In this episode, we recap Thanksgiving at home, talk about how the algorithm convinced us to butterfly a turkey, and laugh through a very underwhelming Black Friday run that did not go as planned. We also hit the important stuff: a sold-out Christmas Event, what's coming up on the Chapter calendar, and why you should grab your spot for GC Horn now.

Resources & Links 📢
Sign up for the latest events: www.EGCSA.GOLF
Follow the Podcast 🐦 X (Twitter): @evergladespod

In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave sit down with Matt Taylor, CGCS, to talk about growing up in Naples before it became a golf hotspot, the unexpected path that led him from culinary school to turfgrass management, and what keeps him grounded after decades in the industry.

Matt opens up about mentorship, leadership, and the friendships that shaped his career — plus the surprising reason he keeps Christmas lights up all year and never misses a Hallmark movie night.

Guest: Matt Taylor, CGCS

Resources & Links
📢 Follow the Podcast
🐦 X (Twitter): @evergladespod
🌐 Website: EGCSA.GOLF

In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave are joined by the Triple Crown of Past Presidents, Darren Davis (GCSAA, Florida GCSA, Everglades GCSA), to preview how the GCSAA will celebrate its historic Centennial Anniversary. The celebration kicks off in February at the Conference & Trade Show in Orlando.

We also talk through his path at Penn State, the Loxahatchee Club, 33 years at Old Florida, how he was selected for the Centennial committee, and how smart social media and personal branding became part of his toolkit, along with practical advice for younger members to engage locally and with peers.

Guest: Darren Davis
X (Twitter): @DarrenJDavisGCS

📢 Follow the Podcast
🐦 X (Twitter): @evergladespod
🌐 Website: EGCSA.GOLF

In this episode of Against the Grain, Gabe and Dave sit down with Ralph Dain, South Atlantic Regional Representative for the GCSAA. Ralph shares stories from his years as a superintendent, including a stint in South Africa with Gary Player, how he got involved with the GCSAA, and what his day-to-day looks like now.

It's a great behind-the-scenes look at one of the most connected people in the industry.

Guest: Ralph Dain
GCSAA South Atlantic Regional Rep

X (Twitter): @GCSAA_SouthAtl

📢 Follow the Podcast
🐦 X (Twitter): @evergladespod
🌐 Website: EGCSA.GOLF

Gabe Gallo hosts his first episode as Everglades GCSA President with Dave Meske. They extend a big thank you to outgoing President Dan Brooks for his extra year of service, discuss the new board lineup, and share highlights from the annual meeting at Saltleaf. They also look forward to the upcoming joint meeting at Calusa.

Links & Resources:

✅ Everglades GCSA Website

✅ Saltleaf Golf Preserve

✅ Calusa GCSA on X

✅ Follow us on Facebook / X

Connect with Us:

Have questions or topic ideas? Email us at support@evergladesgcsa.org

Enjoy the show?

Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast app—it really helps us reach more listeners!

Heat, high fives, and a hint of face paint—this episode brings you inside the 2025 POA Golf & Luau weekend at the Ritz‑Carlton Tiburón. Dave Meske and Gabe Gallo swap stories from two full days on the course, share why a four‑man scramble shaved precious minutes off Friday's round, and tiger stripes at the Luau. They shout out the board, partners, and Ritz staff for keeping everyone fed, hydrated, and happy.

Kick back, picture chips & guac by the pool, and catch the recap before planning starts for 2026. Follow us on Facebook and X, grab the EGCSA app for real‑time updates, and we'll see you "Against the Grain."

We're just 5 days out from the big POA Golf & Luau weekend, so we jumped on the mic for a quick (and slightly chaotic) rundown of everything you need to know.

From BMP classes and check-in times to how to score a free drink from Dave and where the Ladies of the POA event is actually happening this year—we've got you covered.

🎟 Sign up for the BMP Class:
Register here

📲 Download the EGCSA App:
Apple App Store
Google Play Store

Don't miss a thing—download the app, turn on notifications, and get ready. We'll see you at the POA!

In this episode, Gabe and David talk with John Reilly—aka TurfMonkeyBoy—about how he went from a psychology degree to running one of Florida's most progressive golf course operations. John shares the story behind his social media handle, why he's embraced electric equipment, and how data-driven turf management is reshaping the way superintendents approach tradition. They dive into why sharing both the wins and challenges online matters, how social pressure impacts the profession, and what tech might be overhyped. It's honest, insightful, and packed with fresh perspective.