Leadership on the Links is a podcast for golf course superintendents, general managers, and executives focused on golf course management and leadership. Hosted by Tyler Bloom, it features interviews with industry experts and practical advice for succeeding in the role. Episodes cover topics such as turf management, sustainability, team leadership, and operational efficiency. The show aims to be informative and conversational, like walking the course with a trusted mentor.
Episodes
119 | Steve McDonald and Tyler Bloom on Rising Demands on Golf Course Superintendents
As owner of Turfgrass Disease Solutions, an independent agronomic consulting firm based in Spring City, Pennsylvania, Steve McDonald visits more than 200 golf courses each year and shares his field observations through the In the Field video series. In this special edition from In The Field, Steve and Tyler examine the growing expectation of golf clubs and how that has shaped the golf course manag
118 | Brian Laurent on Super-Scratch and Superintendent Careers
Introduction Who will fill the assistant superintendent and technician roles that keep golf courses running, and how many golfers realize the question exists at all? Brian Laurent, Director of the Super-Scratch Foundation, founder of the Superintendent Network, and co-host of the Turf Today podcast, brings nearly two decades of turf association management and industry storytelling to that question
117 | Larry Hirsh on Golf Property Value and Club Culture
Join us at the Leadership on the Links Summit on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Toftrees Resort in State College, Pennsylvania. This one day gathering brings together golf course superintendents, directors of agronomy, assistant superintendents, equipment managers, and industry leaders for education, conversation, and connection. Learn more and register at https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/ I
116 | Michael Morris on Crystal Downs and Golf Course Apprenticeships
Join golf course superintendents, assistant superintendents, and industry leaders at the Leadership on the Links Summit on October 12, 2026, at Toftrees Resort in State College, Pennsylvania. The day focuses on personal branding, leadership development, and building high-performing teams. Register at https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/ Introduction Few superintendents have become as closely
115 | Adam Ikamas on Golf Course Apprenticeships and Turf Careers
Summit Promotion Join us at the Leadership on the Links Summit on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Toftrees Resort in State College, Pennsylvania. This one day program brings together golf course superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of agronomy, equipment managers, and industry leaders for keynote sessions with Cael Sanderson and AJ Vaden, attendee driven discussions, and professional
114 | Zach P. King on Leadership Isolation and Building Team Buy In
Summit Promotion Join us at the Leadership on the Links Summit on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Toftrees Resort in State College, Pennsylvania. This one day gathering brings together golf course superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of agronomy, equipment managers, and club leaders for a day focused on leadership development, personal branding, and building high performing teams. Key
113 | Mitch Rupert: Superintendent Hiring and Interview Strategy
The Leadership on the Links Summit takes place October 12, 2026 at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College, Pennsylvania. The one day program runs from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM and is built for golf course superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors of agronomy, equipment managers, and club leaders, with industry partners, vendors, and consultants also welcome. The day includes breakfast, lunch,
111 | Joel Simmons: The Pioneer of Biological Soil Management
Leadership on the Links Summit Join us at the Leadership on the Links Summit on October 12, 2026 at Toftrees Golf Resort in State College, Pennsylvania. This one-day gathering brings together superintendents, directors of agronomy, club executives, and industry leaders for a day focused on personal branding, leadership development, and building high performing teams. Register here: https://bloomg
110 | Golf Industry Sales, Legacy, and Turf Careers with Tom Valentine
Few names in the professional turfgrass industry carry the weight of the Valentine family, whose multigenerational connection to Merion Golf Club spans more than a century and helped shape the foundation of Penn State's nationally recognized turfgrass management program. Growing up on the grounds of one of the most storied clubs in American golf, Tom Valentine absorbed the rhythms of course manage
