Welcome to TurfNet on Tour, the blog showcasing TurfNet's US­-based team of volunteers at the 2016 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the K Club in County Kildare, Ireland. Five representatives from TurfNet will be a key part of the maintenance crew for this international event.

I first met Gerry Byrne, the course manager at the K Club, in May 2014 when I was showing our then-intern Peter Braun around Ireland before he started his internship. I knew Gerry was a hands-on course manager when I met him as he was doing some spot spraying around the course. 

When the K Club was named host of this year's Irish Open (May 19-22), I contacted Gerry to see if our 2016 intern, Nate McKinniss, could volunteer on the crew as part of his experience in Ireland. Gerry quickly agreed, and also noted that he needed quite a few volunteers for the event.

The K Club also hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup matches.

I have been fortunate to attend many professional golf events, either as a spectator or as a correspondent for TurfNet. I thought it might be time to get my hands dirty and actually WORK during the week of a tournament. I spread the word and now we have five individuals giving their time and talent to this premier event.

As TurfNet's "unofficial cultural ambassador",­ I look forward to seeing this great country through the eyes of a course maintenance volunteer. It will also be great to interact with the Irish members of the maintenance team.

TurfNet has a long history of camaraderie through our seven TurfNet Emerald Challenge golf tournaments (four in Ireland and three in the States) and our many video projects over the years. Thanks to Gerry Byrne for having us over.

Thanks also to Nate McKinniss, Dana Chase, Mike O'Keeffe, and Pete Williams (and their respective home town employers) for joining me on what is sure to be a fun and rewarding week at the K Club.

Promo by the European Tour.