In 2018, TurfCare met professional female golfer Nicole Gerome. Nicole first caught our attention because of her extraordinary talent, hard work and passion for the sport but it was her story that stole our heart. Still early in her career, Nicole has courageously faced and overcome serious hurdles that have already made her an inspiration to many. Which is why TurfCare felt inspired to sponsor the talent and dreams of Nicole as she plays her way to the LPGA! Learn more about Nicole in this behind the scenes interview and meet her at our booth #21104 at the upcoming #GIEEXPO in Louisville, KY 10/16-10/18. Come challenge her to putt-putt, take pictures and get an autographed golf ball! Follow @turfcaresupply
to get GIE EXPO event updates and schedule.
Q: "Nicole, why did you first choose to play golf?"
Nicole Gerome:
"I started playing golf when I was six years old. I really didn’t choose golf. Golf choose me. I absolutely love the game."
Q: "What makes you want to continue to play golf?"
Nicole Gerome:
"I continue to play golf because it’s my passion and I absolutely love the game. It’s a sport you can play for a lifetime. Also I love being outdoors and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking on a golf course."
Q: "If you could achieve anything in golf right now, what would it be?"
Nicole Gerome:
"My dream is to make it to the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)"
Q: "How are you preparing to reach this goal in your career?"
Nicole Gerome:
"I play and practice a lot. I have the best swing coaches. I also have a physical trainer and a mental coach that I work with. I also read mental/religious books to keep believing in myself."
Q: "What is the biggest hurdle you have had to face in your life and golf thus far?"
Nicole Gerome:
"My biggest hurdle was when I found out that I have a rare heart condition. The doctors explained to me that my heart continually stops and they had no idea why. It’s a rare case, there are only four others in the world they know have it. With surgery and medicine I am blessed to say it’s under control.. but I still struggle on some days. My medication sometimes makes me dizzy which is not good for golf, especially when you are trying to putt haha."
Q: "What is your favorite part about playing professional golf?"
Nicole Gerome:
"My favorite part about playing professional golf is the thrill of competing with women all over the world. I also love traveling and meeting lots of new people on the way."
Q: "What do you dislike the most about playing professional golf?"
Nicole Gerome:
"My least favorite thing about playing professional golf is leaving my family. I’m very close with my family and leaving them is very hard for me."
Q: "Do you have any superstitious things you do before a tournament?"
Nicole Gerome:
"Before a tournament I have to read my daily readings and listen to my worship music. Oh, and my socks must match every game... and i'm not sure if i would call it a superstition, but when i'd be having an off day, when i was young my dad would draw a smily face on my ball (which he still does when he comes to tournaments) and I sometimes do the same to cheer myself up and get my head back in the game. "
Q: "What is your favorite golf course you’ve played on?"
Nicole Gerome:
"My favorite course that I’ve played on so far is Nemacolin in PA."
Q: "Who is your biggest inspiration in golf and/or life?"
Nicole Gerome:
"My biggest inspiration in golf is Annika Sörenstam. In life my biggest inspiration is Bethany Hamilton."
Q: "What keeps you motivated after a bad day or defeat?"
Nicole Gerome:
"After a defeat I always go over my shots and how I can improve for the next tournament. My faith always keeps me motivated. I also have the best support system around me that helps me to be the best version of myself and motivates me to do better as well."
Q: "How do you prepare for a tournament mentally and physically?"
Nicole Gerome:
"I read religious/mental books to help me prepare for a tournament. I also study the course and take a lot of notes during practice. Also I have a golf coach to help me get ready mentally for a tournament as well. I also get on a good sleep schedule because sleep and resting is so important. I do a lot of stretching, cardio, and lift for endurance. Day of tournament I stretch and hydrate well."
Q: "What would you tell a young girl inspiring to be a golf pro?"
Nicole Gerome:
"Being a professional athlete is a lifestyle that consumes every aspect of your life-- your free time, your body, and social life. You have to make a lot of sacrifices. It’s not easy but if you want it bad enough. Go for it! There are not too many people that are courageous enough to fight for what they really want in life. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you chasing your dreams. Always do what makes you happy, because you will never know unless you try."
Q: "What would you like to give back to your sport or community?"
Nicole Gerome:
"I want to bring back fun in women’s golf and encourage more people to watch. I would also want to represent my community and volunteer on school golf teams. Most importantly, to get more girls to play golf.
To follow Nicole and cheer her on as she plays her way to the LPGA, check her out @nicolegerome
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Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity. “The partnership with Beaty Fertilizer marks a major milestone in our journey and an important step forward in our mission to grow, innovate and lead in our industry,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “This acquisition is more than just expansion; it’s a powerful opportunity to strengthen our product offerings, broaden our market reach and provide greater value to our customers. By welcoming Beaty into the Turf Care family, we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence and positioning ourselves for an even brighter future.” “We are excited about this next step in the Beaty Fertilizer story. For almost 50 years, our family and our employees have worked hard to serve customers and communities with pride and heart,” said John Beaty, President of Beaty. “Now, we are embracing an opportunity for growth with Turf Care. With our combined know-how and resources, we’ll keep building on what we’ve worked so hard to create and bring even more value to our customers, employees and partners. We truly believe this partnership will keep the Beaty legacy going strong while opening up new doors for growth and innovation.” Tarun Kanthety, Vice President at Platte River, added, “We believe the acquisition of Beaty Fertilizer represents a strategic step in expanding Turf Care’s footprint and product breadth... as it scales and enhances its value proposition to customers.”
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours! White grubs, the immature stage of several scarab beetles—including Japanese beetles, masked chafers, May and June beetles, and green June beetles—are a major threat to turfgrass across the Southeast. These beetles follow a complete metamorphosis (egg, grub, pupa, adult), with most species completing their cycle in one year. Eggs are laid in early summer, grubs hatch within two weeks, and begin feeding on turfgrass roots through the late summer and fall. May and June beetles differ slightly, with a two- to three-year life cycle and prolonged feeding as third-instar grubs. Grubs damage turf by severing roots, causing grass to yellow, wilt, or lift easily from the soil. Feeding is typically concentrated in patches and worsens during hot, dry weather. Wildlife digging for grubs can create further turf destruction. Healthy turf may tolerate 5–10 grubs per square foot, but damage becomes evident as populations rise or turf is under stress. Early detection and timing are essential. Scouting begins in late June, shortly after adult beetle activity peaks. Monitoring plants favored by beetles can signal egg-laying is underway. Treatment is most effective when small grubs are active—typically from mid-July through early August. For professional turfgrass managers, insecticides containing imidacloprid (Merit®), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®), or trichlorfon (Dylox®) are the most effective tools. The primary months of preventative application of Acelepryn® is from April to end of May and Merit® from April into July - targeting grubs before they hatch. Curative treatments with Dylox® or similar products are applied July through the fall, when young grubs are feeding and most vulnerable. Always follow label directions for optimal application and safety. Timing may vary slightly by regional seasonal needs. Turf Care Supply has a variety of professional TCS Growstar insecticide fertilizers available to protect your turf and prevent grub damage, before it starts. Click on the button below to view products, contact your sales rep for addition TC Growstar products available.
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.