Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Leadership on the Links

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, including his years leading the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation. He explains how Super-Scratch pairs superintendents with members of their clubs to fund scholarships for future superintendents, and how the foundation is growing beyond its Philadelphia roots through regional events across the country. Returning to Leadership on the Links, Brian joins host Tyler Bloom to discuss the industry's labor shortage, the career pipeline that begins at local golf courses, and why superintendents must take ownership of how their work is communicated to members.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

•  Brian describes the Super-Scratch Foundation as a national scholarship organization for future superintendents that began in 2020 as a tournament pairing superintendents with members of their clubs.
• His first year with the foundation has focused on strengthening its administrative foundation, including its website and accounting systems, while supporting its push toward national growth.
• Regional qualifiers in Philadelphia, Wisconsin, and Texas, with a California event planned for December, were created because demand for the foundation's invitational had outgrown its capacity.
• Brian notes that most turfgrass scholarship dollars come from within the industry itself, and explains how Super-Scratch follows the Evans Scholars model by engaging the golfers who benefit from superintendents' work.
• He recounts how a small regional event in Texas gave amateur golfers a firsthand view of the superintendent community and moved several participants to support the foundation and involve their clubs.
• Brian observes that assistant superintendent openings that once drew dozens of applicants now often receive only a few, and cautions that local golf courses may lose the mentors who have traditionally inspired the next generation.
• He encourages superintendents to control the narrative at their clubs by being visible on the first tee and in the grill room, and by using video and email to explain the work of their departments.

Links and Resources

• Super-Scratch Foundation: https://www.superscratchfoundation.org/
• Super-Scratch Foundation Resources: https://www.superscratchfoundation.org/resources
• Superintendent Network: https://www.superintendentnetwork.com/
• Turf Today Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/turf-today/id1677998239
• Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/

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/

A golf facility can operate as a farm, a restaurant, a retail shop, and a hospitality business all at once, and that complexity shapes both what a club is worth and how difficult it is to run sustainably. Few professionals have studied that intersection longer than Larry Hirsh, President of Golf Property Analysts, who has spent more than three decades appraising, advising on, and brokering golf and club properties across the United States and abroad. Larry shares how a background in real estate and a lifelong passion for the game led him to specialize in golf property valuation, why he believes club culture is too often overlooked in capital and operating decisions, and how golf course superintendents directly influence the value of the properties they manage. This conversation on Leadership on the Links with host Tyler Bloom offers club leaders and agronomy professionals a valuation minded perspective on spending, identity, and long term stability.

•    Larry explained that clubs and owners engage Golf Property Analysts for a wide range of needs, including financing, tax assessment appeals, eminent domain matters, partnership disputes, estate valuations, and conversions from for profit to tax exempt status.

•    He compared annual maintenance spending at some U.S. clubs, which can reach $2.5 to $3 million or more per 18 holes, with Royal Dornoch in Scotland, which he estimated spends roughly $1.7 million across 36 holes.

•    He raised concerns about the rising cost of playing golf, the loss of roughly 2,000 U.S. courses in the years before COVID, and the debt some clubs have taken on for improvements, urging leaders to plan ahead for an eventual economic downturn.

•    Larry described his book, The Culture of Golf, and his work with sports consumer behavior analyst Jon Last on culture analyses that help clubs align investment decisions with what their membership actually values.

•    He outlined common club categories, including golf centric, family, social, and destination clubs, and explained how a club can lose its identity by trying to serve too many purposes or by changing its culture too quickly.

•    He identified the superintendent as one of the most valuable professionals at any club, responsible for the largest budget, the primary product, a substantial equipment fleet, and candid guidance to green committees on the true cost of their requests.

•    Using simple capitalization math, he showed how a superintendent who saves a club $100,000 per year while maintaining the same quality of product can add roughly $1 million in property value at a 10 percent capitalization rate.

•    Larry Hirsh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryhirsh

•    Golf Property Analysts: https://golfprop.com

•    The Culture of Golf by Larry Hirsh: https://golfprop.com/the-culture-of-golf/

•    National Club Association: https://www.nationalclub.org

•    Leadership on the Links Summit Registration: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/

•    Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com

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/

Few superintendents have become as closely associated with a single property as Michael Morris, CGCS (Retired), whose 38-year career at Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort, Michigan earned him the 2023 Golf Association of Michigan Superintendent Award of Merit. His green speed research with Dr. Thomas Nikolai of Michigan State University has influenced how superintendents manage putting surfaces and communicate expectations to golfers. Today, Morris serves as Project Manager for the Michigan Golf Course Association's Golf Course Maintenance Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program, where he mentors apprentices and the superintendents who train them. On this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom speaks with Morris about stewarding an Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell design, using data to build member trust, and developing the next generation of golf course professionals.

•       Morris explains why he remained at Crystal Downs for 38 years, crediting a club culture grounded in family, legacy, and long tenure rather than turnover.

•       Maintaining a MacKenzie and Maxwell design required balancing modern expectations, such as lower mowing heights and firmer, faster greens, with a steady commitment to preserving the course's original character.

•       A multi-year green speed study with Dr. Thomas Nikolai led Crystal Downs to communicate a target green speed range rather than a single number, supported by daily measurements and member surveys.

•       Working effectively with changing green committee chairs, board members, and club presidents depends on adaptability, open communication, and a shared focus on the club's long-term interests.

•       Clubs seeking to raise their standards should align expectations with available resources, prioritize what their golfers value most, and plan for irrigation, cart paths, and bunkers 10 to 20 years in advance.

•       The MGCA Registered Apprenticeship Program, built on U.S. Department of Labor standards, combines on-the-job training, 144 hours of GCSAA online coursework, and state pesticide applicator certification toward journey worker status.

