Turf tunes

For centuries, music has bonded people. And now, thanks to a former Minnesota superintendent, it is bonding turf industry workers across the nation.  

After scrolling upon a fellow X follower’s post about a Spotify music league, Gary Deters joined out of curiosity.  

“I was in a rut as far as all I did was listen to podcasts,” Deters says. “I used to be kind of a music guru. I just love music in general. I always have music playing. And then I realized that I never listened to the radio anymore. I don't know any new songs anymore.” 

After enjoying the music league, Deters, who now teaches in the horticultural department at the University of Minnesota, had a thought: this could be a fun way to connect people in the turf industry. “There are probably turf people around the country that love music,” he says, “and maybe I can learn some new tunes, learn some new artists that I've never heard of before, and it's a fun thing that we can all do from around the country.” 

Spotify music leagues can be created by any app user. A theme is chosen each week, and each player must submit a song of their choice that they feel best fits the theme. From there, each player is allowed six votes to cast on their favorite selections. Whoever’s songs receive the most votes at the end of the season wins.  
Deters, 48, is completing his third season of the turf music league, with this season titled “Turf Industry Music League 3.” Themes from this season include songs with emotions or feelings in the title, duets, movie tunes and more.  

The league currently features numerous superintendents, assistant superintendents, a turf school student and turf sales workers. Deters says he plans to continue the league as long as people are interested. For Deters, other than one member, he is yet to meet any of the fellow league members.  

“I think it's just connecting with people from around the country and sharing music,” he says. “It just really is sharing what you like. Because of this, I pay more attention now to the people that are in the league, and I think it's helping connect people from around the country more than you would otherwise.” 
To join the Spotify music league, connect with Deters @gdeters_turf on X.  

Kelsie Horner is Golf Course Industry’s assistant editor.