Episodes
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In the latest episode of the Growing Golf podcast, we welcome Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf.
Jonathan’s journey in golf began at a young age, where he experienced firsthand how the game could positively impact mental, physical, and social well-being. After later earning a degree in Geography and Sustainable Development from the University of St Andrews, Jonathan’s commitment to golf’s sustainability mission took root.
Today, Jonathan and the GEO Foundation are one of the only global organisations solely dedicated to the mission to inspire, support and reward credible sustainability action and to strengthen and promote golf’s social and environmental value.
Jonathan believes golf courses have a unique role in promoting nature restoration, improving resource efficiency, cutting carbon emissions, and creating social value. He calls on golf clubs to act now, warning that failure to do so could threaten long-term success.
"You've got to go out there and tell people what you're doing, what your commitments are, what your actions are and what results you're generating," says Smith.
Speaking to host Gary Firkins, Smith also addresses the perception that sustainability is costly for many clubs. He notes that by tapping into GEO Foundation's free OnCourse program, they can find a range of no-cost, low-cost and cost-saving solutions to get started.
He also highlights potential for grant funding or public and private partnerships if clubs can align their sustainability goals with those of their community.
"The biggest success we see with clubs is where they make sustainability integral to their overall decision-making," he added.
Tune in to learn more about Jonathan’s journey into the industry, and how golf clubs can successfully balance the needs of people, planet and profit.
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Useful links:
GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf: https://sustainable.golf/
Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/sites/g/files/kgtney646/files/media/document/2023/06/27/Golf%2BSocial%20Media%20Sustainability%20%281%29_0.pdf
Follow our guest:
Connect with Jonathan Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-smith-52408414/
Welcome to Syngenta Golf, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries.
To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com
Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:
X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape -
In this episode of the Growing Golf podcast, host Gary Firkins sits down with John Clarkin, founder of international agronomy consultancy, Turfgrass.
With a career spanning five decades, John has established a strong reputation as one of Europe’s leading golf course development and management advisors, blending his lifelong passion for golf with a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The pair explore the delicate balance between maintaining the environmental and economic sustainability of golf courses, highlighting the importance of preserving quality while ensuring long-term viability.
John also highlights the critical turf challenges facing the industry today, and how working with organisations such as GEO can help clubs promote the environmental benefits of golf.
Elsewhere, John shares compelling stories from recent high-profile projects, including how Turfgrass has transformed Adare Manor into an environmentally sustainable Ryder Cup venue, and the innovative water management systems at Italy’s prestigious Castiglion del Bosco.
Throughout the episode, John reflects on his personal journey in the golf industry, his deep-rooted passion for sustainable development, and the exciting future of Turfgrass.
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Useful Links:
Turfgrass: https://www.turfgrass.golf/
Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/golf-ind...
GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf: https://sustainable.golf/
Follow our guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-clarkin-8544a419/
Welcome to Syngenta Golf, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries.
To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com
Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:
X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape -
Episodes manquant?
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In this episode, we welcome Bri Kenny, Manager of Environmental Science at Troon Golf, to the show. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bri is a Biologist and Naturalist, and a leading voice on golf and sustainability.
Host Gary Firkins sits down with Bri to explore the meaning of sustainability in today's world and discuss whether the sport of golf can truly embrace sustainable practices.
Bri shares a personal story about her first experience on a golf course, an eye-opening moment that challenged her previously negative perceptions about the sport.
The conversation also delves into the pressing issue of water scarcity in Arizona and the impact it has on golf courses in the region.
Plus, Bri highlights the importance of the Arizona Alliance for Golf, a coalition dedicated to educating the public on the socio-economic and environmental benefits that golf courses bring to local communities. The alliance advocates for the continued growth of the game while promoting environmental awareness throughout the state.
Tune in to learn how golf can be part of a sustainable future and what steps are being taken to balance the needs of the environment, people and business.
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Useful links
Troon Golf: https://www.troon.com/
Arizona Alliance for Golf: https://azallianceforgolf.org/
Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports
Follow our guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bri-kenny-5a4a4647/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/biolobrie
Welcome to Syngenta Golf, your go-to source for expert insights, innovative solutions, and sustainable practices in the turf management and landscape industries.
To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com
Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:
X - https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape -
In this episode, Chief Executive of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) Jim Croxton, joins host to Gary Firkins to discuss the evolving challenges faced by turf professionals.
They discuss the golfing boom during the pandemic and how more people playing the game more often is impacting greenkeepers.
Jim outlines the urgent challenges golf courses face when it comes to water availability and use, and how the industry needs to come together to find solutions and communicate.