•       Apprenticeships strengthen both the apprentice and the supervising superintendent, helping clubs retain skilled staff in their local communities while sharpening the skills of those who train them.

Michael Morris, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morris-84959a19/

Michael Morris Consulting: https://www.michaelmorrisconsulting.com

MGCA Registered Apprenticeship Program: https://www.michigangca.org/rap

Crystal Downs Country Club: https://www.crystaldowns.org

Leadership on the Links Summit Registration: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/

Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com

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 development built specifically for agronomy leaders. Attendance is capped and seats are limited. Registration is open at https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/.

Adam Ikamas started in this industry raking bunkers at a local country club at seventeen, and he arrived at Michigan State expecting to study photography rather than turfgrass science. Nearly three decades later he serves as Executive Director of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association, an organization that has grown from roughly 600 members to nearly 900 during his tenure and that now devotes as much attention to executive leadership and workforce development as it once did to agronomic education. That distance, from a maintenance crew at a northern Michigan resort to the executive director's chair of a statewide association, shapes how he thinks about career pathways, chapter value, and what the profession owes the people entering it. Adam joins host Tyler Bloom on Leadership on the Links for a conversation on registered apprenticeships, aligning maintenance expectations with budget, and why participation rather than persuasion is what makes a professional association work.

• Adam explains why he tells owners and managers that the golf course is the only real asset at a club and everything else is an amenity, and how that framing has advanced recognition of the superintendent's role over the past fifteen years.

• He traces the development of Michigan's Golf Course Maintenance Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program, a Michigan Golf Course Association initiative built with input from MiGCSA, the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, GCSAA, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and describes the state grant funding that helped launch it.

• He identifies the turf school enrollment gap of the late 2000s that left comparatively few experienced turf managers in the 35 to 45 age range today, and explains what that shortage means for both hiring facilities and mid career professionals currently in that window.

• Adam addresses the phrase "doing more with less" directly, arguing that it is a path to burnout and that superintendents are better served by an annual conversation that aligns maintenance expectations with the budget, staffing, and resources actually provided.

• He explains why MiGCSA shifted its education emphasis away from agronomic content and toward executive leadership and professional development, and why the relationships formed around an event often deliver more lasting value than the classroom sessions themselves.

• He shares the governance practices he relies on to move initiatives forward, including an accountability list that assigns a named owner to every commitment and a standing willingness to question long established practices rather than repeat them by default.

• Adam offers practical guidance for members on extracting value from a local chapter, noting that association benefits accrue to those who attend events, volunteer for committees, and build relationships over time rather than to those who simply hold a membership.

• Adam Ikamas, CGCS on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ikamas-cgcs-41a5087/

• Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association: https://www.migcsa.org/

• MGCA Golf Course Maintenance Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program: https://michigangca.org/memberships/member-benefits/rap

• Michigan Golf Alliance: https://www.michigangolfalliance.com/

• Leadership on the Links Summit registration: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/

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. Keynote speakers include Cael Sanderson, Olympic gold medalist and head wrestling coach at Penn State University, and AJ Vaden, New York Times bestselling author and CEO of Brand Builders Group. Registration is 197 dollars and seating is limited to 100 attendees. Register at https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/.

Zach King believes the isolation that many leaders accept as a condition of the job is neither necessary nor permanent. King spent more than a decade in international media training and nonprofit leadership, working with leaders across six continents, before serving as board president and later Executive Director of the Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce in northeast Ohio, and his guiding conviction is that the fastest route out of professional isolation is to serve one person in front of you. He discusses why leaders with a clear vision often stall between what they can see and what they can explain, how to build genuine buy in inside institutions that have operated the same way for a century, and why the daily inputs a leader controls matter more than the outcomes they fixate on. This conversation on Leadership on the Links with host Tyler Bloom examines leadership habits that carry across industries, including the private club environment where general managers and directors of agronomy answer to a board, a membership, and a staff at the same time.

Leadership on the Links is hosted by Tyler Bloom of Bloom Golf Partners.

•     King identifies four forms of decision paralysis that stall leaders, which he defines as perfection paralysis, language paralysis, overwhelm paralysis, and shiny object paralysis.

•     He explains the difference between lag measures, which leaders often control very little of, and lead measures, which are the daily and weekly inputs that compound into results over time.

•     Leaders stepping into century old institutions are advised to treat the first ninety days as a listening tour that studies the history of the organization, not only the stakeholders currently in the building.

•     King describes a wet cement approach to strategic planning, in which a plan is developed to roughly seventy five percent and then shaped as it is tested in practice rather than finalized before launch.

•     The conversation addresses the isolation reported by leaders who sit between a board above them and a staff below them, and King explains why he views shifting focus outward as the practical remedy.

•     Bloom and King discuss the seasonal nature of workload in the golf industry and make the case for scheduling personal and family time with the same intention applied to agronomic and operational planning.

•     King outlines the five pillars of his leadership framework, which are growth, unity, influence, legacy, and drive, and his position that organizations perform better when leaders stop competing and start completing.

•     Leadership on the Links Summit registration: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/

•     Zach King on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-king/

•     Zach P. King website: https://zachpking.com

•     Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/

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, education credits, and a mix of speakers, panel discussion, and attendee engagement, with an evening networking element under consideration. Registration is $197.

The first twenty sign-ups pay $147 with code SUMMIT50 at checkout, and each attendee registers individually with their own email address. Lodging details and sponsorship opportunities are available on request. Full details are at https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/ and registration is at https://bloom-golf-partners.circle.so/checkout/leadership-on-the-links-summit-2026.

