, Nick made a phone call to start a career path working in sport that would ultimately lead him to getting his first taste of sports turf management at one of Australia's best golf courses!

Through working at a number of fantastic golf courses in his career and being mentored along the way by some of the best in the greenkeeping industry, Nick has garnered a load of experience and skills which culminated in securing the role of Superintendent at Keysborough Golf Club. 

Come along with Nick and I for this great journey as we discuss his career in full and open up some of the detail of Keysborough Golf Club that you may not have heard before.


People & Places mentioned:

Keysborough Golf Club       Neangar Park Golf Club      Metropolitan Golf Club       Murray Downs Golf & Country Club

Royal Melbourne Golf Club       2018 World Cup of Golf       Just what is the Melbourne Sandbelt?


Aug 26, 202201:37:23
EP.67 The Design Brief: Ben Davey - Contour Golf
Aug 17, 202201:43:27
EP.66 Aussie Golf History - Kameruka Golf Course
Aug 07, 202201:09:07
EP.65 Keeper Of The Greens - Lance Knox (Busselton Golf Club)

EP.65 Keeper Of The Greens - Lance Knox (Busselton Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information.

Lance Knox got into greenkeeping a little bit later than most. That doesn't mean to say that he has less professional drive than others, quite the contrary. After listening to Lance and hearing his story I think you'll struggle to find someone more passionate and who enjoys their job and career more! 

This is a great story that can show you if you're hungry for something, just keep working hard at it and you will achieve what you want and much, much more. Lance clearly loves being a greenkeeper and after years of enjoying his job he finally took hold of his very own golf course for the first time as Superintendent at Busselton Golf Club. Clearly very skilled, Lance was quickly able to take Busselton Golf Club to the next level in terms of presentation and management which culminated with winning the 2022 Excellence in Golf Course Management Award at this years ASTMA industry awards evening. Quite the achievement indeed!

Join with me as I learn about Lance's greenkeeping career which is different to the worldly travelled Superintendents I've spoken to recently and shows just how you can achieve great things learning and working in your own way.

People and places mentioned:

Busselton Golf Club       Hartfield Golf Club       Mount Lawley Golf Club      Margaret River Golf Club        

ASTMA Excellence in Golf Course Management Award


Aug 03, 202201:33:32
EP.64 Walking The Fairways

EP.64 Walking The Fairways

It's that time again for Walking the Fairways where I endeavour to keep you up to date and excited about what is going on at golf courses around Australia. Plenty happening as always so come along with me for the walk and this time I start off with a golf course I'm almost certain you've never heard of!

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Jul 31, 202240:24
EP.63 Keeper Of The Greens - Brad Hole (Hamilton Island Golf Club)

EP.63 Keeper Of The Greens - Brad Hole (Hamilton Island Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information.

This conversation is as spectacular as Hamilton Island Golf Course itself!

Superintendent Brad Hole just may have one of the most incredible greenkeeping jobs in all of Australia! Join us on this wonderful greenkeeping adventure as Brad lets us in on his tropical career that begins somewhat accidentally starting work on a golf course on Queensland's Gold Coast before quickly stepping up to take the reigns as Superintendent of a resort golf course in Thailand. 

On returning to Australia, Brad took an opportunity to work at a famous golf course that would take a severe downturn post the GFC and disappear from the Australian golf landscape forever, before the opportunity of a lifetime jumped up and Brad secured the job as Superintendent at Hamilton Island Golf Club.

You are sure to enjoy this story and the everyday challenges that are normal managing one of the most beautiful golf courses on Earth! Brad is very generous with his time on this one. I know you will enjoy this conversation and will absolutely be looking to book a golf trip to Hammo after listening!


People and places mentioned:

Hamilton Island Golf Club       Hamilton Island       Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club        Laguna Quays Golf Resort


Jul 20, 202201:27:42
EP.62 The Greenkeeper's Shed - Your course vs The Old Course (St Andrews)

EP.62 The Greenkeeper's Shed - Your course vs The Old Course (St Andrews)

With the Open Championship being played out this weekend, have you ever wondered why the golf course at St Andrews looks quite different to anything you've played before. On this segment of The Greenkeeper's Shed I explain some of the unique and often quirky elements of St Andrews golf course that you may not have ever seen before or don't quite understand, whilst comparing them to elements that you do know playing at your local golf course.