Plus, the pair discuss concerning findings about the mental health and wellbeing of turf professionals and how BIGGA is helping its members overcome work-related stress.
We also learn about Jim's upbringing and how he learned all aspects of golf course management from the time his father took over Cold Ashby Golf Club in Northamptonshire, England during his childhood.
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Useful links
British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA): https://www.bigga.org.uk/
BIGGA's Mental Health Resources for Greenkeepers: https://www.bigga.org.uk/resources/mental-health.html
Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports
Follow our guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-croxton-b2175316/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/JimCroxton
Connect with us:
Web: https://www.syngentagolf.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-turf-landscape/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/Syngenta_Turf
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends in the golf community. Don’t forget to subscribe to Growing Golf for more inspiring stories and industry insights!
Thank you for tuning in to Growing Golf. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the people, stories and strategies that are shaping the future of golf. -
In today's episode, we are joined by Gina Rizzi, President of Radius Sports Group, a sustainability consulting firm based in Reno, Nevada. Gina advises golf courses, organizations and governing bodies on how to manage their environmental, social, and economic impacts. She has also played a key role in developing numerous Best Management Practices (BMPs) guides across various states in the US, providing golf course superintendents with essential templates for environmental stewardship.
Speaking with host Gary Firkins, Gina addresses the industry's response to growing criticism online about golf's environmental impact. Recorded live at the GCSAA Conference in Phoenix, the discussion begins with the hot topic of water usage in Arizona.
We also discuss:
- How the golf industry can address social media criticism and tackle misinformation
- The role superintendents have to play in environmental stewardship and educating the wider public
- The real value of golf courses - to their environment, society and local economy
We also hear about Gina's background in Michigan, where she developed a deep appreciation for the environment that continues to fuel her passion for sustainability in golf today.
Useful links
Radius Sports Group: https://www.radiussportsgroup.com/
GCSAA Best Management Practices (BMPs): https://www.gcsaa.org/environment/bmp-planning-guide/best-management-practices
Golf & Social Media: Sustainability: https://www.syngentagolf.com/golf-industry-reports
Follow our guest
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginarizzi/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/GDRizzi
Connect with us:
Web: https://www.syngentagolf.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-golf/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/syngentagolf
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends in the golf community. Don’t forget to subscribe to Growing Golf for more inspiring stories and industry insights!
Thank you for tuning in to Growing Golf. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the people, stories and strategies that are shaping the future of golf. -
In this episode of Growing Golf, we sit down with Karen Proctor, Sales Director - Head of APAC for Textron Specialized Vehicles in Asia.
Karen shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Saudi Arabia to becoming a vocal advocate for women leaders in the golf industry.
Now based in Singapore, she brings a wealth of international experience and a passion for leadership and diversity.
We discuss:
- Karen’s early life and international background: Karen's upbringing in the Bahamas, Saudi Arabia, and England, and how it shaped her global perspective.
- Career Beginnings: Her initial steps into the hospitality industry, working in hotels, and her unexpected transition into the golf sector.
- Challenges and Growth: The early challenges Karen faced, her approach to leadership, and her development into a confident industry leader.
- Gender Diversity in Golf: Karen’s experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field, the importance of representation, and her advocacy for diversity in the workplace.
- Future Turf Managers Initiative (FTMI): Insights into the dedicated leadership program and its impact on young professionals in the golf industry.
- Mentorship and Networking: The significance of mentorship in Karen's career and practical advice for young professionals looking to advance in the golf industry.
Useful links
McKinsey: How Inclusion Matters: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters
‘Greater visibility of golf careers needed’: https://www.syngentagolf.com/greater-visibility-golf-careers-needed
Follow our guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-proctor/
Connect with us:
Web: https://www.syngentagolf.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-golf/
Twitter / X: https://x.com/syngentagolf
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with your friends in the golf community. Don’t forget to subscribe to Growing Golf for more inspiring stories and industry insights!
Thank you for tuning in to Growing Golf. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the people, stories and strategies that are shaping the future of golf. -
What’s it really like to be a female golf coach in a world where 93% of coaches are men?
We asked Amy Millward, Molly Moore and Jamie Taylor, three leading teaching professionals on three different continents, in this no-holds-barred roundtable discussion.
Hosted by Sarah Gwynn, the trio talk through the challenges they have faced, the omnipresence of stereotypes, and how the industry can attract more new golfers.
We also discuss what’s happening in their respective regions – Dubai, the UK and the US – for women in golf, and whether the sport is genuinely doing enough to welcome greater diversity.
Amy tells of the success she has had building a strong community of women golfers at the Claude Harmon Academy in Dubai; Jamie surprises us with a statistic about African American LPGA professionals; and Molly suggests how golf can rethink participation.
