With over 35 years of experience in turfgrass consulting, John Neylan is one of Australia’s foremost experts in the field. As SPORTENG’s Senior Turf Agronomist, John brings a wealth of knowledge, research expertise, and practical experience, which he has honed through decades of work with prestigious sporting organisations, local governments, and educational institutions.

A Career Rooted in Turf Science

John’s journey into turf science began with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) from the University of Melbourne. This solid foundation led him to a career that has seen him consult for a wide range of clients, including golf courses, sports fields, and racetracks. His specialty areas include soils, drainage, water management, and turfgrass selection and evaluation.

Before joining SPORTENG, John ran his own consulting and research company for eight years. Prior to that, he spent 11 years with the Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association (AGCSA), where he held the role of General Manager for three years. His experience at AGCSA further cemented his reputation as a key figure in the industry.

Collaborating with Industry Leaders

John’s impact on the sports turf industry extends beyond consultancy. His involvement as an advisory agronomist for the Australian Golf Union, specifically for the Australian Open, highlights his ability to guide premier sporting events. In addition, he spent nearly two decades (1993-2011) working as the principal turf consultant to the Australian Football League (AFL), where he developed benchmarking protocols to assess playing surfaces for the league. His expertise was also tapped for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he played a pivotal role in preparing major turf venues for baseball, softball, and soccer events.

John’s work with these leading sports organisations reflects his ability to address complex turf management challenges on the global stage.

Sharing Knowledge with the Next Generation

John’s expertise is not only applied to major projects but also passed on through mentorship. He is a mentor to Amy Dingle, SPORTENG’s Turf Agronomist, who has been following in his footsteps since she started at SPORTENG a couple of years ago. His mentorship ensures that Amy and the broader SPORTENG team continue to uphold the highest standards in turf management.

In addition to his consultancy work, John is passionate about education. He has lectured extensively on subjects such as soils, drainage, irrigation management, project management, environmental management, and construction. His knowledge-sharing extends to publications as well, having authored over 300 articles in the Australian Turfgrass Management Journal and various peer-reviewed journals.

Innovative Research Projects

John’s contribution to turf science goes well beyond consultation. He has led a number of important research projects, many of which have had lasting impacts on the industry. Some of his notable research includes:

• Golf course benchmarking
• Sand selection for golf greens
• Sportsfield benchmarking for AFL fields
• Moisture release characteristics of different sand types
• VGCSA Poa annua control trials
• National couchgrass and bentgrass evaluation trials
• Assessment of racetrack surfaces, including the Moonee Valley Racetrack

These projects have informed turfgrass management practices across a wide variety of sports and locations, from golf courses to racetracks. John has also been instrumental in evaluating new techniques and technologies, including the use of soil moisture sensors for irrigation control and testing the effectiveness of wetting agents for dry patch control.

Why Choose SPORTENG for Turf Maintenance?

When you choose SPORTENG for your turf maintenance needs, you are not just hiring a team—you are also gaining access to John’s expertise. His in-depth knowledge is applied to every Field of Play, ensuring your sports field is in optimal condition for athletes and events. For John, the field of play is not just a surface—it’s a finely-tuned ecosystem requiring constant research, innovation, and dedication to deliver the best playing conditions across all sports.
His deep understanding of turf science, paired with his practical experience, makes him an invaluable asset to both SPORTENG and the broader turf industry.

Contact Us for Your Next Project

Looking for top-tier turf maintenance for your next sports field project? Get in touch with SPORTENG today and let us help you create the perfect playing surface for your athletes!