109 | Stephen Tucker: AI, Equipment Management, and Golf's Future
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Stephen Tucker, Director of Equipment Operations at TPC Sawgrass and founder of Turf Addict, for a conversation spanning career development, team leadership, workforce challenges, and the growing role of technology in golf course maintenance. Stephen brings a rare perspective to the discussion, having spent his career on both s
108 I Darin Bevard: Championship Agronomy Standards and Prep
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Darin Bevard, Senior Director of Championship Agronomy for the USGA Green Section, for a conversation spanning nearly three decades of service to the game at its highest level. Darin shares how a mentor's challenge early in his career led him to trade a comfortable assistant superintendent role for a position with the USGA in 1
107 I Connor Healy: Growing Leaders at Conway Farms Golf Club
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Connor Healy, Superintendent at Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest, Illinois, one of the premier private clubs on the North Shore of Chicago. Connor traces his career from an early start caddying at Ravisloe Country Club to working alongside respected industry mentors at Old Elm and Olympia Fields, before establishing a long-t
106 | Building Winning Club Cultures with Joel Inman
BOOK A STRATEGY CALL In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Joel Inman, CCM, PGA, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer at Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, New Jersey. After 14 years leading Laurel Creek Country Club, Joel recently assumed leadership of one of New Jersey's most historic and multifaceted private clubs. Joining Tyler Bloom and Meredith Otero, Joel shar
104 | Kent Johnson: Building Club Culture at Baltimore Country Club
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Kent Johnson, COO of Baltimore Country Club, one of the most storied platinum-level private clubs in the country. Kent pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a club culture that runs through every layer of an organization, from the board room to the line-level staff. He shares the philosophy behind BCC's "Great People
102 | Building Turf Leaders at Merion with Paul Latshaw and Alex Bonini
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with two of the most respected figures at one of golf's most iconic clubs, Paul Latshaw, Director of Golf Course Operations at Merion Golf Club, and Golf Course Superintendent, Alexander Bonini, to dig into what it really takes to build a culture of excellence in turf management. From Merion's legendary impact on the turf industry to the hand
101 | Pat Jones and Mike Rollins: Golf's Equipment Manager Crisis
BOOK A STRATEGY CALL In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we dig into one of the most urgent and overlooked workforce challenges in the golf industry, the equipment manager pipeline crisis. Tyler Bloom is joined by Pat Jones, veteran golf industry journalist and researcher, and Mike Rollins of SIP, for a revealing breakdown of their third employment trends study, this time focused entirely
100 | A Milestone Moment: Inside the Future of Private Club Management with Jeff Morgan
Summary OUR 100TH EPISODE! In this exciting, milestone episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom and Meredith Otero sit down with Jeff Morgan, CEO of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), to explore what the future holds for private club leadership, workforce development, and the role of technology in transforming the club experience. Jeff shares how his background in finance
099 | Sales, Superintendents and Golf's Workforce Problem with Paul Hurst
BOOK A STRATEGY CALL In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Paul Hurst, founder of Greens Pro and one of the golf industry's most recognizable voices in independent distribution. Paul shares his unlikely path from aspiring lawyer to university golf course assistant, and how that foundation shaped his passion for the sales and distribution side of the turf industry. Known for
098 | Concert Golf Partners Golf Course Maintenance Division and Growing Turf Talent
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Danny Gwyn, Vice President of Golf Course Maintenance at Concert Golf Partners, one of the top owner-operator golf companies in the country. Danny brings over 40 years of experience in the industry, from pulling goosegrass out of greens at 14 to overseeing agronomic operations across Concert's 40+, and growing, private clubs in the Unite
