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When the first whistle blows at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, millions of fans around the world will be focused on the players. Few will be thinking about the years of planning, turf science, and maintenance required to create the playing surface beneath them. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played across 16 stadiums spanning Canada, Mexico, and the United States. While each venue presents its own unique climate, design, and growing conditions, the goal remains the same: deliver a consistent natural-grass playing surface for every match. That challenge is larger than it may seem. Many of the stadiums hosting World Cup matches were originally built for American football, not soccer. Creating tournament-ready pitches requires extensive planning, including specialized turf production, transportation logistics, installation methods, irrigation management, and ongoing maintenance programs. Every detail is carefully managed to help ensure a consistent playing experience throughout the tournament. The Science Behind the Pitch Long before the tournament begins, turf specialists work to determine the grass varieties, growing methods, and installation procedures that will be used at each venue. Specialized turf farms grow sod specifically for these projects, often months or years in advance. Once ready, the sod must be harvested, transported, installed, and established under varying environmental conditions across North America. Maintaining consistency across 16 stadiums is one of the biggest challenges. Differences in temperature, humidity, sunlight, and stadium architecture all influence how turf performs. Teams of agronomists, grounds managers, and equipment technicians work together to monitor turf health and maintain playing conditions throughout the event. Quality of Cut The quality of the playing surface depends on every detail, including how the turf is mowed and maintained. The quality of cut plays an important role in surface consistency, ball roll, plant health, and overall playability throughout the tournament. Many stadium maintenance programs rely on large walk-behind reel mowers for daily mowing operations. Keeping those reels sharp and operating to specification is essential to producing the clean, consistent cut expected on soccer's biggest stage. Foley is proud to play a part in preparing soccer's biggest tournament. At select stadiums, the 642 QuickSpin Reel Grinder is helping crews keep large walk-behind mower reels sharp and ready, delivering the smooth, uniform playing conditions expected at the highest level of the game. Designed for quick setup and simple operation, the 642 helps maintenance teams efficiently touch up reels and keep equipment ready for the demands of daily tournament preparation. The Work Behind Every Match World-class playing surfaces do not happen by accident. They are the result of years of preparation, thousands of hours of labor, and a commitment to consistency from turf professionals working behind the scenes. From the turf farms growing the grass to the crews maintaining the final playing surface, every step plays a role in creating the conditions players will experience throughout the tournament. As fans watch the action unfold in 2026, the work happening beneath their feet may go unnoticed. For turf professionals, however, it is a reminder that great playing surfaces are built long before match day. Learn More About The 642 QuickSpin

Before sunrise at Streamsong Resort in Florida, the maintenance team is already at work. By 5 a.m., crews are preparing equipment, mowing teams are heading out, and operations are underway across Streamsong’s award-winning golf courses. Every morning starts with the same goal: delivering the high-level playing conditions the resort is known for. I spent the morning alongside the grounds crew to get a firsthand look at what it takes to maintain conditions at one of the most recognized golf destinations in the country. From the shop to the first cuts of the day, every part of the operation moves with purpose. Golf Course Maintenance at Streamsong Resort Behind the operation is a large team working together to keep equipment performing and course conditions consistent every day. One of the people helping lead that effort is Kenny Landman, CTEM, Equipment Manager at Streamsong Resort. Kenny Landman, CTEM “Day-to-day is pure busy,” Kenny said. “It is organized chaos.” With nearly 100 employees across the operation and six technicians in the shop, equipment maintenance plays a major role in keeping the courses performing at a high level every day. For Kenny, it all comes back to one thing. “The greens,” he explained. “Keeping the equipment running so we can keep putting out a perfect product for the golfers.” Inside the Equipment Maintenance Shop Inside the equipment maintenance shop, Streamsong relies on Foley grinding systems to keep reels and bedknives consistent across its golf course maintenance operation. Their setup includes two Foley 653 ACCU-Master reel grinders and two Foley 673 ACCU-Pro bedknife grinders. Foley grinders are built around repeatability, precise relief grinding, and restoring reels to proper geometry for a consistent quality of cut. Reel grinding plays a major role in golf course maintenance because it helps maintain a consistent quality of cut and healthier playing surfaces. For Kenny, one of the biggest advantages is ease of use combined with consistent results across operators. “We’re big on relief grinding with light contact,” Kenny said. “We had a new guy come in and within two weeks he had the machines up and running. The reels he’s been producing have been perfect.” That level of consistency matters when maintaining everything from greens mowers to large fairway cutting units. Streamsong even maintains a seven-reel pull gang mower used extensively across the property’s fairways. Attention to detail was another theme that came up throughout the morning. Watching the crew work, it became clear that consistency on the golf course starts long before golfers arrive at the first tee. When asked what advice he would give someone working toward a role like his, Kenny kept it simple. “Look at the details,” he said. “The details are the pieces to the puzzle.” Alongside their Foley grinding equipment, Streamsong also uses Salsco HP11 greens rollers to maintain smooth, consistent playing surfaces. The HP11 is designed for dependable rolling performance, featuring dual-drive oscillating rolls and articulating steering that help maintain consistent contact across changing terrain and conditions. Spending time with the Streamsong crew was a reminder that exceptional golf course conditions are built through preparation, consistency, equipment maintenance, and the people behind the scenes who make it happen every day at one of Florida’s premier golf resorts.