Most conversations about hiring focus on the candidate, yet the outcome of a search is shaped just as much by how clearly a club defines what it actually needs. Mitch Rupert has spent five years on the other side of that table as Communications Manager at Bloom Golf Partners, conducting candidate interviews and due diligence for searches ranging from assistant superintendent roles to director of agronomy positions. He came to the work after two decades as an award winning sports journalist, and that outside vantage point shapes how he reads hiring committees that change direction midway through a search, strong candidates who withdraw late, and the difference between a prepared candidate and a rehearsed one.

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom speaks with Mitch Rupert about the mechanics of a superintendent search, the education gap between agronomy teams and club leadership, and the next phase of professional development at Bloom Golf Partners.

●      Hiring committees frequently adjust their criteria partway through a search, and Rupert explains why communicating those shifts early prevents frustration for the club, the search firm, and the candidate.

●      Candidates who withdraw after learning more about a role are making a defensible decision, and Rupert argues that taking the wrong job is far worse than not getting the job at all.

●      Clubs generally understand the financial requirements of maintaining a golf course but often underestimate the human side of it, the staffing and leadership investment behind those conditions, a gap Bloom Golf Partners is working to close with general managers, hiring teams, and green committees.

●      Rupert offers feedback to candidates who did not get the job, and roughly sixty to seventy percent take him up on it, conversations that help professionals identify skill gaps before their next opportunity.

●      Authenticity outperforms rehearsal in an interview setting, and Rupert compares the process to poker, a process-oriented game rather than a results-oriented one, where sound decisions matter more than the outcome of any single hand.

●      Bloom Golf Partners will launch a professional development platform following the Summit, offering monthly engagement and ongoing career and team development support in the months between annual industry gatherings.

●      The firm's inaugural turfgrass management scholarship drew thirty to forty applicants from across the country and led to an introduction to The Outpost Foundation, which funds club employees pursuing turf management education such as online and advanced certificate programs.

Mitch Rupert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchrupert/

Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com

Leadership on the Links Summit: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/

Summit Registration, code SUMMIT50 for the first twenty: https://bloom-golf-partners.circle.so/checkout/leadership-on-the-links-summit-2026

Bloom Golf Partners Turfgrass Management Scholarship: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/scholarship-program/

The Outpost Foundation: https://outpostfoundation.org

Toftrees Golf Resort: https://www.toftrees.com

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://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/

------

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we explore the science and philosophy of biological soil management with Joel Simmons, Founder and President of EarthWorks Natural Organic Products. Joel shares his journey from Penn State county extension agent to co-founding EarthWorks with the late Jerry Brunetti in 1988, pioneering a carbon based approach to soil health that was once dismissed by academics and is now standard practice across the turfgrass industry. Tyler and Joel discuss why soil testing functions like blood work for a golf course, what separates truly engaged superintendents from the rest, and how emerging technology, from autonomous mowers to AI driven agronomic programs, is reshaping the profession. Joel also reflects on his decade teaching soils at Rutgers University and how that work evolved into the GCSAA accredited Soil First Academy. If you care about agronomy fundamentals, superintendent development, or the future of soil health in golf, this is a conversation worth your time.

• How Joel's path from Penn State county extension agent and executive recruiter led to co-founding EarthWorks and establishing biological soil management in the turf industry.

• Why carbon based fertility was heavily criticized in the early 1990s and how it became a fixture in virtually every golf course maintenance facility today.

• Why Joel compares soil testing to a patient's blood work, and how roughly 15,000 annual soil tests anchor EarthWorks' agronomic recommendations.

• What has stayed constant in golf course maintenance, including superintendent intuition, and what is changing rapidly, from autonomous mowers to research on the rhizophagy cycle.

• How the Soil First Academy condenses Joel's ten years of Rutgers soils instruction into a GCSAA accredited seminar on soil chemistry, physics, and biology.

• How EarthWorks is developing an AI based program that tailors recommendations to each property's specific soil and water data.

• How Tyler and Joel evaluate genuine engagement and mastery of fundamentals when vetting superintendent candidates.

• Leadership on the Links Summit Registration: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/our-events/

• Joel Simmons – LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-simmons-504b7241/

• EarthWorks Natural Organic Products: https://www.earthworksturf.com/

• Soil First Academy: https://www.earthworksturf.com/soil-first-academy/

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 management from his grandfather, Joseph Valentine, and his father, Richie Valentine, before charting his own path on the commercial side of the industry. Today, as Portfolio Manager at The Aquatrols Company, he brings that deep institutional knowledge to bear in support of superintendents and turf managers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom sits down with Tom Valentine for a candid conversation about industry legacy, the evolution of sales, career development in the green industry, and what it means to carry a family name that helped define turf management in America.

• The Valentine family's three-generation legacy at Merion Golf Club spans from the founding era of American turfgrass management through 1989, and includes the establishment of Penn State's Joseph E. Valentine Turfgrass Research Center in honor of Tom's grandfather.

• Richie Valentine led Merion's agronomy program by empowering his assistants with meaningful autonomy, a management philosophy that produced numerous professionals who went on to lead some of the most prestigious clubs and properties in the country.

• The golf industry experienced a defining compensation and budget inflection point in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when superintendent salaries and operational budgets increased dramatically as clubs transitioned from wholly in-house operations to a model that incorporated outside contractors and specialists.

• The rise of outside consultants in the 1990s, including those on the agronomic and architectural sides, fundamentally changed the way club memberships received and acted on course management recommendations.

• Sales methods in the green industry have evolved from relationship-driven, in-person territory management toward a hybrid model shaped by digital communication and accelerated by the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, while personal relationships remain a meaningful differentiator for high-performing sales professionals.

• Tom completed his Master of Professional Studies in Turfgrass Management at Penn State at age 50, a decision he credits with making him a significantly more effective resource for the superintendents he supports on the commercial side.

• Career paths in the turfgrass industry extend well beyond the superintendent role, and professionals who gain experience on the commercial side before returning to course management often bring a broader business perspective that benefits the clubs they serve.

