エピソード

  • Driving Sustainability at Cabot Saint Lucia

    Driving Sustainability at Cabot Saint Lucia
    2025/05/06
    Many golf courses pride themselves on their lush landscapes, but few stop to consider the unseen challenges of maintaining them—especially on remote islands. In this episode, we dive into the unexpected realities of water management at one of the world’s most stunning new golf resorts, Cabot St. Lucia. Without easy access to freshwater, maintaining fairways and greens becomes a surprisingly complex and costly endeavor, revealing a hidden problem that many golf operations face without even realizing it. As director of agronomy Damon Di Giorgio explains, water scarcity isn't just a looming environmental issue—it’s a daily operational reality that demands creative solutions. From reverse osmosis desalination systems to microclimate-specific management strategies, Damon and his team must be meticulous with every drop. Listeners will come to appreciate how standard practices elsewhere would spell disaster in a setting like St. Lucia—and why sustainable resource management isn’t a bonus, but a necessity. By the end of the conversation, you'll see how Cabot St. Lucia isn’t just surviving these challenges—they're setting a new standard for eco-conscious, cost-effective golf course management. Through innovative partnerships, on-site nurseries, and precision agronomy practices, the team at Cabot demonstrates that environmental sustainability and financial sustainability can—and must—go hand-in-hand for the future of golf. Topics covered: (0:00) Damon’s intro and Cabot St. Lucia John Failla introduces Damon Di Giorgio and shares personal experience playing the courseDamon shares his background and role at Cabot St. LuciaOverview of Cabot Collection and Point Hardy Golf Club (04:20) Damon’s agronomy leadership Damon explains his “head trash picker-upper” philosophyThree key divisions: beach cleaning, landscaping, and course maintenanceEmphasis on supporting and mentoring his team leaders (06:54) Defining sustainability locally Damon frames sustainability as both “the right thing” and “necessity”Explains high cost of desalinated irrigation waterDescribes Cabot's design prioritizing minimal water use (08:53) Island operations challenges Long, complex supply chains vs. mainland operationsHeavy reliance on planning, stocking, and improvisationSpecific issues with beach cleaning and sargassum influx (12:22) Big sustainability projects Replanting native plants removed during course constructionTwo onsite nurseries: landscaping propagation and organic farmingUse of saltwater and organic fertilizers to reduce chemical use (20:44) Key partnerships advancing sustainability Entire Cabot Collection enrolled in Audubon’s Platinum Signature Sanctuary programToro partnership working toward AI-driven moisture managementRegular soil testing and precision irrigation practices (27:10) Future vision and tech innovation Focus on microclimate-based management across the courseResearch collaborations to time pest and weed control naturallyDream of reusing desalination brine for sustainable herbicide solutions Resources & People Mentioned Cabot St. Lucia — https://cabotstlucia.comAudubon International’s Platinum Signature Sanctuary Program — https://www.auduboninternational.org/signature-sanctuary-certificationToro and TurfRad Technologies — https://www.turfnet.com/news.html/toro-and-turfrad-develop-new-moisture-sensor-technology-r1840/ Connect with Damon Di Giorgio Connect with Damon Di Giorgio on LinkedIn Connect With Golf Sustainability LinkedIn Facebook InstagramX (Twitter)Email Subscribe to Golf Sustainability Apple Podcast Spotify Note: Timestamps provided are approximate. Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media. Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
    続きを読む 一部表示
    41 分
  • From Seoul to Scarsdale: The Indoor Golf Revolution

    From Seoul to Scarsdale: The Indoor Golf Revolution
    2025/04/08

    What if the next big movement in golf wasn’t happening on the course, but in a dark room with a screen and a sensor? In this episode, we explore the future of the game through the lens of indoor golf — a trend that’s already transformed the sport in South Korea and is poised to do the same in North America. Most golfers still think of simulators as a niche tech gimmick or a winter-time alternative. But for millions of new players in Asia, they’re the starting point — and, increasingly, the standard.