097 | From Valhalla to the Field: How John Ballard Traded the Fairways for a New Career Path
BOOK A STRATEGY CALL Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with John Ballard, a 27-year golf industry veteran and former Superintendent at Valhalla Golf Club, to talk about one of the most underexplored topics in the turf profession: what happens when you decide to walk away from a top-100 club and start over. John shares his remarkable career story, from landing his firs
096 | Self-Awareness, Alignment & the Leadership Edge: Unlocking Your Best Self with Aaron Dawson
BOOK A STRATEGY CALL In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Aaron Dawson, founder of Viewpoint EQ and a 20-year hospitality and private club veteran, for a candid conversation about self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and what it truly takes to lead at the highest levels of the golf and club industry. Aaron shares his transformative journey with the Birkman Method a power
095 | From Conference Floors to Championship Culture: What the CMAA Show Revealed About the Future of Golf Club Leadership
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by team members Meredith Otero and Mary Maloney for a candid, behind-the-scenes debrief of their first-ever attendance at the CMAA World Conference & Club Business Expo. From the trade show floor to a standing-room-only presentation on championship culture, the Bloom Golf Partners team unpacks the energy, connections, and key lesson
094 | Building Trust on the Turf: How Superintendents Win Over Members, GMs, and Boards
Summary Book a Strategy Call In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with two powerhouse voices from The Oaks Club: Holly Farrell, General Manager, and Brian D'Agostino, Greens Committee Chair, for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to build a successful relationship between a golf course superintendent and the people they serve. From communication strategies t
093 | From the Boardroom to the Fairway: GM & Greens Chair Secrets to a Winning Club Culture
Summary Book a Strategy Call In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with two seasoned golf industry veterans — Bill Langley, retired General Manager & CEO of the Club at Quail Ridge, and Clark Jones, longtime Greens Chairman at The Country Club in Pepper Pike, Ohio and Gulfstream Golf Club — to explore what it truly takes to build a high-performing club from the inside out. Hosted
092 | Inside the GCSAA 2026 Conference: Growth, Connections & Lessons Learned
Summary Book a Strategy Call In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Meredith Otero and Mitch Rupert dive into a candid recap of the GCSAA 2026 Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. Fresh off the heels of an incredible week, they reflect on the exponential growth Bloom Golf Partners has experienced over the past 12 months and how it transformed every conversation on the trade show floor. From
091 | The Unexpected Power of Playing Golf to Build Industry Influence and Trust with Ken Mangum
Book a Strategy Call Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Ken Mangum, longtime golf course superintendent and respected industry consultant, to discuss leadership, course standards, workforce development, and the evolving expectations within golf operations. Ken reflects on lessons from his decades of experience, including building long-term leadership team
090 | From Turf to the Boardroom: Kenton Brunson on Education, Leadership, and the GM Path
Book a Strategy Call: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com/book-a-strategy-call Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Kenton Brunson, Director of Agronomy at Mid Ocean Club, to explore why golf course superintendents are uniquely positioned to become elite club leaders. Kenton shares his unconventional career journey, from agronomy student to superintendent to
089 | A Journey in Environmental Stewardship with Jim Pavonetti
Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Jim Pavonetti, recipient of the 2025 GCSAA President's Award for Environmental Stewardship, to explore how sustainability, data-driven decision-making, and long-term planning define elite golf course leadership. Jim shares his journey from working his way up through municipal golf to leading a premier private club, deta
088 | "Build Better Teams" with Jordan Booth
Summary BOOK A STRATEGY SESSION In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Jordan Booth, a senior leader with the USGA Green Section, to explore the future of workforce development, apprenticeship, and leadership in the golf industry. Jordan shares his career journey from golf course maintenance to academia and ultimately to the USGA, highlighting the mentors, experiences
