against the grain by Everglades GCSA
In this episode, we break down everything you need to know heading into POA Weekend, including the schedule, golf, Luau, meetings, app updates, text notifications, resort details, and a few helpful reminders along the way.
In this episode of Against the Grain, we're sharing Dr. J. Bryan Unruh's presentation from the 2026 GC Horn Seminar, Regulatory Readiness: How Florida Superintendents Can Prepare for New Environmental Rules. Dr. Unruh walks through the environmental and water quality issues shaping golf course management in Florida, including TMDLs, BMAPs, BMP implementation, certification requirements, nutrient management plans, and the reporting and recordkeeping superintendents need to be ready for.
In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe Gallo and Dave Meske catch up after the GCSAA Conference and Centennial celebration in Orlando, including highlights from Icon Park, the Florida gathering, and a few stories from the week. They also look ahead to what's coming up for the Everglades chapter, including the March 19 dinner meeting with GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans, the Spring Symposium, and the 55th POA Golf & Luau in May. Along the way, they cover a few POA format changes, registration reminders, and why now is the time to lock in your room.
In this episode, we sit down with current GCSAA President, T.A. Barker, CGCS to talk leadership from the superintendent's seat, and what it's like guiding the profession into a milestone year.
In this episode, we recap Thanksgiving at home, talk about how the algorithm convinced us to butterfly a turkey, and laugh through a very underwhelming Black Friday run that did not go as planned. We also hit the important stuff: a sold-out Christmas Event, what's coming up on the Chapter calendar, and why you should grab your spot for GC Horn now.
In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave sit down with Matt Taylor, CGCS, to talk about growing up in Naples before it became a golf hotspot, the unexpected path that led him from culinary school to turfgrass management, and what keeps him grounded after decades in the industry.
In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave are joined by the Triple Crown of Past Presidents, Darren Davis (GCSAA, Florida GCSA, Everglades GCSA), to preview how the GCSAA will celebrate its historic Centennial Anniversary. The celebration kicks off in February at the Conference & Trade Show in Orlando.
In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave sit down with Ralph Dain, South Atlantic Regional Representative for the GCSAA. Ralph shares stories from his years as a superintendent, including a stint in South Africa with Gary Player, how he got involved with the GCSAA, and what his day-to-day looks like now.
Gabe Gallo hosts his first episode as Everglades GCSA President with Dave Meske. They extend a big thank you to outgoing President Dan Brooks for his extra year of service, discuss the new board lineup, and share highlights from the annual meeting at Saltleaf. They also look forward to the upcoming joint meeting at Calusa.
Heat, high fives, and a hint of face paint—this episode brings you inside the 2025 POA Golf & Luau weekend at the Ritz‑Carlton Tiburón. Dave Meske and Gabe Gallo swap stories from two full days on the course, share why a four‑man scramble shaved precious minutes off Friday's round, and tiger stripes at the Luau. They shout out the board, partners, and Ritz staff for keeping everyone fed, hydrated, and happy.
We're just 5 days out from the big POA Golf & Luau weekend, so we jumped on the mic for a quick (and slightly chaotic) rundown of everything you need to know.
In this episode, Gabe and David talk with John Reilly—aka TurfMonkeyBoy—about how he went from a psychology degree to running one of Florida's most progressive golf course operations. John shares the story behind his social media handle, why he's embraced electric equipment, and how data-driven turf management is reshaping the way superintendents approach tradition. They dive into why sharing both the wins and challenges online matters, how social pressure impacts the profession, and what tech might be overhyped. It's honest, insightful, and packed with fresh perspective.
Henry "Skip" Hines, Equipment and Facilities Manager at Royal Poinciana in Naples, joins Gabe and David to talk about winning the Edwin Budding Award and his decades of leadership in the industry. Skip shares how he helped start the International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association, pushed for technician education, and helped shape today's technician certification through GCSAA. This one's packed with insight, industry history, and a few powerful personal moments you won't want to miss.
In this episode, hosts Gabe Gallo and David Meske sit down with Ryan Swilley, CGCS, Vice President of the Florida GCSA. They explore the latest trends in golf course management, the biggest challenges superintendents face, and practical strategies for maintaining high-quality turf conditions. Ryan shares his experiences, industry insights, and advice for golf course professionals looking to stay ahead.