Tom Valentine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-valentine-70111926/
The Aquatrols Company: https://www.aquatrols.com
Merion Golf Club: https://www.meriongolfclub.com
Penn State Joseph E. Valentine Turfgrass Research Center: https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf

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 sides of the equipment management relationship and now building his own software platform designed to modernize how golf facilities track, manage, and optimize their equipment operations.

Stephen reflects on his path from player to industry professional, shares what shaped his leadership philosophy across two decades at Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton properties, and offers candid insight into the workforce pipeline challenges that have long defined the equipment management profession. The conversation closes with a detailed look at the AI-powered platform Stephen has been quietly developing, a system designed to give golf operations the data-driven tools they need to reduce reactive maintenance, improve equipment longevity, and better communicate the value of the equipment team to club leadership.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Stephen's career evolved from equipment manager to director of agronomy, and what he observed from both sides of the superintendent-equipment manager relationship.

• Why the equipment management profession has grown increasingly demanding, and how compensation has shifted to reflect the expanded scope of the role.

• The workforce pipeline challenge facing the industry, and why career awareness remains one of the most underleveraged tools for attracting new talent.

• Practical strategies for superintendents to build stronger partnerships with their equipment teams, including the value of collaborative weekly meetings and visible recognition.

• The AI-powered operations platform Stephen has developed through Turf Addict, including predictive maintenance capabilities, real-time error code monitoring via John Deere's Operations Center, and cutting unit management tools.

• Why Stephen built the platform to be AI-agnostic, allowing facilities to integrate their preferred AI system regardless of corporate policy.

• The broader implications of technology adoption in golf course operations, and what superintendents and directors should be thinking about as these tools continue to evolve.

Links and Resources

• Stephen Tucker | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenrtucker/

• Turf Addict | Website: https://www.stephentucker.net/

• TPC Sawgrass | Website: https://tpc.com/sawgrass/

• IGCEMA (International Golf Course Equipment Managers Association): https://www.igcema.org/

• GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America): https://www.gcsaa.org/

BOOK A STRATEGY CALL

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 1996, and how that decision shaped a career defined by championship preparation, industry leadership, and a deep commitment to developing the next generation of turf professionals. Recorded on the eve of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, this episode offers a rare look at what it takes to prepare a championship golf course and the collaborative processes that drive decisions when the world's best players are watching.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• How Darin's career path from Penn State and Talbot Country Club led him to the USGA, where he has served for nearly 30 years across roles in regional agronomy and championship preparation.
• The evolution of the USGA agronomist role, from handwritten consulting reports to data-driven course management supported by tools like the DEACON platform and GPS sprayer technology.
• How Darin thinks about balancing agronomic data with field observation, and why the most effective superintendents rely on both numbers and experience.
• The collaborative process behind US Open course setup, including how the USGA works with host clubs, setup teams, and player feedback to make incremental adjustments throughout championship week.
• Darin's perspective on the USGA's Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program and why workforce development initiatives like this are critical to the long-term health of the industry.
• His excitement about autonomous mowing technology, the resurgence of turfgrass education programs, and the growing diversity of professionals entering the field.
• The personal dimension of a career in golf course management, including family members who have followed Darin into the industry.

Links and Resources

• Darin Bevard — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darin-bevard-6b8b4128/
• Darin Bevard — USGA Green Section Profile: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/meet-the-agronomists-new/darin-bevard.html
• USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/greenkeeper-apprenticeship-program.html
• USGA Course Consulting Service: https://gsshop.usga.org/course-consulting-service
• Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/

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-tenured career at Conway Farms. He also discusses his decision to pursue an MBA at DePaul University while serving as sole assistant through a major course renovation, a commitment that broadened his perspective on club leadership and helped position him for the superintendent role. This is a thoughtful conversation about professional development, team building, and what it means to lead with intention at a high-caliber private club.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How foundational experiences under respected mentors at Old Elm, Bel Air, and Olympia Fields shaped Connor's approach to the profession.

• Why pursuing an MBA while managing a course renovation demonstrated a level of commitment that resonated with club leadership.

• The value of cross-departmental relationships with the director of golf and COO in building the trust and credibility necessary for an internal promotion.

• How meaningful exposure to members, board meetings, and club committees distinguished Connor as a prepared and capable successor.

• Connor's approach to staff development: assessing individual goals, building on existing strengths, and supporting team members in finding the right opportunities for their growth.

• Why consistent, ongoing feedback and open communication are central to preparing assistant superintendents for the responsibilities of club leadership.

• A measured perspective on work-life balance and how thoughtful scheduling and clear expectations contribute to a more sustainable and professional work environment.

• Connor's involvement with the Super Scratch Foundation and his commitment to supporting the next generation of golf course management professionals.

Links and Resources

• Connor Healy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-healy-2982a021/

• Conway Farms Golf Club: https://www.conwayfarmsgolfclub.org/

• Super Scratch Foundation: https://www.superscratchfoundation.org/

• Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/

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 shares insights on leadership, organizational culture, team development, and navigating transition in a new environment. The conversation explores the realities of leading a large, member-focused operation and the importance of building trust, alignment, and long-term success through people.

Whether you are a club manager, golf professional, superintendent, or emerging leader, this episode offers practical perspectives on leadership in today's private club industry.

Links and Resources

• Joel Inman, CCM, PGA on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-inman-pga/

• Montclair Golf Club: https://montclairgolfclub.org/

• Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com/

BOOK A STRATEGY CALL

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 Make Favorite Places" credo, how BCC University keeps staff engaged and growing, and why the club has leaned hard into becoming a community employer of choice in a tight labor market.

