Episode 053

053 I Beneath the Surface: David Wilber on Soil Technology, Sustainability & the Future of Turf

with David Wilber

In this thought-provoking episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom is joined by one of the turf industry’s most respected voices, Dave Wilber. With over four decades of experience across every corner of the golf and turfgrass world, Dave brings unmatched perspective to the conversation — from his early days working ranches and mowing fairways in his teens, to becoming a superintendent in his early 20s, and ultimately building a widely respected career as an independent turf consultant.

Now stepping into a new chapter, Dave serves as the Director of Customer Success and Agronomy at TerraRad Tech, a company pushing the boundaries of turf management with cutting-edge soil moisture sensing technology. This episode dives deep into that transition, how his role at TerraRad aligns with the future of data-driven turfgrass management, and the practical ways L-band microwave radiometry is being used to drive smarter, more sustainable decisions on the ground.

But this conversation goes far beyond tech. Tyler and Dave unpack the real-world challenges facing today’s superintendents — from rising pressure to deliver elite conditions, to the critical need for better leadership development and mentorship pipelines within clubs and organizations. Dave also shares candid insights about burnout, balancing the demands of a travel-heavy consulting career, and why staying curious and connected is more important now than ever.

What we learned from this episode:

✅ Career Reinvention is Possible – Dave transitioned from decades of turf consulting into a tech-forward role at TerraRad Tech, proving that adaptation and lifelong learning keep you relevant.

✅ Technology is Shaping the Future of Turf – TerraRad’s L-band microwave radiometry sensors go beneath the surface—literally—by measuring soil moisture 3-4 inches deep and integrating with platforms like Toro Lynx for intelligent irrigation management.

✅ ROI-Driven Innovation Matters – With water and budget pressures growing, the ability to visualize and act on moisture data is a game-changer for many operations.

✅ Mentorship + Curiosity = Longevity – Dave’s career longevity is rooted in staying curious, reading outside of the turf world, and helping others grow through mentorship.

Links mentioned:

TerraRad Tech – https://terraradtech.com/turfrad/ 
David Wilber LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wilber-53696730a/