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: golf.syngenta@syngenta.com 

Syngenta Golf: www.syngentagolf.com | @syngentagolf
European Golf Design: www.egd.com
Dave Sampson: @dsampsongolf

Episode 2 | Designing for Drama

Welcome to the Changing the Business of Golf podcast from Syngenta Golf. Each episode, we speak to industry leaders, sustainability experts and superintendents to identify three actionable changes to shape golf’s future.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mike O’Keeffe, Program Manager at the Ohio State University International Intern Program (TOP). Mike shares insights from his decades of experience connecting turf professionals around the world, including the story behind OSU’s long-standing partnership with Syngenta and the success stories that have come from it.

In a conversation with host Gary Firkins, Mike outlines his three changes for the future of the turf industry:

- Bring more young people into the industry - tackling the labour crisis through education, inspiration and better storytelling.
- Give your turf team education and experience - how investing in people builds stronger teams and reputations.
- Embrace next-generation technology - why adapting to rapid innovation is key to golf’s ongoing success.

Watch now to discover how your golf course business can help the next generation shape the future of the golf industry. 
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Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction
05:42 Change #1: Bring more young people into the industry
14:30 Change #2: Give your turf team education and experience
21:33 Change #3: Embrace next generation technology

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Welcome to Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta, 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
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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

Episode 23 | What Skills Will Future Turf Managers Need? | Mike O'Keeffe

Changing the Business of Golf by Syngenta is a podcast dedicated to the success and sustainability of golf course businesses worldwide. 

Through insightful interviews, we speak to industry leaders, sustainability experts and superintendents about the challenges and real-world solutions and innovations shaping the future of golf. 

Whether you’re a golf course owner, club manager, greenkeeper or industry professional, listen in and learn from the best in the game. 

Syngenta is a global leader in turfcare innovation, sustainability and digital solutions, and a trusted partner to golf courses worldwide.

Episode 23 | What Skills Will Future Turf Managers Need? | Mike O'Keeffe

Changing the Business of Golf

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