If you lead a club, manage a team, or are simply passionate about what high-performance hospitality looks like in a private club setting, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• How Kent built BCC's "Great People Make Favorite Places" culture over eight years and why it starts long before anyone is hired.
• Why BCC University, with 70 to 80 classes per year taught by staff, members, and celebrities like Cal Ripken Jr., keeps team engagement high and turnover low.
• The role of cross-departmental leadership meetings in breaking down silos and driving the club's core values to every level of the organization.
• How hosting USGA championship events, including the US Senior Amateur and Women's Amateur, helps BCC attract elite agronomy and hospitality talent.
• Kent's honest take on where the club management industry is headed, including the workforce pipeline challenge facing agronomy and equipment manager roles.
• Why developing talent from within is the most reliable recruiting strategy in today's tight labor market.
• How the GM-superintendent relationship should work, and what "just get out of their way" really means in practice.

Links and Resources:

• Kent Johnson, Baltimore Country Club: LinkedIn
• Baltimore Country Club: baltimorecc.org
• Tyler Bloom, Bloom Golf Partners: bloomgolfpartners.com
• Book Mentioned: The Simple Truth About Your Business by Alex Brennan-Martin
• Book Mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
• Club Management Association of America: cmaa.org

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 hands-on mentorship philosophy that has shaped careers across the country, Paul and Alex share the principles behind one of the most admired grounds programs in the game. We also get into the evolving role of the superintendent as both a field agronomist and organizational leader, and what may be the most pressing staffing challenge the industry faces.

Whether you're an intern just entering the field, an assistant looking to take the next step, or a club leader trying to build a winning team, this conversation is packed with insights you won't find anywhere else.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why Merion Golf Club has functioned like a "teaching hospital" for the turf industry, developing generations of superintendents, assistants, and professionals who've gone on to lead elite clubs nationwide.

• How Paul Latshaw approaches staff culture from day one, and why attitude and effort always outrank technical skill when hiring.

• The power of tailored intern experiences and why Alex Bonini and the Merion team leverage their alumni to do the recruiting for them.

• What first-time superintendents almost always misunderstand about the job before they land it.

• How the superintendent role has evolved into a CEO-level position and why staying in the field remains the most valuable thing a great super can do.

• A behind-the-scenes look at preparing Merion for the 2025 US Amateur Championship in August, one of the most demanding tournament prep challenges Paul says he has ever faced.

• Why the equipment manager may be the hardest position to fill at a private club and what clubs need to do right now to prepare for a looming talent gap in that role.

• The generational shift happening in how young turf professionals view their careers, and why Paul and Tyler both believe we are entering a golden age for the turfgrass industry.

Links and Resources

• Paul Latshaw -- LinkedIn Profile

• Alexander Bonini -- LinkedIn Profile

• Merion Golf Club -- Website

• Bloom Golf Partners -- bloomgolfpartners.com

• Leadership on the Links Podcast -- Listen Here

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 on golf course equipment managers.

Together, they unpack data gathered from over 110 respondents to paint a clear picture of a role that is vital, evolving, and dangerously understaffed. From aging workforce demographics to the cultural dynamics that drive equipment managers out the door, this conversation challenges superintendents, directors of agronomy, and club leaders to take real action before the house truly is on fire.

If you care about turf quality, equipment reliability, or what it takes to sustain the record-breaking growth golf is experiencing right now, this is a conversation you cannot afford to miss.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Nearly 80% of equipment managers describe themselves as lifers, but asterisks apply: poor culture and lack of advocacy from superintendents remain the top reasons they leave.

• 59% of respondents have 20 or more years of experience, while only 5% have entered the field in the last five years, revealing a dangerous gap in the pipeline.

• Equipment manager knowledge is largely informal and tribal, with no dedicated formal training programs currently filling the gap left by schools like Lake City Community College.

• Annual performance reviews and transparent compensation pathways consistently rank as top retention drivers, often more than pay increases themselves.

• Culture eats strategy: superintendents who advocate for their equipment managers in budget meetings, board rooms, and day-to-day operations are the single biggest factor in retention.

• The role has expanded well beyond cutting units to include robotics, GPS systems, cart fleets, and facility maintenance, raising the stakes for finding and developing qualified candidates.

• Apprenticeship programs and pulling talent from existing maintenance crews are among the most practical near-term solutions for building a new generation of equipment managers.

• 64% of equipment managers say they would stay in golf even if better-paying opportunities existed outside the industry — a silver lining that depends on clubs stepping up.

Links and Resources:

• Pat Jones —linkedin.com/in/pat-jones-226766b0 

• Pat Jones — Flagstick LLC: patjonesflagstick.com 

• Mike Rollins — LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mike-rollins-9b34a3114 

• Mike Rollins on X: x.com/MikeRollinsSIP 

• Cutline is King (free PDF): sipgrinder.com/support/cutline.html 

• The Daily Grind Series (YouTube): 

• Bloom Golf Partners Employment Trends Research: bloomgolfpartners.com/research-2

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 and technology led him to association management and ultimately to the helm of CMAA, one of the most influential organizations in the private club industry. From building a more diverse leadership pipeline to tackling governance challenges and embracing AI, this conversation covers the full landscape of where clubs are headed and how the professionals inside them are rising to meet the moment.

Whether you are a superintendent eyeing a path to club leadership, a GM navigating a shifting membership, or a club professional curious about the forces shaping the industry, this episode delivers real insight from someone who has dedicated over a decade to advancing the profession.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• CMAA has grown dramatically since COVID, with nearly half its current membership joining post-pandemic, signaling a surge in interest and investment in professional club management.

• The pathway to becoming a general manager has opened significantly, welcoming superintendents, chefs, CFOs, and wellness professionals into senior club leadership roles.

