On this week’s EarthWorks Podcast, Jack Higgins catches up with longtime friend and superintendent Josh Saunders for a ride around Lancaster Country Club as they discuss spring conditions, tournament preparation, and the 64th Compher Cup.
Josh shares insights into managing the historic William Flynn-designed golf course following an unusually cold winter with extended snow cover, late frosts, and slow soil temperatures. The conversation covers A1/A4 bentgrass greens, Tahoma bermudagrass tees, spring fertility programs, plant growth regulators, and the patience required to properly manage turf during difficult spring transitions.
Jack and Josh also discuss the restoration work at Lancaster Country Club, preparations for tournament play, and the balance between delivering championship conditions while protecting long-term plant health throughout the season.
Later in the episode, Jack is joined by competitive amateur golfer Jason Bataille, who shares his perspective after competing in the Compher Cup at Lancaster. Jason discusses the strategy and architecture of the course, memorable holes from the Flynn design, and the appreciation players have for superintendents who are passionate about both turf management and the game of golf itself.
