Houghton Golf Club · Johannesburg, South Africa

How do you keep a century-old, Nicklaus-shaped landscape both wild and true in the middle of a 10-million-person city? Director of Agronomy Stuart Ross answers by swapping textbooks for observation, data for feel, and routine for relentless curiosity.

In this long-form conversation Ross unpacks:

• Rolling as feedback loop – why a single dawn pass with a Tru-Turf roller (often coupled with the Spiker or Slicer attachment) tells him more about moisture, firmness, and player mood than any spreadsheet ever could.
• People over prescriptions – a 24-strong crew, 64 expressive bunkers, and a culture where every rake-mark or mower line is an experiment rather than a chore.
• Living laboratory – using Houghton’s Highveld micro-climate and indigenous surrounds as test beds for sand profiles, growth-regulators, and sustainable water use, then sharing what works — warts and all — with the global turf community.

What emerges is a radical, quietly human story: a superintendent who treats every morning walk as research, every player smile as data, and every attachment on his roller as an invitation to rethink what a golf course can feel like.

🎧 Listen to Chapter 15 now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you roll.

Climbing the Mental Health Mountain: A Conversation with Nigel Taylor

In this compelling episode of the Tru-Turf Super Series, we engage in a heartfelt discussion with Nigel Taylor from Sports Turf Solutions, marking our first conversation with a dealer. With over 30 years in the turf industry, Nigel shares his journey from a gardener in Sanctuary Cove to a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.

Follow Nigel's journey as he attempts 12 Everests this year :

https://www.instagram.com/thedirtydozen.12

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel1profile

Nigel opens up about the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by greenkeepers and turf professionals. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, he emphasizes the need for a supportive work environment where conversations about mental well-being are encouraged and stigma is dismantled.

Highlighting his ambitious goal of completing 12 Everesting cycling challenges in 2025, Nigel uses this metaphor to represent the uphill battle many face with mental health. His mission is to inspire others to confront their struggles head-on and to foster a culture of openness and support within the industry.

This episode builds upon our previous discussions on mental health, including our conversation with Michael Knoll from Del Monte Golf Course. At Tru-Turf, we believe that supporting our customers extends beyond providing quality products—it involves nurturing the well-being of the individuals who make up our community.

Join us as we delve into this vital conversation, aiming to bring mental health to the forefront of the turf industry.

Tru-Turf Super Series Podcast – Episode 13: Keith Burgon, Eyemouth Golf Club

In this episode of the Tru-Turf Super Series, host Nick Thornton sits down with Keith Burgon, Head Greenkeeper at Eyemouth Golf Club in Scotland, to explore the power of rolling, tournament preparation, and greenkeeping strategies in one of the most unique coastal golf environments.

Keith explains how rolling has become a cornerstone of their maintenance approach, helping combat salt burn and reduce mowing frequency, particularly in winter and other critical seasons. He highlights how rolling contributes to speed through consistency rather than aggressiveness, allowing Eyemouth to maintain smooth and reliable greens year-round. The conversation also covers their RB70 roller, with Keith sharing the outstanding results they’ve seen since adopting it.

A key focus is Eyemouth’s event preparation, including their work leading into the:

🏆 Scottish Ladies Senior Open (June/July) – A major national event where rolling plays a crucial role in fine-tuning tournament-ready conditions.

🏆 Scottish Ladies Team Championships – Hosted last year, this event required extensive planning to ensure the course met high competitive standards.

🏆 Club Championship (May–June) – A multi-week event that requires intense preparation, transitioning seamlessly into the national Senior Ladies Tournament.

🏆 Other Club Competitions – Keith discusses balancing routine member play with high-stakes tournament preparation.

Beyond the greens, Keith reflects on his career in the turf industry, how volunteering plays a role at the course, and why networking with other greenkeepers continues to shape his approach to course management.

✅ Surprising grass success – A grass type not typically suited for seaside conditions has thrived at Eyemouth, challenging conventional wisdom.

✅ Tournament-day strategies – How rolling plays a key role in final event preparations.

✅ Sustainability & efficiency – How “mowing less, rolling more” has led to healthier turf and improved playability.

This episode is packed with real-world insights for greenkeepers, golf course managers, and anyone looking to enhance course performance while embracing sustainable maintenance techniques.

🎧 Listen now to learn how Eyemouth Golf Club is redefining rolling, tournament prep, and turf management!

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