The EW Podcast - Joel Simmons with Bob Wren - From Maryland Roots to Naples Greens

Bob Wren has been a friend of EarthWorks for more than 35 years, and his career has taken him on a winding and memorable path through the turf industry. A graduate of the University of Maryland’s turf program, he began his career working alongside podcast alumnus Kevin Pryseski at Pine Ridge in Baltimore, Maryland. He then joined another podcast alumnus, Glenn Smickley, for the grow-in at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

From there, Bob took on construction of the Palmer-designed Fawn Lake, navigating a maze of new environmental restrictions that stretched the project into a four-year effort. After one more chapter as a golf course superintendent, he stepped away from the profession for more than a decade. Even while working in turf-related roles, he eventually realized it was time to follow the advice he had always given his sons: go back to the work you truly love.

That decision led him south, trading snow for sunshine, and ultimately landing what he calls his dream job as superintendent at The Old Collier Club in Naples, Florida. His story is full of remarkable moments, including caddying for Arnold Palmer and mastering the challenges of managing Paspalum in high-sodium soils.

Bob is always engaging, entertaining, and generous with his experience. This episode is a wonderful listen for anyone who loves golf, turfgrass, or the winding roads that lead people back to their passion.

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