Golf venues everywhere can learn from the valuable insights and ideas of these three ambitious women.
Share your questions, opinions and comments with Syngenta Growing Golf on LinkedIn or X, or by writing to us: [email protected]
Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf -
Miranda Robinson used to be regularly mistaken for a drinks cart girl when she was a golf course superintendent.
But, as her name nickname ‘The Smiling Superintendent’ suggests, she would always laugh it off and focus instead on “showing them why I belonged there and why I was a leader”.
“It’s very easy to be sensitive to other people’s perceptions of you, but you can’t control how someone else thinks,” she says. “All you can control is how you present yourself, and becoming negative doesn’t give you any advantage.”
Miranda came into golf purely by chance.
Despite playing every sport going at high school, she never considered a career in turf until two of her friends found summer jobs at the local golf club and encouraged her to join them.
She quit her well-paying role in a factory, immediately fell in love with working on the course and has spent the best part of two decades as an assistant or superintendent.
Miranda tells host Gary Firkins why she was always destined to succeed in a male-dominated industry, her hopes to encourage more women into the industry, and what helped her through a struggle with mental health as a 20-year-old.
Share your questions, opinions and comments with Syngenta Growing Golf on Twitter, LinkedIn or by writing to us: [email protected]
Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf
Miranda Robinson: @turfmow -
Jim Beatty had little interest in golf growing up in his native Chicago. That was until a visit to Nebraska and a meeting with the state's first African American PGA of America Golf Professional, Steve Hogan, changed all that.
Hogan, who ran a par 3 course in Omaha at the time, introduced Beatty to the game and from there, he was hooked.
This proved to be the catalyst for a decorated career in which Beatty not only runs his own business, Jim Beatty Golf Ventures, but also founded the African American Golf Expo and serves as the Executive Editor of the African American Golf Digest.
He sees it as playing his part in a wider movement towards bringing greater diversity into the game of golf.
And while his motivation is rooted in the growth and sustainability of the game, Beatty points to a significant commercial opportunity for the industry too. African Americans value to the US golf market tops $4 billion, yet they make up only 5% of the United States' 25 million golfers. Beatty believes there is an opportunity to double or even triple this number.
But how can the industry realize this?
Beatty explains one of the key aspects is to make new golfers feel welcome and has a word of advice to PGA Professionals: "Start greeting your new golfer in the parking lot (...), pick up their clubs, the more you make them feel familiar and less threatened, the longer they are going to stay in this industry."
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Join the debate
Share your questions, opinions and comments with Syngenta Growing Golf on Twitter, LinkedIn or by writing to us: [email protected]
Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf
Jim Beatty Golf Ventures: jimbeattygolfventures.com
African American Golf Expo: aagolfexpo.com
African American Golf Digest: africanamericangolfersdigest.com
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To discover new insights and hear inspirational stories from those making a difference in the golf industry, visit http://www.syngentagolf.com
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Comment, engage and share your views with us via social media:
Twitter / X - x.com/syngentagolf
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/showcase/syngenta-golf -
Mahaley Nemtuda has turned her life around.
From a troubled upbringing in which she left home early, faced expulsion from school and became a mother at a young age, she is now forging a career as a trailblazing turf professional.
The assistant superintendent from Mansfield, Ohio is juggling life, work and studies but wouldn’t have it any other way, as she puts it “you can only be as successful as you are dedicated.”
In a wide-ranging conversation, Mahaley describes a chance encounter with host Gary Firkins at a networking event during this year’s GCSAA Trade Show & Conference in which she asked him, “How do I network?”
She also opens up about her challenging formative years and the help and support she’s received from both her partner, Colby and the turf teams she has worked with.
Mahaley also talks about her plans to give back. Having been helped by mentors around her she now has plans to face her fears of speaking publicly so she can help other students as they embark on their careers in turf.
Join the debate
Share your questions, opinions and comments with Syngenta Growing Golf on Twitter, LinkedIn or by writing to us: [email protected]
Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf
Ohio State University ATI: https://ati.osu.edu -
In this special episode of the Syngenta Growing Golf podcast on the week of the US Women's Open, we are joined by Pebble Beach Superintendent, Bubba Wright and Syngenta's Kimberly Gard.
Bubba and his team will be joined by a 33-strong all-female volunteer turf crew to ready the course for this year's tournament.
This the third time leading females from across the country have been invited to volunteer, the first having taken place at The Olympic Club, San Francisco, where its Director of Golf Maintenance, Troy Flanagan first came up with the idea to bring in an all-female volunteer turf crew.
Syngenta's Kimberly Gard helped Troy turn that vision into a reality, and has carried it forward into successive US Women's Opens.
