The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with John Reilly - The Art of Managing Data

Back on the EarthWorks Podcast, we’re joined by our friend John Reilly from Longboat Key Club in Sarasota, Florida. John is one of the most innovative golf course superintendents in the industry, using technology to enhance what he calls the “art of greenskeeping.” We dive into how data collection strengthens his natural intuition on the golf course, helping him make more confident decisions. John shares how he uses the GS3 Ball to manage firm conditions, focusing less on speed and more on surface smoothness and true ball roll. This conversation takes place during his Member-Guest tournament, a high-pressure time for any superintendent. But John had full confidence in his greens, backed by both his data and real-time feedback from members. He also discusses his unique approach to soil management. Rather than traditional topdressing, John injects sand into his greens and builds organic matter using the principles of Biological Soil Management. The result is firm, consistent playing conditions that meet both his standards and his members’ expectations. As always, it’s a great conversation with John, packed with valuable insights for anyone growing grass. Enjoy! Visit EarthWorks at: Podcasts: EW Turf Talks:

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The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with John Reilly - The Art of Managing Data is an episode from The EarthWorks Podcast by EarthWorks.

This episode is 57:04 long.

This episode was published on Mar 26, 2026.

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