087 | Building TurfNet, Building People: A Career Rooted in Content, Curiosity, and Community
Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Peter McCormick, founder of TurfNet and one of the most influential voices in golf course management. Peter reflects on his 32-year journey building TurfNet, the evolution of the superintendent profession, and why focusing on people, content, and communication has always mattered more than chasing revenue. The conversatio
086 | Year End Reflections with the Bloom Golf Partners Team
Summary In this special end-of-year episode, the Bloom Golf Partners team reflects on the defining moments of 2025, from major industry milestones and team growth to lessons learned through hundreds of searches, interviews, and client conversations. The discussion highlights the power of culture, continued education, relationship-building, and forward-thinking initiatives, including scholarships,
085 I Present Leadership: Why Great Operators Win Anywhere with Brian Zimmerman
Book a Free Talent Strategy Call In this engaging conversation, Brian Zimmerman, CEO of Cleveland Metro Parks, shares his journey from a young golf enthusiast to a leader overseeing a vast network of parks and recreational facilities. He discusses the challenges and rewards of managing such a large organization, the importance of teamwork and leadership, and the evolving expectations in the golf i
084 | From "Good Enough" to Premium: Visual Storytelling for Clubs That Want More
Summary Book a Free Talent Strategy Call Most clubs are trying to sell a premium experience with bargain-bin visuals and then they're shocked when membership leads stall and candidate pools stay shallow. In this episode, Tyler Bloom sits down with photographer/videographer Karlo Gesner (Golf Club Visuals) to unpack what great club imagery actually does, what most clubs miss, and why "digital first
083 | From Superintendent to Capillary Flow: Rewriting the Turf Career Playbook with David Hardesty
Summary Book a Free Talent Strategy Call In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler sits down with David Hardesty of Capillary Flow to unpack two big themes shaping the turf side of the golf industry: non-traditional career paths and technology that actually makes superintendents' lives easier. David walks through his journey from turf school and construction projects with Jack Nick
082 | Preparing the Next Generation: QP2U and the Evolution of the Superintendent Role
Summary Book a Free Talent Strategy Call In this episode, Tyler sits down with Ryan Karapas of QualiPro to unpack the launch of QP2U, a new virtual education platform designed to democratize access to high-level agronomic, leadership, and industry-wide insights. From the tournament-tested culture at Oakmont to the evolving expectations of today's assistants and superintendents, Tyler and Ryan exp
081 | Pathways, Not Shortcuts: Inside the NYSTA–SUNY Delhi Apprenticeship Model with Ryan Bain and Sue VanAmburgh
Summary: Book a Free Talent Strategy Call In this episode, Tyler Bloom sits down with Ryan Bain, one of the very first NYSTA Greenskeeper apprentices, and Sue VanAmburgh from the New York State Turfgrass Association to unpack how the apprenticeship program is reshaping career pathways in golf course maintenance. They walk through Ryan's non-traditional journey from business/marketing graduate
080 | Bridging the Gap: How Apprenticeships Are Rewriting Turf Careers with Ben Czyzewski
Summary: Book a Free Talent Strategy Call In this episode, Tyler is joined by Ben Czyzewski, who has been foundational in building the related instruction component of the New York State Greenskeeper Apprenticeship Program in partnership with SUNY Delhi and the New York State Department of Labor. Ben walks through his own journey from internships across the Northeast and time at Pine Valley, to a
079 | Care, Help, Trust: The New Leadership Playbook with Jeff Drummonds
Care, Help, Trust: The New Leadership Playbook with Jeff Drummonds Summary: Book a Free Talent Strategy Call Former Marine and veteran executive coach Jeff Drummonds joins Tyler to unpack how leadership has shifted from intimidation and control to influence and emotional intelligence. Jeff shares his "big three" questions teams are silently asking—Do you care about me? Can you help me
078 | Grassroots to Game-Changer: Super-Scratch's Mission for Growing the Profession
Summary Book a Free Talent Strategy Call Former elite amateur Andrew Mason joins Tyler to tell the origin story of the Super-Scratch Foundation: what began as a superintendent-am event at Huntington Valley has become a national scholarship engine for turf students. Andrew shares how the team grew from giving $1,500 in year one to more than $160,000 this year, why club engagement is the unlock, how
