Top Takeaways:
- The Power of Great Mentors – Learning from experienced leaders shapes agronomic philosophies, but true success comes from adapting those lessons into one’s own approach.
- Creativity & Organization in Agronomy – The best solutions emerge when structured problem-solving meets innovative thinking.
- Developing Soft Skills for Leadership – Professionalism, communication, and structure are critical and teachable skills for career growth.
- Seeing the Golf Course Holistically – Balancing ground-level details with a broad strategic vision leads to superior agronomic decisions.
- Building a Legacy Through Mentorship – Success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about guiding and developing the next generation of leaders.
Chapters & Timestamps:
Chapter 1: Podcast Introduction (0:00)
Brent and Mitchell introduce the episode, preview the themes of mentorship and agronomy, and set the stage for their guest.
Chapter 2: Introduction of Matt Weitz (2:30)
Matt shares his background, early career experiences, and how he got started in golf course maintenance.
Chapter 3: Russ Myers & Card Sound Golf Club (6:00)
Matt discusses how Russ’s laid-back yet challenging approach encouraged him to think critically and always ask "why."
Chapter 4: Winged Foot & Eric Greytok (7:40)
Lessons from Eric Greytok on intensity, efficiency, and maintaining high agronomic standards.
Chapter 5: Victoria National & Dan Meersman (11:05)
Matt shares how working with Dan Meersman developed his business acumen, communication skills, and ability to see the game from a golfer’s perspective.
Chapter 6: Creative Agronomics & Innovative Solutions (15:53)
How learning from failure helped Matt develop unique agronomic strategies and structured processes.
Chapter 7: Superintendent at Victoria National (18:30)
Navigating the challenges of Victoria National’s extreme conditions and how those experiences shaped his career.
Chapter 8: Team Success at Victoria National (22:20)
Reflections on mentoring staff through tough summers and how that experience prepared them for future success.
Chapter 9: Director of Agronomy at Vaquero Club (27:45)
Matt’s decision to join Vaquero Club, the culture of the membership, and why he felt inspired to take on the role.
Chapter 10: Working with Andrew Green (30:56)
The story behind his collaboration with architect Andrew Green and the innovative renovation at Vaquero.
Chapter 11: Advice & Relationships in the Industry (36:48)
How Matt taps into different experts and relationships to refine his agronomic approach.
Chapter 12: What Has Changed? (38:53)
Adapting to technological advancements, workforce shifts, and maintaining high standards in an evolving industry.
Chapter 13: Matt Away from the Golf Course (42:43)
A look into Matt’s personal life, family, and his passion for college football.
Chapter 14: Two Truths & A Lie + Fastest Two Minutes (45:46)
A fun segment featuring a quick game and rapid-fire Q&A.
Chapter 15: Show Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts (51:32)
Matt discusses his future at Vaquero, his proudest moments, and what’s next. Brent and Mitchell preview the next episode.
This episode blends personal storytelling with professional insights, making it a valuable listen for anyone in the turfgrass industry or those passionate about leadership