    Sean Pyun, President & CEO of GOLFZON America, joins the show to break down how Korea built an entire golf ecosystem indoors — complete with leagues, tournaments, retail stores, and even its own network of green grass courses. It’s not just about simulation accuracy; it’s about accessibility, inclusivity, and rethinking how and where people engage with the game. If you’ve never considered indoor golf a serious part of the sport’s future, this conversation will change that.

    Topics covered:
    • The Indoor Golf Revolution (0:00)
    • The emergence of a full-stack golf ecosystem in Korea (5:42)
    • Why indoor golf isn’t just a novelty — it’s a pipeline (10:56)
    • The American market needs more than a product — it needs localization (15:08)
    • Overcoming simulator skepticism and changing minds (20:52)
    • Turning indoor golf into a competitive league ecosystem (27:33)
    • Bigger purpose: charity, inclusion, and City Golf’s future (36:48)
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • GOLFZON America – https://www.GOLFZONgolf.com
    • Arnold Palmer Foundation – https://palmerfoundation.org/
    • TGL (Tech-Infused Golf League) – https://tglgolf.com
    Connect with Sean Pyun
    • Connect with Sean Pyun on LinkedIn
    Connect With Golf Sustainability
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
    • Email

    Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

    • Apple Podcast
    • Spotify

    Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

    Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

    Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
    続きを読む 一部表示
    50 分
  • How Neglected Public Courses Could Shape the Future of Golf

    How Neglected Public Courses Could Shape the Future of Golf
    2025/03/25

    Most people don’t think twice about the public golf courses in their city—until they start disappearing. Across the country, historic municipal courses have been neglected for decades, leaving behind a patchwork of underfunded, undermaintained spaces that struggle to serve their communities. But there’s a shift happening, and it’s reshaping the future of the game.

    Will Smith, co-founder of the National Links Trust, has been at the center of that shift. He and his team took on the ambitious task of restoring three historic municipal courses in Washington, D.C., securing a 50-year lease and enlisting some of the best architects in the game. These aren’t just renovations; they’re a rethinking of what public golf can be. With a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and financial viability, the work being done is proving that municipal courses don’t have to be stuck in a cycle of decline.

    The way forward for public golf isn’t just about fixing tee boxes and bunkers—it’s about creating spaces that truly serve their communities. The changes happening in D.C. offer a roadmap for how cities everywhere can reclaim their public courses and make the game more welcoming for generations to come.

    Topics covered:
    • The neglected state of municipal golf and why it matters [00:50]
    • The National Links Trust and the fight to restore public courses [03:00]
    • Rethinking what a municipal golf course can be [08:10]
    • The business model behind municipal golf’s comeback [11:10]
    • The future of public golf and what’s at stake [16:30]
    • How municipal golf courses can secure funding for long-term success [20:00]
    • The national movement to restore and protect municipal golf courses [28:10]
    • Final thoughts: The lasting impact of municipal golf restoration [36:00]
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • National Links Trust – Revitalizing historic municipal golf courses.
    • Troon – Management partner bringing sustainability to public golf.
    • Gil Hanse & Tom Doak – World-class architects restoring D.C.’s muni courses. Doak’s site.
    Connect with Will Smith
    • Connect with Will Smith on LinkedIn
    Connect With Golf Sustainability
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
    • Email

    Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

    • Apple Podcast
    • Spotify

    Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

    Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

    Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
    続きを読む 一部表示
    39 分
  • How Solar and Storage Are Changing Golf Forever with Eleanor Brown

    How Solar and Storage Are Changing Golf Forever with Eleanor Brown
    2025/03/11

    Golf is at a pivotal moment, where the traditions of the game intersect with the pressing need to care for the environment in which we play. Today, I’m speaking with Eleanor Brown, Director of Sustainability at Southworth Development, whose work is charting a new course for the industry. Her role is not just groundbreaking—it’s essential. As one of the first leaders of sustainability in golf, she’s shaping practices that balance environmental stewardship with the high standards of luxury golf communities.