077 | Paradigm Shift: Building Teams Where Women Lead with Kristen Liebsch
Summary Book a Free Talent Strategy Call Kristen, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents (PAGCS), joins Tyler Bloom to unpack why many women never consider golf careers, and how to change that. They dig into real barriers (limited exposure, unclear career paths, confidence gaps) and the practical fixes clubs can deploy now: First Green and school partners
076 | Women Leading Change: The Next Chapter for Private Clubs with Taylor Malantonio
Summary Book a Free Talent Strategy Call When former teacher Taylor took a summer job at a public golf course in Delaware, she never imagined it would launch a rewarding career in the private club industry. Now serving as Membership and Marketing Director at Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach, Taylor shares how curiosity, culture, and connection shaped her journey from the classroom to clu
075 | Courage, Clarity and Results: Women in Golf that Build Winning Club Culture with Leslie Ludlow
Book a Free Talent Strategy Call General Manager Leslie Ludlow (Westhaven Golf Club; previously Sahalee, The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, Spanish Hills) joins Tyler to unpack a career arc that moved from elite athlete to sales leader to multi-property operator, driving double-digit revenue growth and culture change along the way. Leslie shares how "data over drama" wins boardrooms, why feedback cultu
074 | Innovation, Opportunity, and Pathways into Golf with Sandra Burton
Summary Book a Free Talent Strategy Call In this special episode of the Women in Golf Study, we sit down with Sandra Burton, co-founder of PondHawk, to uncover her remarkable career journey, from the world of energy economics to driving innovation in the golf industry. Sandra began her career specializing in solar power and renewable energy, holding influential roles with Hawaiian Electric Compa
073 | Design DNA and Stewardship in Golf Architecture with Andy Staples
Design DNA and Stewardship in Golf Architecture with Andy Staples Summary Golf course architect Andy Staples (Staples Golf Design) joins Tyler to trace his path from sketching a nine-tee, one-green "course" at age 12 to leading restorations and renovations across North America. They dig into classic influences (Langford & Moreau, Raynor, MacKenzie), why he prefers the word stewardship over sustain
072 | Lessons from a Cruel Summer: Agronomy, Member Education & Smarter Solutions with Steve McDonald
Lessons from a Cruel Summer: Agronomy, Member Education & Smarter Solutions with Steve McDonald
071 | Authentic Leadership, Member Experience & Industry Trends with Colin Burns
Colin Burns on Authentic Leadership, Member Experience & Industry Trends In this conversation, Colin Burns opens up about his remarkable 30+ year career in the private club industry, charting an unexpected path from his family's restaurant business in New Jersey to becoming the youngest General Manager in the history of Winged Foot Golf Club at just 32 years old. Over more than three decades at th
070 | Building Old Sawmill: Leadership, Agronomy, and a New Vision for Golf with Chris Fletcher
Chris Fletcher joins the podcast to share his path through nearly three decades in the golf industry, the mentors who guided him, and the exciting challenges of constructing Old Sawmill, a new course in the Charleston/Hilton Head area. He discusses everything from grass selection and soil challenges to team building and member engagement, offering valuable insights for both golf professionals and
069 | The Ramey Method: Transforming Fear into Leadership Influence with Scott Ramey
In this episode, executive coach Scott Ramey shares lessons from his 32-year corporate career and introduces his Resonance Edge framework for leadership communication. Scott discusses best practices for executive performance and team communication. Scott spent decades in the corporate trenches, steering Fortune 500 companies like Transamerica, Nationwide, and AIG/Corebridge Financial toward billio
068 | Turf, Tech, and Taking Risks: Leadership Lessons with Jason VanBuskirk
Turf, Tech, and Taking Risks: Leadership Lessons with Jason VanBuskirk On this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Jason VanBuskirk—a golf course superintendent turned tech entrepreneur—whose journey from turfgrass to tech has reshaped how modern superintendents think about efficiency, data, and innovation. Jason shares how his frustrations managing day-to-day operations at Stowe
067 | Innovative Drainage Solutions: A Conversation with Mark Luckhardt of Turf Rehab
