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...

Golf has always been seen as an exclusive sport, shaped by factors like climate, cost, and tradition. But what if it could be more accessible while still honoring its roots? That’s the vision of Don Rea, Vice President and soon-to-be President of the PGA of America.    He is on a mission to broaden access and deepen the sport’s impact without losing what makes golf unique. From an unconventional start as a minor league umpire to leading one of the most influential organizations in golf, Don’s...

Jonathan Smith is the founder and Executive Director of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf and one of the foremost authorities on golf sustainability in the world. His foundation focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship with strategic partners to help golf clubs, architects, and individual tournaments reach their sustainability goals.  The majority of golf facilities need to know how sustainability benefits the business and the steps they can take to unlock those benefits efficiently...

What if golf courses were more than just places to tee off? In this episode of The Golf Sustainability Podcast, I sit down with Brian Horgan, chairperson of Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, to dive into a fascinating new perspective on golf. With over 20 years in research and academia, Brian has been at the forefront of redefining golf courses as essential green spaces with real environmental and social impact. We explore how golf courses can go...

Why wouldn’t the PGA Tour help lead the charge in golf sustainability? I’m joined by Brazos Barber, the Director of Sustainability for the PGA Tour for his insights in sustainable golf and the PGA Tour. As golf faces growing environmental challenges, Brazos shares his personal journey with me: leading sustainability efforts within one of the world’s largest sporting organizations.  His work has quietly but powerfully transformed sustainability initiatives at both PGA Tour events and TPC...

As the Director of Agronomy at Hillcrest Country Club, Matt Muhlenbruch fully embraces leveraging technology to make the game of golf more sustainable. His approach is well-researched so he’s only implementing tools and technologies that will drive sustainable golf forward.    Ultimately, the technology he adopts has to bring meaningful and measurable advantages to the operation, or time and money are spent learning new software every few weeks. Matt thoughtfully incorporates each piece, from...

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, addresses economic and social sustainability from the viewpoint of an owner/operator. Jay believes that there’s a fine balance between sustainable business practices and sustainability practices. He dissects the nuances one has to consider. Golf course owners are expected to make golf more accessible. But are the same questions being asked of restaurateurs? Are they expected to lower the prices of their meals in the name of...

St. Andrews Links is the oldest—and most well-known—golf course in the world. Recognized as the “Home of Golf,” it’s existed for over 600 years. Today we have the privilege of speaking with Gordon McKie, the Greenkeeping Operations Manager. Gordon has been at St. Andrews Links in various roles for over 27 years.  Every year, over 240,000 rounds of golf are played across their seven courses. In 1974, the golf course was handed over to be managed by the St. Andrews Links Trust. The trust is...

“We all live downstream” is one of the mottos of Mr. Jonny Morris, the Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops.  Bubba Wright lets this motto serve as the north star for everything he does as the Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge.  Whether it's by reducing its footprint or providing habitats for wildlife, Big Cedar Lodge strives to leave everything better than they found it. They’re achieving this by using organic fertilizers, installing new water systems to conserve water, and making sure...

Dave Andrews is the Director of The Path at The Park West Palm Beach. The Park West Palm project is a golf course designed for everyone to use, from beginners to professionals, with many of the amenities you’d find at a high-end private course. Once The Park was completed, Dave was part of the team brought in to develop programs, including “The Path.” The Path is a community center that happens to be at a golf course. It’s become the perfect blend of Dave’s passion and purpose, giving kids...

Welcome, golf enthusiasts! I'm John Failla, your host on the Golf Sustainability Podcast. In today's episode, we're honored to have Sandy Cross, the Chief People Officer at the PGA of America, as our guest. Sandy will share insights on a topic close to my heart—inspiring diversity and inclusion in golf. In this engaging conversation, Sandy and I delve into her career journey, from starting as a licensing administrator to her current roles overseeing people operations, diversity and inclusion,...

Welcome! In today's episode, we're honored to have Tom Coyne, Author and Golf Course Owner. Tom’s vision for reviving Sullivan County Golf Club in 2024 is nothing short of spectacular. With a focus on enhancing both the golfing experience and overall atmosphere, Coyne is set to transform the 180-acre, nine-hole course into a golf destination. On the golfing front, Coyne is orchestrating a significant course renovation, including the creation of three new holes. The goal is to optimize the...

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Golf Sustainability Podcast! In this timely conversation, host John Failla engages with Frank LaVardera, the Director of Environmental Programs for Golf at Audubon International. Together, they delve into the intricacies of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP), the Signature Program, and Audubon International's groundbreaking Platinum Program, all designed to foster environmental sustainability in golf courses. Frank, with his extensive background in...

Welcome to an engaging episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast,  with host John Failla and Kevin Sunderman, the Chief Operating Officer of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Kevin, a seasoned executive in the world of golf, presents GCSAA’s  inspiring vision for the future. From his early days as a golf enthusiast in rural Ohio to his current influential role, Kevin's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we delve into his passion for making a...

Welcome to a fascinating episode of Golf Sustainability! In this enlightening conversation, your host, John Failla, engages in an in-depth dialogue with Greg Nathan, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Golf Foundation (NGF). Together, they explore the dynamic world of off-course golf and its profound impact on the golf industry. Diving headfirst into the discussion, John and Greg traverse the various facets of off-course golf, encompassing driving ranges, the...

In this engaging podcast episode, host John Failla welcomes Ron Dodson, a biologist and author, to the Golf Sustainability Podcast. Ron Dodson shares his journey into golf sustainability, his background in wildlife biology, and his mission to connect people with nature and promote responsible natural resource management. The conversation touches on various topics, including the challenges of sustainability in golf, the importance of site selection for new courses, and the need for customized...

In this special episode, we're joined by Craig Boath, Head of Sustainability at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland. Craig is a pioneering figure in the golf industry, being one of the first superintendents to hold the role of Head of Sustainability. John and Craig discuss various aspects of sustainability and golf, including Craig's career journey in the industry, the rich heritage of Carnoustie Golf Links, and the environmental and social initiatives undertaken by the course. They delve into...

Dave Barton, the executive director of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf, shares his journey and insights in making golf more accessible for individuals with disabilities. The National Alliance's mission is to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the game of golf through education, advocacy, and resource development. Dave discusses the organization's resources, including an ADA checklist for golf course design, which helps golf course owners and operators identify...

Welcome to the Golf Sustainability Podcast! In this episode, host John Failla engages in an enlightening conversation with Graeme Beatt, the Course Manager at Royal Portrush Golf Course in Ireland. Graeme shares insights into the fascinating work happening at Royal Portrush as they prepare to host the 153rd Open in 2025. Join us for this engaging discussion as we explore Graeme's background, his journey to becoming Course Manager, and the sustainability initiatives transforming the golf...

In this episode of the Golf Sustainability Podcast, John Failla welcomes Jason Straka, principal of Fry Straka Global Golf Course Design, a leading global authority on sustainable golf course design. Jason shares his journey into the world of golf and how his passion for the environment led him to merge golf and environmental aspects of design. He discusses the three pillars of sustainability in golf course design: environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Jason emphasizes that...

Welcome to the Golf Sustainability Podcast! Hosted by John Failla, a passionate golfer and sustainability expert, this podcast delves into the crucial environmental and social aspects of golf sustainability. With a background in corporate sustainability, John merges his love for golf with his deep industry knowledge to help sustain the game for future generations. In this introductory episode, John introduces himself, sharing his golf journey from a high handicapper to a golf enthusiast, and...