    Eleanor’s journey is inspiring, beginning with her background in environmental law and evolving into a role where she applies those principles in a practical, business-focused way. Her work spans everything from introducing renewable energy solutions to eliminating single-use plastics, all while considering the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Southworth’s properties, which range from Cape Cod to the Bahamas.

    This conversation is about what it takes to turn ideals into action. It’s a look at how golf can honor its connection to nature while adapting to the challenges of a changing world. Whether you’re deeply involved in the sport or just passionate about sustainability, there are lessons here for everyone. Let’s hear how Eleanor is leading by example.

    Topics covered:
    • Start (0:00)
    • Eleanor’s Background and Journey to Southworth (1:00)
    • Southworth’s Philosophy on Sustainability (6:26)
    • Implementing Sustainability Across Diverse Properties (10:51)
    • Eliminating Single-Use Plastics and Rethinking Waste (13:19)
    • Renewable Energy Initiatives at Southworth (18:16)
    • Linking Environmental and Social Sustainability (24:25)
    • Personal Reflections on Sustainability and Leadership (30:00)
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Greenbridge Energy – Renewable energy solutions provider.
    • Nordaq – Swedish water filtration company specializing in eliminating microplastics and pharmaceuticals.
    • Pela Cases – Biodegradable phone covers (mentioned as a personal sustainability inspiration).
    Connect with Our Guests
    • Eleanor Brown on LinkedIn
    Connect With Golf Sustainability
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
    • Email

    Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

    • Apple Podcast
    • Spotify

    Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

    Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

    Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
    続きを読む 一部表示
    34 分
  • Grass, Innovation, and Precision: The Art of Smarter Water Management

    Grass, Innovation, and Precision: The Art of Smarter Water Management
    2025/02/25

    What if the key to the future of golf was hidden in how a course manages its water? For Matteo Serena, Senior Manager of Irrigation Research and Services at the USGA, this question drives his work every day. From native grasses to advanced irrigation systems, Matteo is exploring how courses can use less water without sacrificing playability.

    With a career spanning research in Italy and the arid Southwest of the United States, Matteo combines a passion for innovation with a deep understanding of turfgrass science. His work with the USGA’s 15-30-45 initiative is transforming how courses think about their most critical resource, offering practical solutions that are already making an impact.

    Matteo’s journey, from academic research to applying those findings on real courses, is a testament to his commitment to the game. By working with superintendents, researchers, and course managers, he’s helping golf courses thrive while using smarter approaches to resource management.

    Topics covered:
    • Why Water Use is Central to Golf’s Future (0:00)
    • Matteo’s Journey: From Italy to the USGA (01:56)
    • The USGA Green Section and the 15-30-45 Initiative (7:50)
    • Innovations in Grasses and Irrigation Upgrades (15:40)
    • Technology’s Role in Precision Water Management (24:05)
    • Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing in Golf (31:35)
    • Challenges, Inspiration, and Building a Legacy (36:30)
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • GCSAA – Supporting golf superintendents with education and resources.
    • TifTuf and Tahoma 31 Cultivars – Drought-resistant grasses for improved water efficiency.
    Connect with Matteo Serena
    • Matteo Serena on LinkedIn
    Connect With Golf Sustainability
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
    • Email

    Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

    • Apple Podcast
    • Spotify

    Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

    Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

    Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
    続きを読む 一部表示
    40 分
  • National Links Trust New Model for Municipal Golf

