The Team Behind Tournament-Ready Turf - by Corey Finn ⛳🎙

Golf isn’t just a game—it’s an orchestrated effort that happens long before a player takes their first swing.

In this episode, we sit down with Corey Finn, the Cluster Director of Agronomy at Viya Golf in Abu Dhabi, who doesn’t take the credit—his team does. They’re the ones who just pulled off hosting the Abu Dhabi Championship, a massive event on the DP World Tour, making sure the course was flawless from the first tee to the final putt.

🔎 What’s inside this episode?

✔ The human side of golf course maintenance—how an elite team brings a championship venue to life.

✔ Platinum Paspalum & extreme climate turf care—why the right grass matters.

✔ Rolling vs. Mowing—how Tru-Turf rollers help achieve consistency while protecting turf health.

✔ The pressure of preparing for a global tournament—the stress, the teamwork, and the small details that make all the difference.

Who should listen?

🔹 Greenkeepers & superintendents: Hear from someone who’s been in the trenches, leading a team through high-stakes tournament prep.

🔹 Golfers: Ever wondered why the greens feel different from course to course? This episode explains why rolling matters.

🔹 Anyone who loves problem-solving & teamwork: This is about people, not just grass. It’s about precision, pressure, and delivering under the spotlight.

🎧 Hit play now—because great golf doesn’t just happen. It’s built.

In this episode of the Super Series Podcast, Steve Chappell takes listeners through his journey:

• How Dr. Thomas Nikolai’s research inspired his approach to rolling.

• The challenges and successes of implementing rolling at Taymouth Castle.

• The transformative role of tools like the Tru-Turf FR-108 (past model, new product arriving soon) in achieving turf excellence.

This is more than a story about rolling—it’s about curiosity, experimentation, and the pursuit of innovation. Whether you’re a turf professional or simply fascinated by the intricacies of golf course management, Steve’s journey offers invaluable insights into what it takes to lead in the industry.

This time, we’re diving into the world of equipment management with Jason Fontana, Senior Equipment Manager at Arizona’s Desert Mountain Golf Course 🌵

Photo Credits : Chase Ivey

With 9,000 hectares, seven courses, and over 200 operators, Desert Mountain is no small feat. Jason shares why the RB48 roller is his team’s favorite, thanks to its durability and easy maintenance protocols. They roll three times a week and maintain our rollers daily and quarterly - a winning combination for pristine greens!

Hear Jason’s journey from superintendent to equipment expert, his advice for newcomers, and even a bit about his life outside of golf.