USGA Green Section Podcast

With the 2026 U.S. Open just a few weeks away, Shinnecock Hills superintendent Jon Jennings joins our podcast to talk about maintaining one of the most iconic venues in golf. From managing Poa annua greens in a windy environment to the vast native areas and dramatic bunkers, Jon shares what it takes to produce exceptional playing conditions on a truly unique property. We also talked about the planning and teamwork required to host the U.S. Open, what it’s like working in an area where you are surrounded by great golf courses, and his upcoming retirement after more than 40 years working in golf course maintenance. It’s a packed episode!

Our new podcast features a conversation with Hazeltine National superintendent Chris Tritabaugh, who joins us to discuss how his approach to golf course maintenance has evolved over time – including his approach to organic matter testing, sand topdressing and fairway irrigation. We also explore the key priorities that guide his day-to-day decision-making, get his thoughts on building a strong team culture and advice for early-career superintendents. From pursuing excellence over perfection to prepping for a busy championship schedule at Hazeltine, it’s a great conversation.

In our latest podcast, Kenton Brunson, director of agronomy at the legendary Mid Ocean Club, joins us to talk about managing bermudagrass in Bermuda and the challenges that come with maintaining a golf course on a small island in the Atlantic. We also cover his experiments with creeping bentgrass greens, upcoming renovations at the course, the strong business mindset he brings to the maintenance department, thoughts on leadership, and much more.

Preparing grass playing surfaces for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken years of planning, research and coordination across multiple countries and venues. In our latest podcast, we chat with Dr. John Sorochan from the University of Tennessee about all the work behind developing, growing and installing 16 stadium pitches and dozens of training fields across the United States, Canada and Mexico. From grass selection and reinforced fiber systems to sod production and stadium installation, this unprecedented project is not only fascinating, it offers valuable lessons for golf course management.

In our new episode, the incomparable John Reilly joins us to talk about data collection, social media, his secrets for maintaining smooth and true greens, and much more!