Against The Grain

All Roads Lead to the Luau

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. If you're attending, this episode should help you show up prepared, know where to be, and avoid missing the good stuff. If you're not attending, you'll still get a good feel for what makes the POA one of the best weekends of the year for the Everglades GCSA. It's all the POA information you need, plus a few things you probably didn't ask for.

2026 GC Horn: Regulatory Readiness with Dr. Bryan Unruh

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. It's a timely, practical session built to help golf course superintendents understand what is changing, what deadlines matter, and how to start preparing now. If you're trying to get ahead of new expectations around compliance, sampling, documentation, and nutrient management, this presentation gives a clear look at what is coming and what it means for Florida golf courses. Resources & Links 📢 Download Dr. Unruh's Presentation [https://www.evergladesgcsa.org/docs/GC_Horn_Everglades_2026_Unruh.pdf] Sign up for the latest events: www.EGCSA.GOLF [https://www.egcsa.golf/] Follow the Podcast on X : @evergladespod [https://x.com/evergladespod]

After the Conference: What's Ahead for EGCSA

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. Resources & Links 📢 Sign up for the latest events: www.EGCSA.GOLF [https://www.EGCSA.GOLF] Reserve your POA Room: HERE [https://book.passkey.com/go/POA2026] Follow the Podcast on X : @evergladespod [https://x.com/evergladespod]

Anyone Can Thrive: Leadership and Legacy with T.A. Barker, CGCS

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. T.A. shares his roots in a multi-generation golf family, the real-world pressure of big infrastructure decisions (like tackling an aging irrigation system), and how he's tried to stay approachable while serving at the national level. The conversation also gets into career pathways, building a stronger pipeline, and why creating space for more women and new voices in the industry is not a side topic. It's the work. Along the way, you'll hear stories from the road, a Ryder Cup moment that still makes him laugh, and a few behind-the-scenes notes on what the centennial year has planned. If you care about leadership, team culture, and where the superintendent profession is headed next, this one's for you. Resources & Links 📢 Sign up for the latest events: www.EGCSA.GOLF [http://www.egcsa.golf/] Follow the Podcast on X : @evergladespod [https://x.com/evergladespod] Follow T.A. on X : @TA_Barker_CGCS [https://x.com/TA_Barker_CGCS]

The Gator Out Front Should've Told You

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. Resources & Links 📢 Sign up for the latest events: www.EGCSA.GOLF [http://www.EGCSA.GOLF] Follow the Podcast 🐦 X (Twitter): @evergladespod