I hope you enjoy this one and it helps you understand a bit more and enjoy watching the 150th Open Championship this weekend at St Andrews - The Home of Golf!

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Jul 15, 202244:57
EP.61 Keeper Of The Greens - Glenn Gibson-Smith (The Glades Golf Club)

EP.61 Keeper Of The Greens - Glenn Gibson-Smith (The Glades Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information.

Beautiful one day, perfect the next! At least that's what they say about Queensland, which is where I'm headed to in this interview.

Glenn Gibson-Smith is one of those guys with a contagious personality and has a great outlook on life. He's also had that outlook and drive when it comes to his greenkeeping career! Growing up in the rural parts of New Zealand's South Island, Glenn clearly has an affection for the outdoors. Working on a golf course near where he grew up in his early career with a great mentor for a Superintendent set Glenn on a path of worldly experience. Working in the USA at Oakmont Country Club was clearly a highlight as he set his sights on becoming a Superintendent at his very own course in time. Working hard and making his way to Australia, Glenn was soon rising to the occasion in Sydney before making the move to Queensland where he is now. 

You are really going to enjoy this conversation so come and follow Glenn's story with me as we have a few laughs about Australia's wildlife along the way!

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

People & Places mentions:

Green Acres Country Club       Oakmont Country Club         Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club         Riverside Oaks Golf Resort

Ted Stirling                      The Glades Golf Club         The Ohio Program

Jul 06, 202201:33:18
EP.60 Walking The Fairways (including AWGN & the ASTMA conference awards)
Jul 02, 202201:45:37
EP.59 Keeper Of The Greens - Shaun Bowden (Royal Hobart Golf Club)

EP.59 Keeper Of The Greens - Shaun Bowden (Royal Hobart Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click on their name and it will take you straight to their website for more information.

It's time to visit the Apple Isle for only the second time since starting Keeper Of The Greens and I'm very excited to be visiting another "Royal" golf club.

Shaun Bowden is the Superintendent of Royal Hobart Golf Club and comes with a load of experience from working on numerous high profile golf courses on the east coast of Australia and under some of the country's esteemed Superintendents. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation I have with Shaun as I discover how it was "luck" that got him into greenkeeping after a life changing turn away from professional sport. Shaun soon decided that if he was going to do greenkeeping, then he was all in! Fast forward from learning his skills and knowledge from some of the best turf managers in Australia, Shaun now heads up the team that maintain the course at Royal Hobart Golf Club in Tasmania. The only Tasmanian golf club to have hosted the men's Australian Open.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

People & Places mentions:

Royal Hobart Golf Club       Elanora Country Club        The Grand Golf Club        The Glades Golf Club        

Pennant Hills Golf Club        Richard Chamberlain Golf Design            Darby Muller - Golf Shapes


Jun 21, 202201:17:30
EP.58 Campbell's Corner
Jun 15, 202240:38
EP.57 Keeper Of The Greens - Pat Casey (Kalgoorlie Golf Course)

EP.57 Keeper Of The Greens - Pat Casey (Kalgoorlie Golf Course)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click their name and it will take you straight to their website.

I hope you're ready for this dry conversation. Only joking! 

I head west across the country into Western Australia to a unique golf course at Kalgoorlie. Superintendent Pat Casey has been leading the team maintaining this extremely unique golf course for five years and has put his stamp on something very special indeed. Kalgoorlie is an extreme environment that requires an extremely good understanding of how to get the best out of turf in such a location! Originally from the driest state is Australia, Pat served his early career at some of the best golf courses we have to offer in Adelaide, before tasting the big time as part of the Ohio State Program in the USA. He returned to South Australia for a time before taking on the top job at the unique and young Kalgoorlie Golf Course. Pat and I discuss the difficulties of managing turf in such an extremely hot and dry location and just how thriving the local Kalgoorlie environment really is contrary to what we all might think!

This was an eye opener and I just want to go to Kalgoorlie for golf!

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

People & Places mentions:

Kalgoorlie Golf Course      Ohio State Program       Glenelg Golf Club        The Super Pit

Jun 08, 202201:02:53
EP.56 Walking The Fairways

EP.56 Walking The Fairways

It's time to take in some news about what's happening on golf courses around Australia! It has been a while since I brought you up to date with course happenings from around the country and there's plenty going on. I also wanted to share some very sad news coming out of Sydney in recent months which I think is important to talk about.

