The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Ryan Severidt

On this episode of the EarthWorks Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Severidt, Superintendent at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland. Ryan's career has taken him from the Midwest to some of the most challenging turf environments in the country, managing both cool-season and warm-season grasses across a variety of climates and conditions.Ryan began his career at Kinloch Golf Club in Richmond, Virginia, one of the first all-bentgrass golf courses built that far south. Despite skepticism from many in the industry, Kinloch established itself as a world-class property. As Ryan explains, success came from focusing on the work at hand and doing whatever was necessary to keep the course performing at a high level.He later moved to The Olde Farm in Bristol, Virginia, where higher elevations and a cooler climate provided a different set of opportunities for managing bentgrass. His next move to Woodmont Country Club introduced a new challenge: maintaining both bermudagrass and zoysiagrass in the Mid-Atlantic region, where changing weather patterns continue to influence turf management decisions.Ryan discusses the increasing adoption of warm-season grasses in the region, the challenges presented by the winter of 2025, and how environmental conditions continue to shape management strategies. He also shares his approach to leadership, emphasizing education, communication, and helping team members understand the "why" behind every decision. By creating a culture of learning, Ryan has built strong teams and developed future industry leaders.This conversation offers valuable insights into turf management, leadership, and adapting to changing conditions in one of the most dynamic growing environments in the country.Visit EarthWorks at: https://www.earthworksturf.com Podcasts: https://www.earthworksturf.com/earthworks-podcasts/ EW Turf Talks: https://www.earthworksturf.com/2-minute-turf-talks/