Innovative Drainage Solutions: A Conversation with Mark Luckhardt of Turf Rehab Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Mark Luckhardt, co-founder of Turf Rehab, to explore his 30+ year career in golf course construction and drainage innovation. From his early days as an assistant superintendent to building one of the most respected drainage-focused renovation companies in the industry
066 | Leadership Lessons & Legacy in Turf with Mark Jordan
Leadership Lessons & Legacy in Turf with Mark Jordan In this candid and insightful conversation, Mark Jordan—former GCSAA President and long-time leader at Westfield Country Club—joins Tyler Bloom to reflect on a 45+ year career in golf course management and his next chapter post-retirement. This episode is packed with career wisdom, practical strategies, and fresh perspectives on the evolving gol
Podcast Rewind | Powerful Ways to Set Yourself Apart as a Superintendent with Patrick Michener
What sets good superintendents apart from great ones is their business ability. The most successful superintendents bring a higher-level thought process to their leaders, club members, and team. Patrick Michener shares how you can become that irreplaceable leader. Patrick has been the Superintendent at Bidermann Golf Course and Vicmead Hunt Club since January 2019. Prior to that, he was the Golf C
Podcast Rewind | Navigating Career Transitions in the Golf Industry with Eric Snelsire
Many professionals find themselves at a career crossroads, contemplating a career change or transition. Whether it's moving from a superintendent role to a sales/marketing position, or exploring opportunities beyond the golf course, these transitions can be both exciting and daunting. Eric Snelsire, a seasoned veteran of the golf industry, has experienced his fair share of career pivots. From his
Podcast Rewind | Mentorship, Innovation, and Building Winning Teams with Matthew Shaffer
In this episode, Tyler talks with Matthew Shaffer, a renowned former golf course superintendent, about his career path and the lessons he's learned from various roles, including at high-profile clubs like Merion Golf Club and Augusta National, and humble beginnings. He credits his time at Hershey Food Corporation for shifting his perspective. At Hershey, he learned to see a golf course as a busine
Podcast Rewind | Adapting to Change in Golf
If "course management" were a hole on a golf course, it'd be the longest and most hazard-plagued, trap-filled hole you'd ever play — and you'd need two course junkies to advise you along the way. Luckily, we have the just the right ones in lifelong course executives David Delsandro and Jeff Corcoran. Delsandro's career in the turf industry has spanned 25 years, most recently as the superintendent
Podcast Rewind | Leading with Change with Scott Pavalko
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom sits down with Scott Pavalko, the Superintendent at Castle Pines Golf Club, as he shares his journey from his early days in Ohio to leading at iconic courses like Muirfield Village and Cog Hill. Scott discusses the unique challenges of transitioning to Castle Pines, managing turf in diverse climates, and his commitment to continuous impr
065 I Where to Start When Building a Workplace Culture
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we dive deep into the heart of workplace culture—what it is, how it evolves, and why it matters. Through real-world stories and candid discussion from our June webinar, our hosts explore how understanding existing dynamics, fostering trust, and using data-driven tools can help reshape and sustain a high-performing culture. Whether you're leading a golf c
064 I Special Series - Greg Eisner
In today's episode, we sit down with Greg Eisner, a proven leader in the golf industry whose career spans some of the most recognized names in the game—from Oakmont Country Club to the Trump Organization, and now Fieldstone Golf Club and Troon Golf. Greg shares how his journey—from intern at Oakmont during the 2007 U.S. Open to dual-role leader overseeing ten Troon properties—has shaped his approa
063 I Special Series - Brian Stiehler
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Brian Stiehler, CGCS, MG, to explore a career rooted in tradition and elevated through leadership. From his early days in Reading, PA, to impactful stints at Oakmont, Augusta, and St. Andrews, Brian shares how these formative experiences shaped his professional path—and how he's applied those lessons at Highlands Country Club for over tw
062 I Special Series - Albert Geniviva
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we spotlight Albert Geniviva—whose unexpected summer job at Oakmont Country Club launched a dynamic career in turf management. From a college student studying accounting to a turf sales professional driving innovation in robotics, Albert's journey is a testament to how the right environment can ignite a lifelong passion. What You'll Learn in This Episode