Come with me as we venture far and wide and finish of with some thought provoking points in golf tournament news that I want you to think about.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!


People & places mentioned in this podcast:

Too bloody many so you'll just have to listen to it all :)

Jun 06, 202241:07
EP.55 Campbell's Corner
May 29, 202250:46
EP.54 Keeper Of The Greens - Nico Douglas (Cranbourne Golf Club)

EP.54 Keeper Of The Greens - Nico Douglas (Cranbourne Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click their name and it will take you straight to their website.

Join me for a fun conversation with Superintendent of Cranbourne Golf Club, Nico Douglas. Earlier this year Nico was appointed as Superintendent at Cranbourne which is his first post in such a role! Working throughout his career on courses of the famed Melbourne Sandbelt, Nico has some great experience prior to taking up this current position. Name dropping some of the best golf courses to have worked on in Australia, it was only a matter of time before Nico would take the helm of a Sandbelt course including a baptism of fire to kick it off!

I hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!


People & Places mentions:

Sorrento Golf Club       Cranbourne Golf Club      Spring Valley Golf Club         Victoria Golf Club

Huntingdale Golf Club          OCM Golf Course Architects       Behind The Turf Podcast

May 25, 202201:13:39
EP.53 Keeper Of The Greens - Simon Snedden (Gold Creek Country Club)

EP.53 Keeper Of The Greens - Simon Snedden (Gold Creek Country Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is proudly brought to you by Colin Campbell Chemicals. Click their name and it will take you straight to their website.

I'm so excited to fire Keeper Of The Greens back up with a new interview and some new questions for Steve's Super Seven! This time I head to the Australian capital city of Canberra in the A.C.T. and catch up with Superintendent Simon Snedden of Gold Creek Country Club. Growing up in regional NSW, Simon had a talent for rugby league and was quickly snapped up by a major NRL club. He left the country for the city lights and during his time training he got a taste for what was involved in maintaining sports turf. Come along for a sporting story with Simon as we chat about his time playing rugby league at a young age, the connection of sport and country life and Simon's steep career path in greenkeeping before getting the top job at one of Canberra's well known golf clubs.

People & Places mentions:

Gold Creek Country Club       Young Golf Club       Club Catalina       Federal Golf Club

Royal Canberra Golf Club       The ASTMA       Mark Unwin (CEO ASTMA)       Newcastle Knights

May 11, 202201:02:28
EP.52 The Board Room - Simon Putral (Ashgrove Golf Club)

EP.52 The Board Room - Simon Putral (Ashgrove Golf Club)

The Board Room is brought to you by The Social Media Birdie. If you want the best team who understands the golf landscape like no other to work with your business, then you need The Social Media Birdie.

The second segment of The Board Room sees me joined by Simon Putral, Greens Director of Ashgrove Golf Club in Brisbane's western suburbs.

Ashgrove Golf Club is one of many golf clubs devastated by the recent floods of Eastern Australia and I really wanted to bring you the real story and thought processes that go on inside a smaller suburban club after being on the receiving end of such a catastrophic event. Simon discusses with a great deal of openness just what lies ahead for Ashgrove and how this community based club is looking to work through such an enormous task ahead with their loyal, engaged and very supportive membership.

Hopefully this gives you a real insight into what a golf club like Ashgrove has to come back from like so many others are along the east coast of Australia.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

May 09, 202201:16:31
EP.51 The Design Brief - Harley Kruse
Apr 27, 202201:02:52
EP.50 The Design Brief - Ted Stirling
Apr 06, 202201:14:28
EP.49 Nathan Bradbery - Golf Spectrum
Mar 31, 202201:11:43
EP.48 Walking The Fairways

EP.48 Walking The Fairways

With so much news happening on golf courses around Australia, Walking The Fairways is back again. 

The rain has cleared (for now) and it's time to let you know just how big this recent rain event was when it comes to golf courses. I have done a lot of research and hope to give you a detailed account of the extent of what has happened. 

But it's not all about the rain. There's been work going on in Western Australia , Victoria and there's some news coming out of the A.C.T. There's also some sustainability news coming out of a few regions including South Australia. It's time for a walk.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Mar 25, 202201:02:47
EP.47 The Greenkeepers Shed - Flood Recovery

EP.47 The Greenkeepers Shed - Flood Recovery

In the wake of the devastating floods that have ravaged large parts of Australia's East Coast, I wanted to give you an idea of just what might be involved to get the course repaired and back open by your local golf club that has been damaged. In this episode of The Greenkeepers Shed I wanted to take some time to let you know just how golf courses will try and rebuild after such an event and how much work is required.