    National Links Trust New Model for Municipal Golf
    2025/02/24
    How can 150 acres of urban public green space benefit a community beyond recreational access? How can a golf course address stormwater runoff and pollution issues, improve water quality, revitalize habitats, and improve biodiversity? How can it create partnerships and programs with other nonprofits to improve access and inclusion for underrepresented populations (while keeping the game affordable for all)? Andrew Szunyog has dedicated his career to improving the relationship between the game of golf and its surrounding communities. Municipal golf courses are becoming community centers to facilitate a healthy environment and places for people to go. As the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust, he’s laid out the most comprehensive framework for sustainability at a golf course that I’ve ever heard. His report outlines four buckets addressing emissions and runoffs, resource efficiency, waste management, and community and environmental stewardship. Topics covered: Andrew’s career journey to the Director of Sustainability at National Links Trust [1:39] After graduating from the University of Florida in 2003 with a degree in Business and Sports Management, Andrew got a minimum-wage job at a local course working in outside operations. He quickly learned he wanted to spend his life in golf.Six months later, his dad passed away unexpectedly. His inheritance allowed him to complete a 16-month program at Professional Golfers Career College. He fell in love with running tournaments. He got an internship with the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2006 and 2007 where he learned volunteer management, spectator management, ticket sales, and more. He completed a research project on “What does Sustainability in Golf Mean?” and what organizations are doing to be responsible for their impact on the environment.He realized there was an intersection between social and environmental justice and wanted to understand how golf fits in that. He wants the tournaments he runs to have some higher purpose that provides value. Together with Alex Baxter and Andre Paul, they created a golf sustainability mastermind group which transformed into a newsletter and blog. They created a platform for the golf industry to tell its sustainability journey. When he learned that The National Links Trust formed, he made himself available for volunteer opportunities. In 2021, he was working with Blue Strike Environmental when National Links Trust reached out to him to lead a sustainability panel for their first annual symposium on municipal golf. Afterward, NLT asked him to become their in-house sustainability professional. The origin, purpose, and mission of the National Links Trust [00:26:19] The National Links Trust is a 501C3 non-profit organization that has a 50-year lease with the National Park Service to manage the three public golf courses in D.C. The goal over the 50-year lease is to renovate all three courses to give them a fresh look, built with sustainability in mind, presenting the historical significance of what the courses mean to the city. They will break ground on Rock Creek Park on November 1st, 2024. They’ve set a two-year timeline for the renovations of each course. Developing a sustainability report for the National Links Trust [00:30:17] Andrew is writing a sustainability report and created frameworks to address the impact of their operations, how they will address root causes, and rebuild with sustainability in mind.Bucket one accounts for emissions and runoffs. It’s looking at water quality monitoring to reduce waste pollution, looking at reducing emissions, and addressing nutrient and pesticide management.Bucket two looks at resource efficiency, covering energy audits, electrifying the infrastructure, lighting audits, upgraded HVAC systems, window tinting, automatic on/off switches, and water efficiency. This also includes retrofitting and upgrading their historical structures. Bucket three is waste management procurement. Their goal is to eliminate single-use practices, ban plastic tees, and work with vendors to make sure products are sent in compostable plastic packaging. They’ll create partnerships to become zero waste. The fourth bucket is geared toward community and environmental stewardship, improving access to the game, and developing partnerships that promote sustainability, climate resilience, and social and environmental justice. They’ll create volunteer programs, community programming, internships, and much more. What’s motivating the reinvention of municipal golf courses [00:44:40] Their mission is to show the value that municipal courses have as community assets. These places are entry points for well over half of people who play golf. If a golf course is viewed as a park, money won’t be set aside for upkeep. But if it’s viewed as an asset, it becomes a sustainable business that can make money. What drives Andrew to make a difference in golf ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間
  • Golf’s On-Ramp: How Golf It! is Changing the Game

    Golf’s On-Ramp: How Golf It! is Changing the Game
    2025/02/11

    What if the game of golf could truly embrace its origins as a sport for everyone? Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with Russell Smith of Golf It! to uncover how this groundbreaking facility in Glasgow, Scotland, is redefining golf’s accessibility and inclusivity.

    Golf It! is a bold and innovative concept backed by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A), and it challenges stereotypes while creating a welcoming pathway into the game for families, lapsed golfers, and time-starved players alike.

