The LowDowns
The Lowdowns is a turf industry podcast done in a different way. It features some of the typical conversations, but it will will also feature subjects like leadership, efficiency, education, and many other aspects of the industry. We will get to know who that person is and why their traits make them successful. We will also have some fun with my dry wit and some Q&A games while doing it. REAL INSIGHTS. REAL OPINIONS. REAL CONVERSATIONS.
The LowDowns
Matt Weitz
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.