February 4–5 in Orlando marked a milestone moment for the golf industry as GCSAA celebrated its 100-year Conference and Trade Show, and it was a show we were proud to be part of. This year felt different in the best way. The centennial setting brought a strong mix of reflection and forward momentum, and that tone carried straight onto the trade show floor. For Foley, it was the first time bringing Foley, Salsco, and Air2G2 together in one unified booth , and the response made it clear that the combined presence resonated. Throughout the two days, our booth stayed busy with customers, distributors, and industry partners stopping in to ask questions, share feedback, and talk shop. As a Silver Partner with GCSAA , it was especially meaningful to be part of a milestone event that reflects the long-standing relationships and shared commitment that define this industry. Having our global and domestic sales teams on hand made those conversations even more valuable. Whether it was detailed grinder discussions, questions around Air2G2 applications, or hands-on interest in Salsco rollers, the booth became a natural meeting point for practical, real-world conversations. One of the highlights of the show was celebrating Greg Turner and his 35-year career as he steps into retirement. Greg has been a familiar face and trusted voice to so many across the industry, and it meant a lot to recognize his contributions surrounded by colleagues, customers, and friends. It was a fitting moment at a centennial event built around people who have helped shape the game and the profession. Beyond the booth, the energy across the conference reflected an industry that continues to evolve while staying grounded in fundamentals. From education sessions to hallway conversations, there was a clear focus on efficiency, consistency, and long-term performance. Those priorities closely align with how we think about equipment, service, and support. As the show wrapped up, the takeaway was simple: strong relationships still matter, face-to-face conversations still matter, and bringing the right people and solutions together in one place makes a difference. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared time with our team, and helped make the GCSAA Centennial Conference a memorable one. We’re looking forward to continuing the conversations well beyond Orlando.

Foley Company is proud to support the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Foundation with a $5,000 donation to the Col. John Morley Centennial Campaign. This campaign commemorates GCSAA’s upcoming 100th anniversary in 2026 and aims to raise $1 million to establish an endowment honoring the association’s founder. The fund will help drive innovation, education, and industry advancement for the next century. Foley’s contribution places the company at the Heritage Partner Level and in the Foundation’s Platinum Tee Club, recognizing organizations that donate $5,000 or more annually. “GCSAA and its members represent the best in turf management and environmental stewardship, and we’re honored to contribute to a campaign that will help advance innovation and education for the next 100 years,” said Paul Rauker, CEO of Foley Company. To read the full announcement and learn more about the Col. John Morley Centennial Campaign, visit GCSAA’s news release.

Cutler Robinson, CGCS ret All Stars Of Turf In the latest episode of All Stars of Turf , host Miranda “Moe” Robinson sits down with Cutler Robinson, CGCS, to reflect on his remarkable 37-year journey in turf management. Robinson began his career studying forestry at Virginia Tech, which led to his first superintendent role at Bassett Country Club. Early mentorship from Dr. Richard E. Smith shaped his approach to leadership and turf care, laying the foundation for his long-term success. For 24 years, Robinson served as superintendent at Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach, where he navigated the evolving challenges of turf management—from balancing traditional practices with data-driven strategies to adapting to new technologies. After transitioning from superintendent work, Robinson shifted his focus to consulting and software development, including the creation of Predict N7, a web-based turf nutrition app designed to support precision turf management. Throughout the conversation, Robinson shares insights on the role of luck in his career, the importance of mentorship, and the increasing presence of women in the turf industry. He also emphasizes the critical need for advocacy in golf and turf management, ensuring the industry’s growth and sustainability for future generations. Watch and Read More This conversation is part of Foley Company’s sponsorship of All Stars of Turf . Robinson’s story reflects the same values Foley brings to turf managers worldwide: precision, durability, and a commitment to advancing the profession. Read the full article and watch the episode on TurfNet »