Please know that it's an extremely difficult time for so many people right now and this flood event is wide spread and has affected many families and communities with loss of life, loss of homes and livelihoods!  My heart goes out to everyone in these affected areas.

Mar 04, 202251:03
EP.46 Walking The Fairways

EP.46 Walking The Fairways

It's time to take in some news about what's happening on golf courses around the country and I also give an update of some Aussie golf tournaments that have been televised recently. There's also some news of architecture appointments and time for a chat about my recent mini golf experience.

If you want to stay up to date and excited about which golf courses are improving and who is doing what from across the country then right here is where you'll get all your information. Come along for the ride as I stop of in Western Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT for the first time in a long time just to name a few.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!


Feb 25, 202246:15
EP.45 Loch and Leesh (post trip) - Finding Fairways
Feb 16, 202201:04:02
EP.44 Keeper Of The Greens - Mick Pascoe (Noosa Golf Club)

EP.44 Keeper Of The Greens - Mick Pascoe (Noosa Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is brought to you by Australian Turf Analysis - Aerial Technology for Sports Turf Management.  Mention the Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast to receive a 10% discount on your very first service.

This episode is going to BLOW.......YOUR.......MIND!! I make my way virtually of course to the Sunshine Coast of the Sunshine state, being Queensland, into Noosa Golf Club where I catch up with Superintendent Mick Pascoe. 

From humble beginnings growing up on the Gold Coast, this young Queenslander would reach the heights of Superintendent at one of the Gold Coast's premier courses early in his career before a 1990's financial collapse would change everything quickly. Not deterred, Mick rolled with the changes and landed himself a job at one of the world's most impressive golf complexes - Pinehurst! 22yrs of global travel for work and starting a family has brought Mick back to Australia with some of the most fascinating stories in between before now leading a team at Noosa Golf Club with a very bright future ahead! You won't stop listening to this one so come along for a globe trotting adventure as Mick and I chew the fat of his career and the future of Noosa Golf Club.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Feb 10, 202201:23:21
Ep.43 New Technology - Australian Turf Analysis
Feb 07, 202240:49
EP.42 Walking The Fairways

EP.42 Walking The Fairways

This segment of Walking The Fairways sees some news coming from Melbourne's famed Sandbelt along with a new mini golf course designed by an Australian golf course architecture firm. We venture to some courses mentioned for the first time in Walking The Fairways from Queensland and Western Australia and there's also some room for a new course announcement coming out of South Australia.

Come for a insightful walk as I help you stay up to date and excited about what's happening to golf courses around Australia!

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Feb 02, 202230:13
EP.41 Keeper Of The Greens - Geraldine O'Callaghan (Sandy Golf Links)

EP.41 Keeper Of The Greens - Geraldine O'Callaghan (Sandy Golf Links)

Keeper Of The Greens is brought to you by Australian Turf Analysis - Aerial Technology for Sports Turf Management.  Mention the Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast to receive a 10% discount on your very first service.

I head down to the famous golf region of the Melbourne Sandbelt and into the newly redesigned Sandy Golf Links where I talk to Superintendent Geraldine O'Callaghan. One of very few female greenkeepers in Australia, Gerri talks about her background as an all round sports fan and her start as a mature aged student getting into the industry. From her humble beginnings growing up on the family farm in northern Victoria, all the way to working at one of the greatest golf courses in the world before taking charge as Superintendent at the redeveloped Sandy Links, Gerri's story is captivating. Hard working, grounded, humble and strong! Gerri is a fantastic leader of the greenkeeping industry and one that I think we can all look up to.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Places mentioned in this podcast:

Sandhurst Golf Club      Royal Melbourne Golf Club       Sandy Golf Links

Jan 26, 202201:24:15
EP.40 Walking The Fairways

EP.40 Walking The Fairways

The very first Walking The Fairways news segment for 2022 and wow isn't there plenty to talk about this time including a number of courses I haven't mentioned before and the recently played Australian PGA & WPGA from Royal Queensland. Come along for an enjoyable walk as we traverse the country together.