• Jeff outlines what good club governance looks like: a true partnership between the board and staff team, with boards focused on financial stewardship and strategic vision rather than day-to-day operations.

• Women now represent roughly a third of CMAA's membership, and for the first time in the association's history, four women currently serve on its national board of 13.

• AI and autonomous technology will not replace human connection at clubs but will free up professionals to focus on high-touch member experiences and more meaningful work.

• CMAA is approaching its 100th anniversary with a new member needs analysis that will shape its next strategic plan, designed to serve an evolving and growing profession for the next century.

• The integration of amenities, golf, fitness, food, wellness, and social programming, is what creates the kind of stickiness that keeps members engaged and clubs financially healthy.

Links and Resources

Jeff Morgan – LinkedIn Profile

Club Management Association of America (CMAA) – cmaa.org

BOOK A STRATEGY CALL

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 his sharp humor and unfiltered takes on X (formerly Twitter), Paul opens up about why he started creating content, what it really takes to build genuine partnerships with superintendents, and why the price-first approach kills relationships before they start.

We also dig into one of the industry's most pressing challenges: the growing divide between well-funded clubs and the rest of the market, and what that means for recruiting, training, and long-term sustainability in golf course operations. Plus, Paul doesn't hold back on the PGA Tour's use of vendor volunteers, the culture conversation nobody wants to have honestly, and what separates truly great golf operations from average ones.

If you're in turf, sales, or anywhere in the golf industry ecosystem, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• How Paul went from a seven-year college journey to building Greens Pro into a respected independent distributor in the Midwest.
• Why leading with price is the fastest way to get ignored by a superintendent and what actually builds lasting vendor relationships.
• The growing talent and workforce crisis in golf, and why smaller facilities are getting squeezed out of the recruiting pipeline.
• What separates great golf course operations from average ones: it's not budget, it's presentation, detail, and a tight-knit staff.
• Paul's candid take on PGA Tour volunteer expectations for vendors and why he believes the model is fundamentally flawed.
• How a COVID-era music side hustle on Twitter helped Paul build a community, grow his business, and create content that resonates across the industry.
• Why culture is more than mission statements, and what real team culture actually looks like on the ground.

Links and Resources

• Paul Hurst on X (Twitter): @GreensPro
• Greens Pro: greensproturf.com
• Bloom Golf Partners: bloomgolfpartners.com

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 United States. He shares hard-won lessons on leadership, labor, member communication, and what it truly means to run a golf course like a business. Whether you're a superintendent, an aspiring regional director, or a club leader looking to sharpen your edge, this conversation delivers the kind of no-nonsense insight that only comes from decades in the field.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• Why Concert Golf Partners operates as an owner-operator rather than a management company, and why that distinction matters for superintendents and clubs alike.

• How Danny transitioned from single-course superintendent to overseeing multiple properties and what the biggest mindset shifts were.

• The importance of removing ego from member interactions and why listening is one of the most underrated leadership skills in turf management.

• What trends Danny is watching closely: labor market resets, deferred maintenance, and the undervalued assistant superintendent pipeline.

• How Concert is investing in staff development through internal promotion incentives and tuition support for crew members pursuing agronomy education.

• Why clubs often overestimate their market position and how realistic self-assessment leads to smarter decisions.

• The simple, visible communication tactics that build member trust without a single email.

• What autonomy really looks like across a 40+ club portfolio and why Concert refuses to cookie-cutter its operations.

Links and Resources

• Danny Gwyn – Concert Golf Partners Leadership Page: https://www.concertgolfpartners.com/leadership

• Concert Golf Partners: https://www.concertgolfpartners.com

• Bloom Golf Partners: https://bloomgolfpartners.com

• Book a Call with Tyler: https://calendly.com/marym-bloomgolfpartners/executive-search-recruitment-services

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 first superintendent role at just 22 years old at Audubon Country Club, to managing cool-season transitions at the University of Louisville, to leading the grounds operation at Valhalla through COVID, a historic Zoysia renovation, and the 2024 PGA Championship. But what makes this episode truly special is what came after Valhalla: his candid reflection on identity, career transitions, and his move into a new role as Key Account Manager at Simplot Turf and Horticulture.

Whether you're a superintendent eyeing your next move, an assistant trying to build your network, or someone navigating a career crossroads, this episode is packed with perspective you can act on today.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How John climbed from assistant to superintendent at 22 and the mentality that carried him through every step of his career.

• Why he believes your network is the single most powerful tool in landing your next opportunity, and how he has intentionally built it over 27 years.

• What it was really like to navigate Valhalla through COVID, staffing shortages, and a complete fairway and tee renovation, and why patience in building the right team made all the difference.

• The importance of engaging assistants and AITs in leadership decisions, green committee exposure, and member interactions, and why more superintendents should be doing this.

• What the job search actually looks like when you leave a high-profile role: the nerves, the strategy, and the mindset shifts required to stay focused.

• How John is discovering an entirely new side of the turf industry through his role at Simplot, and why superintendents may be limiting themselves by thinking there's only one path.

• The honest conversation about professional identity: what happens when your job title is how others define you, and why separating the two matters.

Links & Resources

• John Ballard: john.ballard@simplot.com | Twitter/X: @jballard1

• Simplot Turf & Horticulture

• Bloom Golf Partners

• GCSAA Member Directory

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 powerful personality and behavioral assessment and how it changed not only how he leads, but how he listens, communicates, and builds psychologically safe teams. From lessons learned at Carmel Country Club to the universal blind spots holding club leaders back, this episode is a masterclass in intentional leadership.

Whether you're a superintendent, director of agronomy, general manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge you to look inward and elevate how you show up for your team every day.

• How the Birkman Method unlocks hidden behavioral needs that other personality assessments miss and why self-awareness is the most critical leadership skill in private clubs today.