61 I Special Series - Jason Hurwitz
In this episode, we sit down with Jason Hurwitz, Senior Project Manager at The Mazzella Partnership, to unpack his 29-year journey through the turf industry—from high school intern to long-time superintendent to his current leadership role guiding clubs through high-impact golf course renovation and construction projects. Jason shares how his early experiences prepared him for today's consulting w
60 I Special Edition - Mark Kuhns
In this special conversation, we sit down with legendary golf course superintendent Mark Kuhns to explore a remarkable 43-year career that helped shape some of the most iconic clubs in American golf—Laurel Valley, Oakmont, and Baltusrol. From hosting multiple major championships to mentoring over 220 turf professionals, Mark's impact on the industry is nothing short of profound. 🔑 What You'll Lear
059 I Mini-Series Introduction
In this mini series, we celebrate the people, places, and moments that helped shape some of the careers in golf course management and leadership. Hosted by Tyler Bloom, this series kicks off with a look behind the scenes at individuals careers were impacted at Oakmont Country Club, and why it holds such a special place in the golf industry. We'll be honoring mentorship, tradition, and the high s
High Standards, Human Focus: Building Elite Teams with Justin Sims
In this episode, Tyler Bloom sits down with Justin Sims, Director of Agronomy at The Alotian Club, to discuss his unconventional journey through elite golf clubs, his people-first leadership philosophy, and the systems he's built to elevate team performance and member experience. Whether you're a superintendent, general manager, or emerging turf leader, this conversation is packed with insights th
057 I 5 Steps to Build a Top Workplace Culture
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we unpack what it really takes to build and sustain a top-tier workplace culture in the golf industry from our monthly webinar series. Tyler is joined by Rachel Ridgeway of Bloom Golf Partners to discuss culture, one that attracts, retains, and develops great talent. Culture isn't a line item on a budget. It's a leadership choice—and your best competit
056 | Excellence by Design: Culture and Development with Eric Shoemaker
In this episode, we sit down with Eric Shomaker, Director of Golf Course and Grounds at Wade Hampton Golf Club, to explore his journey in the golf industry, leadership philosophy, and commitment to developing the next generation of golf course superintendents. Eric shares how intentional leadership, mentorship, and innovative team development practices have shaped the culture at Wade Hampton—one o
055 I Cultivating a Championship Culture with Phil Cuffare
Oakland Hills Country Club has long stood as one of the most iconic venues in championship golf—and under the direction of Phil Cuffare, its future is being shaped with purpose and precision. In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Phil to explore how a deep respect for tradition, an unrelenting work ethic, and a commitment to team development are driving one of the
054 I Redefining a brand through relationships & results with Ryan Karapas
In this episode, Ryan Karapas of Control Solutions, Inc. (QualiPro) shares how the company is rebranding from a post-patent chemical provider to a hybrid manufacturer with proprietary products trusted at the highest levels of the golf industry. Long known as a post-patent chemical provider, QualiPro is rewriting its playbook to become a "hybrid manufacturer"—one that blends value-based legacy pro
053 I Beneath the Surface: Dave Wilber on Soil Technology, Sustainability & the Future of Turf
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom sits down with industry veteran Dave Wilber, whose four-decade journey in turf has taken him from ranches and fairways to a global consulting career. Now in a new role as Director of Customer Success and Agronomy at TerraRad Tech, Dave shares how he's helping bring game-changing soil moisture technology to the turf world. The conversatio
052 I Shaping the Future: Jason Straka on Golf Course Architecture, Sustainability & Industry Trends
On this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Jason Straka, a seasoned golf course architect with over 30 years of experience designing and renovating courses worldwide. Jason's background in agronomy, environmental design, and construction gives him a unique perspective on the evolution of golf course architecture. We discuss the post-COVID design trends reshaping the industry, fro
051 I Designing the Future: Nick Roth on the evolution of The Tree Farm & Sustainable Course Management