Foley Company is proud to share that the 642 QuickSpin Reel Grinder  has been shortlisted for the inaugural GroundsFest Innovation Awards, delivered in partnership with Hort Week . This awards program celebrates standout innovation and ingenuity across the turf, landscaping, and groundscare industries. Nearly 100 entries were received for the 2025 awards, setting an exceptional standard and giving judges the challenge of selecting only the best new and time-tested technologies for recognition. The 642 QuickSpin is featured in the Turf Maintenance Equipment – New Product Award category, standing alongside other leading innovations designed to advance professional turf management. What the Innovation Awards Recognize The GroundsFest Innovation Awards highlight products that: Deliver practical solutions to industry challenges Demonstrate engineering creativity and sustainability Improve safety, productivity, or performance for turf professionals Winners will be announced on 9 September at 3pm in the Hort Week Theatre , located in the Landscape Zone at GroundsFest. Why the 642 QuickSpin Stands Out The 642 QuickSpin Reel Grinder simplifies spin grinding for walk-behind and reel mower cartridges up to 42 inches wide, allowing operators to achieve professional results without removing the bedknife. Its counter-balanced spin drive, adjustable powered rear levers, and secure clamping system make setup fast, safe, and repeatable. The result is consistent, professional spin-grinding results with less operator effort and more shop efficiency. Being shortlisted underscores Foley’s mission to deliver precision, durability, and customer-focused innovation to turf professionals worldwide. We look forward to joining peers at GroundsFest and showcasing how the 642 QuickSpin continues Foley’s legacy of Pursuing Perfect.

Our very own West Coast Regional Territory Manager Jody Farber sits down with Trent to talk about the trends and changes he’s noticing in the field. Check out the full podcast below: https://www.golfcourseindustry.com/media/jody-farber-foley-company-west-coast/

The Importance of Proper Maintenance: A Closer Look at Grinding Machines By Wijnand Meijboom 673 ACCU-Pro Bedknife Grinder While reel mowers have come a long way since their invention in 1830 by Edwin Budding, the essence of a mower has not changed. This is and remains a cylinder with blades that rotate along a base, so that each blade of grass is cut at a predetermined height. To ensure that machines can continue to do their job properly, maintenance is a necessity, especially the sharpening of the blades, including the bedknife. If you don't sharpen your knives, you run the risk of seriously damaging the grass plant, with all the consequences that entails. The leaf tissue is not neatly mown by a dull knife, but pinched off, as it were. The grass is torn and tears. This 'bad cut' makes it more susceptible to fungi, among other things. Blunt blades also lead to a kind of bad 'scissor movement', while the old-fashioned scythe movement cuts the grass and therefore damages fewer cells of the grass plant. With a reel mower, it is mainly the speed at which the cutting edge hits the bedknife that makes the difference between 'scissors' and 'scythe'. A properly sharpened and tuned mower makes a scythe-like mowing motion that is four times faster than a dull, poorly adjusted cutting cylinder.

Superintendent Radio Network Now in his second year of the podcast(?!), Trent talks with Chad Braun of Town & Country Club, a Minnesota institution established in 1888 that was among the first 25 USGA member clubs. Listen Here

The latest TurfNet All Star of Turf is Steve Ehrbar, CGCS   at Panther National Golf Club, a private, single-owner facility in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. A graduate of the two-year program at Ohio State, Ehrbar has been a legendary fixture in South Florida for years. His career includes stops at Jupiter Hills Golf Club in Tequesta, Old Marsh Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens and Lost Tree in North Palm Beach, the home course of Jack Nicklaus. Ehrbar has been involved in multiple construction projects and his career has been heavily influenced by names like Nicklaus and Pete Dye.  In this conversation with John Reitman, Steve talks about who and what helped form his career, the importance of leadership and mentoring assistants and team members, the challenges associated with managing a golf course on the edge of Florida’s wetlands as well as labor issues, including how they affect the operation and steps toward solving them.

