Welcome to the Golf Sustainability Podcast

Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, intrigued by the intersection of sport and social impact, or simply curious about the future of golf, this episode is packed with inspiration. 

What if the key to the future of golf was hidden in how a course manages its water? For Matteo Serena, Senior Manager of Irrigation Research and Services at the USGA, this question drives his work every day. From native grasses to advanced irrigation systems, Matteo is exploring how courses can use less water without sacrificing playability.

With a career spanning research in Italy and the arid Southwest of the United States, Matteo combines a passion for innovation with a deep understanding of turfgrass science. His work with the USGA’s 15-30-45 initiative is transforming how courses think about their most critical resource, offering practical solutions that are already making an impact.

Matteo’s journey, from academic research to applying those findings on real courses, is a testament to his commitment to the game. By working with superintendents, researchers, and course managers, he’s helping golf courses thrive while using smarter approaches to resource management.

Topics covered:

Why Water Use is Central to Golf’s Future (0:00)

• Matteo introduces the critical importance of water management for golf courses.
• Early efforts in testing native grasses to minimize water use while maintaining playability.

Matteo’s Journey: From Italy to the USGA (01:56)

• Matteo discusses his academic background, starting with turfgrass research in Italy.
• His work in New Mexico and California, focusing on water conservation and drought-resistant turf.
• Transitioning to the USGA to apply research directly to golf course management.

The USGA Green Section and the 15-30-45 Initiative (7:50)

• Overview of the Green Section’s mission, including research, consulting, and education.
• The 15-30-45 program, a $30 million commitment to reducing golf course water use by 45% over 15 years.
• Challenges in applying research across a wide variety of course conditions.

Innovations in Grasses and Irrigation Upgrades (15:40)

• Trials with drought-tolerant grasses, such as TifTuf and Tahoma 31, to find effective solutions.
• The benefits of upgrading irrigation systems, from improving efficiency to enhancing playability.
• Simple fixes, like leveling sprinkler heads, that can make a significant difference.

Technology’s Role in Precision Water Management (24:05)

• Matteo’s vision for irrigation systems that adjust automatically, like thermostats in a house.
• Remote sensors and machine learning as tools for smarter, data-driven water use.
• How digital tools are changing the role of superintendents, making them technology experts.

Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing in Golf (31:35)

• The importance of collaboration between the USGA, superintendents, and industry associations.
• Examples of innovative projects happening on courses across the country.
• Why open communication is key to solving challenges in water use.

Challenges, Inspiration, and Building a Legacy (36:30)

• The difficulty of maintaining momentum for water conservation during periods of heavy rainfall.
• Matteo’s passion for curiosity and helping courses thrive through practical solutions.
• His hope to leave a lasting impact through research that future generations can build upon.

Resources & People Mentioned

• GCSAA – Supporting golf superintendents with education and resources.
• TifTuf and Tahoma 31 Cultivars – Drought-resistant grasses for improved water efficiency.

Connect with Matteo Serena

• Matteo Serena on LinkedIn

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Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.

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