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we dive into the world of golf course construction and environmental stewardship with Nick Roth, Director of Greens and Grounds at The Tree Farm. Nick shares his journey from working on major renovation projects at Oakland Hills to leading the ground-up construction of The Tree Farm, a unique new golf destination blending golf, hospitality, and sustainab
050 I Building the Future of Turfgrass in New York with Tom Kaplun
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Tom Kaplun, Superintendent at North Hempstead Country Club and President of the New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA). Tom shares insights into the NYSTA apprenticeship program, a game-changing initiative designed to develop the next generation of turfgrass professionals. We discuss how this program is shaping the future of the go
049 I Strengthening Club Leadership & HR Strategy
In this episode, we introduce Rachel Ridgeway as the newest team member at Bloom Golf Partners. We discuss her extensive HR background in private clubs, Bloom Golf Partners' expansion strategy, and how Rachel will integrate into the firm. Rachel Ridgeway's 13-years of experience in hospitality and manufacturing led her to the private club industry, where she served as an HR executive at Merion Gol
048 I Shaping the Future: Insights on Assistant Superintendent Career Growth with Pat Jones
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we dive into the findings of a recent survey on assistant superintendent employment trends and career development with industry expert Pat Jones. The conversation sheds light on what today's assistants need to succeed and how the industry can better support their growth. What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ Mentorship & Development Matter: Assistan
047 I Capturing Golf's Beauty: Evan Schiller on Photography, Course Design, and Maintenance
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Evan Schiller, one of the golf industry's most respected course photographers. Evan shares his journey from competitive golfer to capturing some of the world's most stunning golf courses. We discuss the role of photography in shaping a golf course's brand, the behind-the-scenes work of superintendents, and the evolving trends in course d
046 I Behind the Numbers: Using Data to Drive Results
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler sits down with David J. McGregor, a seasoned turf professional and Master Greenkeeper, to discuss his journey from England to the U.S. and his insights into the differences in golf course management between the two regions. More importantly, David introduces Evoke IQ, an innovative automated budget tracking platform designed to streamline financial
045 I Leading Through Growth: Building Culture, Sharing Knowledge, and Driving Success
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler sits down with Christopher Brown, CEO of Teed & Brown, a seasoned professional who transitioned from golf course management to the lawn care industry. Chris shares his journey, from working in the golf course industry to leading Teed & Brown, a rapidly growing lawn care company. With a focus on leadership, career growth, and industry evolution, Chr
044 I Charting Your Course: How Alyson Johnson is Pioneering Women's Golf Careers
In this episode, host Tyler Bloom is joined by Alyson Johnson, a dynamic leader with over 25 years of diverse experience across the golf industry. From her early days in sports psychology to running her own agency, The Gilly Group, Alyson has carved out an impressive career in marketing, branding, communications, and sponsorships within golf. We explore the vast opportunities available in the busi
043 I Inside look at our GCSAA Conference and Trade Show: Insights, Takeaways and More
In this episode, the Bloom Golf Partners team recaps their experience at the 2023 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show in San Diego. The team shares their insights and takeaways from the event, including what surprised them, memorable conversations, and how they see the industry evolving. They also discuss the importance of their team dynamic and how they can better communicate their services to the indu
042 I Winning the Alan MacCurrach Jr. Scholarship: Andi Meadows' Path to success
In today's episode, we're joined by a rising star in the turfgrass industry, Andi Meadows, Assistant Superintendent at TPC San Antonio. With a career that's a testament to perseverance, continuous learning, and leadership, Andi takes us on a journey from crew member to assistant superintendent. Recently, she was awarded the prestigious $10,000 GCSAA Alan MacCurrach Jr. Scholarship, which will help
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