The initiative has gained recognition on The Golf Channel and has been the subject of a YouTube docuseries. It has also encouraged the women involved to form group chats, create their own 'women in turf' social media channels and push for greater visibility for their role in the profession.
Bubba and Kimberly tell host Gary what the volunteer crew will bring to the week, the significance of using the platform the tournament to help increase the visibility of women in turf and the importance of the friendships and networks established - and carrying these forward.
Join the debate
Share your questions, opinions and comments with Syngenta Growing Golf on Twitter, LinkedIn or by writing to us: [email protected]
Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf
Breaking the Turfgrass Ceiling: https://www.youtube.com/@womeninturfteam -
When Amir Malik and Alastair Spink joined forces to create opportunities for Muslim women to experience golf, they weren’t quite sure what to expect. But when their first event in Birmingham sold out in the space of 12 hours, they were blown away. Fast forward to the event itself and the reaction of those taking part, and they knew there was potential for something much bigger.
This led to the roll out of a series events across the United Kingdom attracting the interest of over 1,200 women.
Amir, Founder of the Muslim Golf Association and Alastair, Founder & Head Coach of love.golf, join host Gary Firkins for an in-depth discussion about their respective journeys into the game, how this unlikely partnership came about and how they created this level of demand through the power of WhatsApp.
They also speak about the importance of listening to the customer and using this insight to inform and enhance the experience.
Join the debate
Share your questions, opinions and comments with Syngenta Growing Golf on Twitter, LinkedIn or by writing to us: [email protected]
Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf
love.golf: www.love.golf
Muslim Golf Assocation: muslimgolfassociation.com -
Craig Haldane, Director of The Bernhard Academy, says course managers should “leave your ego at the door” in order to create great team culture.
After a 26-year career managing world class venues including Gleneagles and Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, Haldane is now training the next generation of golf course managers – and sharing his experience and expertise to improve the performance of turf teams while retaining valuable talent.
Talking to host Gary Firkins, Haldane says, “I have a unique perspective from the journey I’ve had – different cultures, different languages, different purpose. I’ve picked up on things that resonate and are transferrable wherever you work.
“If you ask anyone who’s worked with me what’s the one thing that Craig taught you, hopefully it would be to put your hand up when you need help. It has never let me down, and I do it to this day.”
In an open and honest interview, Haldane reveals the biggest mistakes he’s made in his career – and what he learned from the experience.
He also talks about the importance of turf professionals communicating and promoting the environmental credentials of golf courses – often misunderstood – to stakeholders and the wider community.
Join the debate
Share your questions, opinions and comments with Syngenta Growing Golf on Twitter, LinkedIn or by writing to us: [email protected]
Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf
Bernhard and Company: www.bernhard.co.uk
Craig Haldane: @haldane_craig -
Designer of 2023 Ryder Cup golf course at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Dave Sampson, joins host Gary Firkins to discuss how to create a stadium course fit for the world’s best.
He tells us how his love affair with the game started back in his native South Africa, his unconventional start in course design and the growing importance and role that sustainability plays in all aspects of golf course architecture.
He pays tribute to the people working behind the scenes to make the Ryder Cup happen, including Golf Course Superintendent Lara Arias and her turf team.
Finally, Dave tells us about the importance of accessibility, creating designs so that customers can play 3, 6 or 9 holes if they wish to, and assesses the rising prevalence of golf entertainment venues.
Join the debate
Share your questions, opinions and comments with Syngenta Growing Golf on Twitter, LinkedIn or by writing to us: [email protected]
Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf
European Golf Design: www.egd.com
Dave Sampson: @dsampsongolf -
Host Gary Firkins is joined by social intelligence experts Jacques de Guigné and Claire Martin from Ipsos and Mark Birchmore from Syngenta to discuss the findings of a pioneering social media listening project analyzing 16.1 million mentions of golf.
With a huge influx of players over the past three years, matched by the inexorable rise of social media, what are existing customers saying about golf, what do new participants think and how can clubs and courses engage prospective players?
The panel discuss key insights from the report, including golf’s negative reputation generated by controversial figures and topics such as Donald Trump and LIV Golf, comparing it with the positive sentiment and interactivity around the sharing of golf experiences on Instagram.
Golf & Social Media: The Great Divide is available to download now from syngentagolf.com and will be followed throughout the year supplementary studies into key topics including Gender, Diversity, Sustainability and Golf Entertainment.
Join the debate
Share your questions, opinions and comments with Syngenta Growing Golf on Twitter, LinkedIn or by writing to us: [email protected]
Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf
Ipsos: https://www.ipsos.com
Related content:
Syngenta Golf Market Research Reports
Connect: [email protected]