Please don't forget to like, share, subscribe and as always i do appreciate you listening.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Jan 20, 202236:11
EP.39 Keeper Of The Greens - Logan Booby (Parkes Golf Club)

EP.39 Keeper Of The Greens - Logan Booby (Parkes Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is brought to you by Australian Turf Analysis - Aerial Technology for Sports Turf Management.  Mention the Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast to receive a 10% discount on your very first service.

This episode sees me return into NSW, to a region i love being the Central West and a town that is home to The Dish! Yes that's right I'm catching up with Superintendent of Parkes Golf Club, Logan Booby. Logan is a young man with a background in turf but not golf. He has worked under some of Australia's most revered sports turf managers and prepared international turf surfaces and you'll just have to listen in to find out where. Come along with me for some deep cosmic conversation (see what I did there) into Logan's greenkeeping career and the future ahead for Parkes Golf Club.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Places mentioned in this podcast:

Parkes Golf Club       Mudgee Golf Club       Forbes Golf Club        Cowra Golf Club

The Dish          SCG          Manuka Oval

Jan 12, 202201:01:10
EP.38 The Board Room - Susan Pace (Tallwoods Country Club)

EP.38 The Board Room - Susan Pace (Tallwoods Country Club)

Welcome to 2022 and I kick off the New Year with a brand new segment called The Board Room.

The idea behind this segment is to give you an insight into the people who are the decision makers at golf clubs and golf courses. I want you to also get an understanding of who they are and how that sets down a path for the future of the courses and clubs they are behind. 

In this episode I chat with Susan Pace, General Manager and Owner of Tallwoods Country Club. We discuss what a baptism of fire it has been as the owner of a golf club especially one with a difficult history. You'll hear about how Susan and her family business got involved at Talllwoods. Susan also talks about the passion they have for working hard with their team of staff to turn the tide of past negativity into a shining light of enjoyment so everyone can experience the tranquil and beautiful location that is Tallwoods.

I hope you enjoy this one and I look forward to hearing from you about it.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Jan 05, 202250:46
EP.37 Keeper Of The Greens - Mathew Soles (Royal Perth Golf Club)

EP.37 Keeper Of The Greens - Mathew Soles (Royal Perth Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is brought to you by Australian Turf Analysis - Aerial Technology for Sports Turf Management.  Mention the Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast to receive a 10% discount on your very first service.

This episode I virtually head over across the country to the iron clad state of Western Australia and into Perth. I catch up with Mathew Soles newly appointed Superintendent of Royal Perth Golf Club. We chat about his greenkeeping career from humble beginnings at Bardwell Valley Golf Club in Sydney's south western suburbs all the way to being appointed Superintendent. A young man who has worked hard, experienced tournament preparation at the highest level in this country and who revels in the challenges greenkeeping brings. We also look into the bright future of Mathew's career in tandem with that of Royal Perth Golf Club.

Come and enjoy a conversation in the west.

You hit 'em clean and we'll keep 'em green!

Dec 29, 202101:08:10
EP.36 Travel Update with Tony Ellis - The Nomadic Golfer

EP.36 Travel Update with Tony Ellis - The Nomadic Golfer

I've found him!

In this podcast episode I get Tony Ellis on the phone for a catch up some 8 months after we last spoke. He's traveled to numerous courses and experienced all sorts of different golf from the cool climate and dramatic landscape of Tasmania to the far isolated reaches of opal country in northern South Australia. 

Come along for the Christmas ride as Tony and I round up his experiences and hopefully give you some inspiration and tips of where to visit for your next road trip game of golf!


Dec 22, 202155:21
EP.35 Keeper Of The Greens - Peter Cawsey (Eastwood Golf Club)

EP.35 Keeper Of The Greens - Peter Cawsey (Eastwood Golf Club)

Keeper Of The Greens is brought to you by Australian Turf Analysis - Aerial Technology for Sports Turf Management.  Mention the Golfing Greenkeeper Podcast to receive a 10% discount on your very first service.

This episode I catch up with Superintendent Peter Cawsey from Eastwood Golf Club for the first course I venture to in great golf state of Victoria. We chat about his career from humble beginnings getting into the industry at Spring Valley Golf Club in Melbourne, to working on a Jack Nicklaus course and all the way to becoming a Superintendent for the first time. It's great to get an insight into a golf course that may not be one of the biggest in Melbourne but a unique course in a beautiful location.

Come along and enjoy the conversation with me for the first time in Victoria.


Dec 15, 202154:09