• Why the "Golden Rule" fails 70% of the time, and what to do instead when communicating with your team, members, and board.

• The concept of psychological safety and how Aaron helped cultivate it at Carmel Country Club to create a high-performing, candid, and aligned culture.

• How alignment (not talent) is the #1 blind spot in private clubs, boards, and leadership teams and the questions you must ask before accepting your next role.

• Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness and how top leaders like Jeff Bezos do only what only they can do.

• Practical advice for directors of agronomy on managing up, handling member feedback, and building trust before the pressure of summer season hits.

• What general managers and club leaders actually look for in director-level hires and the red flags that disqualify otherwise talented candidates.

• How stress indicators and personality traits (like Aaron's "high insistence, low restlessness") show up in leadership and how to proactively manage them.

• Tyler Bloom's personal leadership evolution: from operator to CEO, delegating identity, and building a team that carries pride on the trade show floor.

Aaron Dawson – Viewpoint EQ: viewpointeq.com

Email Aaron: aaron@viewpointeq.com

Call Aaron: 979-436-3851

Aaron Dawson – LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn

Bloom Golf Partners: bloomgolfpartners.com

CMAA (Club Management Association of America): cmaa.org

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 lessons from one of the most intimate and impactful industry conferences in the golf and private club world. If you work in club management, agronomy, or any department striving to bridge the gap between leadership and operations, this episode is a must-listen.

• The CMAA conference stands out for its intimate, personalized feel — a stark contrast to the PGA Show and GCSAA, with a stronger focus on software, products, and leadership education.

• Why cross-departmental attendance at industry trade shows builds visibility, credibility, and stronger club relationships — superintendents at CMAA, GMs at GCSAA.

• The Bloom Golf Partners team presented on Building a Championship Culture to a standing-room-only crowd of general managers and club decision-makers.

• Common challenges in club culture: retaining long-tenured employees resistant to change, siloed agronomy departments, and the universal struggle of filling equipment manager roles.

• Why should superintendents see themselves as strategic partners — not just operational leads — and how showing up at cross-industry events elevates the entire profession.

• The power of spending unstructured time with your own team at conferences strips away layers and builds real relationships that translate back to the workplace.

• Professional photography and visual identity are low-hanging fruit for both individuals and clubs — a shoutout to Karlo for elevating the Bloom Golf Partners brand.

• Early planning matters: the team is already preparing presentation proposals for the next conference season before this one is fully wrapped.

• Shoutout to Bobby Davis, now General Manager at Oakmont Country Club and former assistant superintendent — a testament to the career paths available across the industry.

• The CMAA "Idea Fair" showcased best practices from clubs in areas like member engagement, recruiting, and programming — a concept the team would love to see replicated at GCSAA.

• "The equipment manager is the hardest position to fill in the industry" a line that drew zero pushback from an entire room of club managers.

• The talent pipeline challenge is real: universities, career services on the trade show floor, and new services supporting career changers are all part of the solution.

• A key insight from the culture presentation: employees often want ownership and recognition — not just paycheck. Listening without an agenda goes a long way.

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://bloomgolfpartners.com 

Bloom Golf Partners YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bloomgolfpartners 

CMAA World Conference & Club Business Expo: https://www.cmaa.org/conference/ 

Karlo Gesner (Visual & Photography Services): Reach out via Bloom Golf Partners for a connection

Tyler Bloom – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerbloom/ 

Have a topic you'd like us to cover at a future conference, regional event, or on the podcast? Drop a comment or reach out directly — the team wants to hear what matters most to you in your facility and career.

🌱 Website: bloomgolfpartners.com
📹 YouTube: @bloomgolfpartners
💼 LinkedIn: Bloom Golf Partners

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 to budget battles, hiring instincts to managing member expectations, this conversation is packed with real-world insight that every turf professional and club leader needs to hear.

Holly brings 13 years of experience at The Oaks Club and a clear vision for what modern agronomy leadership looks like. Brian brings a rare dual perspective with 16 years on the board and greens committee at Ivanhoe Club in Chicago, and now leading a newly restructured Greens Committee at The Oaks. Together, they paint a vivid picture of what clubs are really looking for and what separates a good superintendent from a great one.

What You'll Learn:

• Transparency and consistent communication are the foundation for trust between superintendents and their members, committees, and boards.

• Proactive communication — especially when things go sideways — prevents rumors and builds credibility faster than any technical achievement.

• The superintendent role has evolved into an executive-level position requiring strategic thinking, financial fluency, team leadership, and member-facing communication skills.

• Greens Committees serve as a critical conduit between the agronomy staff and the broader membership — and building that relationship is a strategic advantage for any superintendent.

• Setting realistic expectations tied to budget is the key to avoiding the single biggest gap at most clubs: resources not matching member expectations.

• In hiring, the differentiators aren't technical — they're trust, authenticity, clear communication, and the ability to connect with people at any level of expertise.

• Data-driven decision-making and capital planning are becoming non-negotiable expectations for top agronomy leaders.

• Team development and the ability to grow staff from within are long-term multipliers that great superintendents prioritize.

Links & Resources:

• Holly Farrell – The Oaks Club, General Manager | [LinkedIn Profile]

• Brian D'Agostino – The Oaks Club, Greens Committee Chair | [LinkedIn Profile]

• The Oaks Club – [Website]

• Bloom Golf Partners – bloomgolfpartners.com

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 by Tyler Bloom of Bloom Golf Partners, this conversation dives deep into the critical relationships that make or break a club's success: GM-superintendent dynamics, greens committee communication, member expectations, and the hiring practices shaping the next generation of golf course leaders.

Whether you're a superintendent, club manager, Greens Chair, or aspiring industry professional, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom you won't find in a textbook.