Big changes are coming for pesticide licensing and regulation! In this episode, we take you to the GC Horn, where Dr. Brett Wells Bultemeier breaks down the EPA's updated rules, how they impact licensing requirements, and what pesticide applicators need to do to stay compliant.
In this episode of Against the Green, hosts Gabe and Dave bring humor and updates
Gabe and Dave kick off the holiday spirit in this festive Against the Grain episode! They chat about the upcoming Christmas event, GC Horn updates, BMP Facility Manuals, Christmas lights, and some hilarious Elf on the Shelf antics. A fun, quick listen!
Adam Garr went from fixing ball marks to transforming golf course communication as the founder of Course Cares.
Get into the Halloween spirit with this special episode of Against the Grain! Join Gabe and Dave as they chat about last-minute costume ideas, candy favorites, and plans for spooky celebrations. Gabe and Dave keep it light from neighborhood parties to haunted plans, sharing a few laughs and prepping for the Halloween season.
In this episode of Against the Grain, we sit down with turfgrass expert Todd Lowe to discuss his 20+ years in golf course management. From growing up as a superintendent's son to working as a USGA agronomist and consultant, Todd shares the key challenges and rewards of his career shift. He also breaks down his innovative work in soil diagnostics and turf health, offering practical tips for improving organic matter management on golf courses. Packed with valuable insights, this episode is a must-listen for golf course professionals.
In this episode of Against the Grain, hosts Gabe and Dave sit down with TJ Shine, a past President of the EGCSA, to explore his unique journey from golf course superintendent to sales rep.
In this lively episode, Dave and Gabe dive into a mix of hilarious and heartfelt topics. They kick things off with a discussion about Thunder Vests for dogs and how to keep pets calm during 4th of July fireworks. The conversation takes a fun turn as Dave admits he hasn't listened to any of their past episodes, despite always being bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for recordings.
Join us for an engaging conversation with David Shepp and Seth McKeel from The Southern Group as they share their experiences and insights on lobbying for golf courses in Florida.
Join us as we sit down with Dan Brooks, the past president of the Everglades GCSA, to explore his journey and insights.
In this episode, Gabe and Dave chat with Brian Beckner from Native Bird Boxes and how they are reshaping bird conservation efforts.
In this episode, we uncover Gabe's revolutionary 'Wife Hack,' dive into personal communication styles, and preview the exciting lineup for upcoming EGCSA events.
Join us as we sit down with Dr. Bryan Unruh, Professor and Associate Center Director at the University of Florida, for a deep dive into the vital role of Best Management Practices (BMP) in enhancing environmental quality on Florida's golf courses. Our conversation traverses the origins, current implementations, and future prospects of the BMP program, showcasing its significance in promoting environmental stewardship within the golfing community.
Join us at the GC Horn Memorial Seminar, where Todd Lowe, the Technical Service Manager at Envu, imparts crucial strategies and insights for managing the complexities of an El Niño Winter.
Join Dave and Gabe as they take a reflective journey through the festive season and share their excitement for the year ahead.
Join Gabe and Dave as they discuss Black Friday shopping and some significant changes coming to the Certification of Pesticide Applicators
Join us as we talk with Isaiah Ireland from Club Care about nurturing Top Hat Bergonias, Red Zinnias, and the art of using frost cloth.
In this episode, we give you a glimpse into our Halloween celebrations, talk about our upcoming events, and tease what's on the horizon with our big mystery guest.
In this episode, we tackle the taboo of tech on the turf.
Episode 4 - In this episode, we welcome past EGCSA President and current Bahamian resident Captain Kevin Leo.
Episode 3 - In this episode, Gabe's AC is broken, the GCSAA Chapter Challenge competition is live, and who is Dave, and how terrible is he at golf?
Episode 2 - We've got a special treat for you! Join us as we sit down for a conversation with Robert (Bob) Lucius, Ph.D. Executive Director, CREW Land & Water Trust.
Episode 1 - In this episode, we cover a range of topics, including upcoming events, exciting ways to utilize the shortcuts app on iOS, and announce the winner of our Podcast naming contest.