Expanding Its Leadership in the Golf and Turf Industry Prescott, WI – November 6, 2024 – Foley Company is thrilled to announce the acquisition of SALSCO, Inc., an industry leader in turf maintenance equipment, effective November 1, 2024. Based in Cheshire, CT, SALSCO has been at the forefront of innovation for over forty years in turf maintenance since its founding by Sal Rizzo in 1979. SALSCO, Inc. is recognized for its commitment to quality and service, offering an extensive line of products that includes Gas and Electric Greens Rollers, Core Recovery Vehicles, Leaf Vacuums, Strawblowers, Wood and Brush Chippers (PTO and Engine Driven up to 18” capacity), Chipper Shredder Vacuums, Shavings Mills & Re-Sizers, Slab Chippers, Curbing Machines, Pavement Routers, Side Dump Buckets, narrow-width Asphalt Pavers, Bale Wrappers, and Grabbers. This diverse portfolio complements Foley’s existing offerings, positioning both companies for enhanced growth and innovation. Paul Rauker, President & CEO of Foley Company, stated, “We are excited to welcome SALSCO into the Foley family. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to providing top-tier solutions for golf courses and turf professionals. SALSCO’s expertise and innovative products will enhance our capabilities and allow us to better serve our customers.” Sal Rizzo, Founder of SALSCO, expressed his enthusiasm for the merger, saying, “Joining forces with Foley Company marks a significant milestone for SALSCO. Together, we can leverage our strengths and create even more impactful solutions for our clients in the golf and turf industry. I am confident that this partnership will lead to exciting new innovations and opportunities for growth.” About Foley Company Established in 1926, Foley Company is a leading provider of high-quality shop tools for the golf and turf industry, specializing in precision reel and bedknife grinders. Renowned for producing precision reel grinders that restore cutting reels to OEM specifications, Foley Company is a trusted partner for the world’s top golf courses. Their innovative Air2G2 aerification machine enhances turf health by injecting pressurized air into the soil, promoting robust root growth and improved water infiltration with minimal disruption. To learn more about Foley Company and its products, please visit www.foleyco.com .   Proud members of GSCAA, BIGGA, CGSA & AGIF.

Prescott, WI - It is not often that a completely new product is introduced into the market which will be a complete game-changer, but that is exactly what has happened at the 2024 BTME  exhibition in Harrogate and the 2024 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show  in Phoenix, AZ The all new 642 Quick Spin The Foley 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder brings a whole new meaning to quick spin. The 642 is designed to accommodate the widest of mower cylinders and is a simple roll-on roll-off solution to grinding, with the machine sitting at floor level. The roll-on roll-off solution removes all need for heavy lifting facilities, revolutionizing the way the Equipment Managers view touch-up spin grinding. Foley’s professional grinders already offer the best spin and relief methods for sharpening blades and the new Foley 642 Quick Spin Grinder will be complimentary to these methods. It offers a fast, easy operated option for providing a quick touch-up spin, between the regular relief grinding schedules. It is also the perfect solution to sharpening the extra wide, heavy mowers used on sports fields/pitches, which are often cumbersome to load into the standard grinder. Last week Paul Rauker, CEO and President of Foley Company had made the trip to Harrogate to support Foley Company’s launch of the world’s first ever professional floor level roll-on, roll-off grinder. ‘This is truly a remarkable occasion,’ said Paul. ‘The 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder is the first of its kind and I’m delighted to be here to acknowledge the significance of our latest development. It is a machine that will appeal to all grounds professionals who are looking to improve the performance and efficiency of their grinding programs. As the leading manufacturer of grinding equipment Foley is once again leading the way in grinding technology. We have developed and patented simple to use controls to save time without compromising on performance. The patented clamping system effortlessly secures any cutting unit in all configurations and the roller clamp is adjustable for any variety of rollers and groomers. This machine really will change the way we look at grinding in the future!’ The Foley 642 Quick-Spin features simple to use controls, counter balanced spin drive, patented front and rear clamping system for pedestrian mowers and power rear positioning levers for cylinders. It is spin only, with adjustable traverse speed and adjustable spin speed. It will accept up to 42” reel width and operates on 240v/15a power. For more information on the new 642 Quick Spin Reel Grinder visit: https://www.foleyco.com/products/642-quick-spin