Kevin Cooper spent over 25 years as a golf course superintendent in Kentucky, Ohio, and Houston, Texas, where the weather was tough and growing grass was a challenge. A technical and data-driven professional, he holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, which positioned him well for his current role as a digital sales specialist at Syngenta.
His position is a new one at the company, and he is one of only four specialists—all former turf managers—who have helped launch Syngenta’s GreenCast Connect program. This platform integrates local weather data with information from on-course sensors, consolidating everything into a single app that can be easily managed from a smartphone.
“The industry is changing, and technology is taking over,” Kevin explains. Golf course superintendents are increasingly discussing the need for “tech managers” to oversee data streams, robotic equipment, and drones. As the industry evolves, staying up to date with new technology will provide turf managers with valuable data to make more informed decisions. And as Kevin noted in the podcast, “This is going to allow for a much better work-life balance.”