Roll More, Mow Less: Dr. Thomas Nikolai on the Future of Sustainable Turf

Thomas Nikolai
In a new episode of Changing the Business of Golf, host Gary Firkins is joined by Dr. Thomas Nikolai, popularly known as the "Doctor of Green Speed." 

Thom is a Senior Turfgrass Academic Specialist at Michigan State University, specializing in putting green mechanical and cultural practices. He earned his nickname through groundbreaking research into the relationship between turfgrass health, maintenance practices, and golfer satisfaction.

Thom is a pioneer of the industry, best known for his discovery that lightweight rolling actually decreases dollar spot and other pests - a finding that challenged decades of conventional wisdom. In this wide-ranging discussion, Thom shares his unconventional journey from a "troubled youth" working in factories to becoming a leading global voice in turf science.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Thom shares the three changes every golf business should consider, from one of the leading global voices in turf science:

  • How to implement best management practice in water conservation to save you water, money and increase player satisfaction. 
  • The robotics that Thom believes every golf course should introduce into their greens maintenance – and it may surprise you. 
  • How to stay ahead of regulation through innovation

Ready to deep-dive into the changes that could shape the future of your golf course? Watch the full conversation with Thom today on YouTube, or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 

Watch on YouTube: Changing the Business of Golf with Dr. Thomas Nikolai

Listen on Apple Podcasts: Changing the Business of Golf with Dr. Thomas Nikolai

Listen on Spotify: Changing the Business of Golf with Dr. Thomas Nikolai

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Thank you for tuning in to the Changing the Business of Golf Podcast. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the people, stories and strategies that are shaping the future of golf.