    Golf It! is breaking traditional rules to foster community connections, breathe new life into an underutilized space, and make golf accessible to all ages and abilities.

    From creating adventure golf courses inspired by children’s ideas to embedding accessibility into every facet of their operations, Golf It! has become much more than a sports venue—it’s a vibrant community hub transforming how people engage with golf.

    Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, intrigued by the intersection of sport and social impact, or simply curious about the future of golf, this episode is packed with inspiration.

    From partnerships with global brands to programs for schools and individuals with disabilities, Golf It! sets a new benchmark for how golf can thrive for generations to come.

    Topics covered:
    • Setting the Stage: Introducing Golf It! [0:00]
    • The Origins and Mission of Golf It! [6:15]
    • A New Pathway to Golf [14:35]
    • Engaging the Community [25:00]
    • Expanding Golf’s Reach [34:23]
    • Golf for All Abilities [42:43]
    • Partnerships and Future Impact [48:58]
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Golf It!: Website
    • The R&A: Website
    • AIG Women’s Open: Website
    • EDGA: Website
    • Callaway Golf: Website
    • Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation: Website
    • Russell Smith on LinkedIn
    Connect With Golf Sustainability
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
    • Email

    Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

    • Apple Podcast
    • Spotify

    Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

    Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

    Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
    続きを読む 一部表示
    53 分
  • What Golf Gets Wrong About Sustainability (And How Rhett Evans Plans to Fix It)

    What Golf Gets Wrong About Sustainability (And How Rhett Evans Plans to Fix It)
    2025/01/28

    The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) plays a hugely important role in shaping the future of golf, and few people embody its mission like Rhett Evans. As CEO for over 15 years, Rhett has become the voice for the 20,000 members who manage and care for millions of acres of green space across the country. His leadership isn’t just about turf management—it’s about creating a sustainable future for the game we all love.

    Rhett brings a fascinating perspective, shaped by experiences that range from managing NBA franchises to scaling Mount Everest. His journey reflects a rare combination of vision and grit. The conversation touches on the incredible potential of golf to be a force for environmental good and the vital work GCSAA is doing to support superintendents in balancing playability with sustainability.

    From innovative education programs like First Green, which turns golf courses into outdoor classrooms, to best management practices that are raising standards nationwide, Rhett shares how golf can lead the way in environmental stewardship. His passion for the game and commitment to advancing its future leave no doubt about the importance of this work.

    If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: golf isn’t just a sport. It’s a community, a classroom, and a proving ground for environmental innovation. Rhett’s leadership is ensuring it remains all those things and more for generations to come.

    • Introduction and BMP Overview [00:00]
    • Rhett’s Journey to GCSAA [3:44]
    • GCSAA’s Mission and Member Community [5:52]
    • Evolution of Education and Research [9:50]
    • Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Detail [11:58]
    • Collaborating with EPA on Regulations [17:20]
    • First Green Program: STEM Meets Golf [18:58]
    • The GCSAA Trade Show [22:29]
    • Overcoming Perceptions of Golf and Sustainability [26:50]

    • Lessons from Mount Everest and the Pursuit of Excellence [31:17]

    Resources & People Mentioned
    • GCSAA: Website
    • First Green Program: Overview
    Connect with Our Guests
    • LinkedIn: Rhett Evans
    • GCSAA Social Media: Twitter, Instagram
    Resources & People Mentioned
    • Golf It!: Website
    • The R&A: Website
    • AIG Women’s Open: Website
    • EDGA: Website
    • Callaway Golf: Website
    • Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation: Website
    • Russell Smith on LinkedIn
    Connect With Golf Sustainability
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
    • Email

    Subscribe to Golf Sustainability

    • Apple Podcast
    • Spotify

    Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

    Thank you for listening to the Golf Sustainability podcast. If you found this episode interesting, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! For more insights and updates on sustainable energy solutions, visit our website and follow us on social media.

    Audio, Video, and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK
    続きを読む 一部表示
    42 分