What You'll Learn:

• The GM-Superintendent Relationship: Why mutual respect and open communication are the foundation of any successful club — and how to build that relationship even when leadership isn't proactive about it.

• The Role of the Head Golf Professional: How the golf pro acts as the "bank teller" of the club — hearing member feedback first — and why looping them into agronomic decisions is a game-changer.

• Greens Committee Best Practices: What makes a greens committee effective, how to involve diverse member voices (high and low handicappers, male and female), and why a mission statement can serve as your anchor when things get turbulent.

• Setting Realistic Member Expectations: How to communicate challenges outside the superintendent's control — like weather — and why having a communication infrastructure in place makes those tough conversations easier.

• Budgeting & Capital Projects: How GMs and Greens Chairs evaluate capital improvement requests, why a well-built business case matters, and how to frame a conversation around ROI rather than just agronomic necessity.

• Hiring for Cultural Fit: What hiring committees are really looking for beyond technical skills — leadership, emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and workplace culture.

• The Power of a Portfolio: Why a well-crafted interview portfolio can differentiate you from a sea of similar resumes, what to include (before/after photos, behavioral reports, SOP examples), and how to strategically deploy it throughout the process.

• Title Inflation in the Industry: A candid conversation about the rise of "Director of Agronomy" titles and what committees actually look for beyond the label.

• Book Recommendations: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara and Sea Stories by Admiral William McRaven — two reads that connect service, leadership, and attention to detail in ways that translate directly to club management.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introductions

• 02:00 – The GM-Superintendent relationship: lessons from 40 years in the club business

• 05:50 – How superintendents can proactively build relationships with their GM

• 07:30 – Greens committee communication and the "left hand / right hand" problem

• 10:00 – Creating a club mission statement to anchor tough conversations

• 13:00 – Managing member expectations and handling weather challenges

• 20:00 – The superintendent-golf pro relationship: why it may be the most important one at the club

• 28:00 – How greens committees effectively evaluate capital budgets and equipment requests

• 40:00 – What hiring committees really want: leadership, culture, and attention to detail

• 54:00 – Navigating Director of Agronomy vs. Superintendent title distinctions

• 01:03:00 – Interview portfolios: what works, what doesn't, and how to stand out

• 01:07:00 – Favorite leadership & hospitality book recommendations

• 01:09:00 – Closing thoughts and takeaways

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Bill Langley – Linkedin Profile

• Clark Jones – LinkedIn Profile

• Tyler Bloom – LinkedIn Profile

• Bloom Golf Partners – bloomgolfpartners.com

• Bloom Golf Partners YouTube – @bloomgolfpartners

• 📖 Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

• 📖 Sea Stories by Admiral William McRaven

• Qualipro / QP2U Webinar Series – qualipro.com

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 sold-out education sessions to meaningful booth visits, Meredith and Mitch discuss what made this year feel so different—intentional connections, industry recognition, and the pride of watching their team shine. They also touch on workforce trends, the critical need for equipment managers, and the power of developing talent from within.

What You'll Learn

• Why intentional networking and consistent marketing efforts lead to more meaningful conference conversations

• How Bloom Golf Partners' growth over 12 months shifted booth visits from "What do you guys do?" to purposeful engagement

• The current workforce crisis facing equipment managers and why this trade skill offers incredible career potential

• Why developing talent from within—whether from your own staff or the local community—is key to solving hiring challenges

• How team balance and individual strengths create a winning dynamic at industry events

• The importance of stepping outside your comfort zone for speaking engagements and professional growth

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and post-conference exhaustion

 00:42 – Overview of the GCSAA 2026 Conference and Trade Show 

01:06 – Team photos, Disney fun, and the famous Sunday sundae 

02:48 – Mitch's comparison: What felt different from last year 

04:55 – Nonstop booth traffic and meaningful conversations

 05:28 – Meredith's takeaway: Intentional visits and genuine connections 

07:52 – Feeling rejuvenated, not drained, after a full week 

09:23 – Mitch's sold-out education session and key takeaways 

11:24 – The equipment manager workforce crisis and aging out of the profession

 12:43 – Career potential in trade skills and equipment management 

14:51 – Mary's speaking debut and overcoming presentation nerves 

16:19 – Mitch's first speaking engagement at Union League and lessons learned 

17:56 – Meredith's upcoming speaking opportunity at Club Managers

 18:38 – Team dynamics, balance, and playing to individual strengths 1

9:21 – Plans for future events and getting the whole team together

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com
GCSAA Conference & Trade Show: https://www.gcsaa.org 
Club Managers Association of America (CMAA): https://www.cmaa.org

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 teams, managing championship-level expectations, and creating workplace cultures that attract and retain talent.

The conversation explores how clear maintenance standards reduce operational "noise," why superintendents benefit professionally from playing golf, and how relationship-building with committees and members strengthens long-term success. Ken also shares perspectives on staffing challenges, developing talent from within, emerging turfgrass innovations like Zoysia, and the future of workforce recruitment in golf. The episode concludes with practical hiring advice, including preparation for Zoom interviews and how professionals can better present themselves during job searches.

What You'll Learn
• Why establishing maintenance standards creates consistency and minimizes operational conflict
• How leadership, communication, and culture shape long-term success in golf operations
• Why employee care and appreciation lead to stronger retention and recruitment
• How playing golf improves professional relationships and operational understanding • The benefits and growing adoption of Zoysia grass for playability and maintenance efficiency
• Practical hiring advice, including how to prepare for modern Zoom interviews

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Ken Mangum career journey in golf course management
05:30 – Managing championship expectations and reducing operational noise
09:30 – Leadership, committees, and relationship management
12:00 – Workforce challenges and staffing evolution in golf
14:00 – Employee retention and culture-building strategies
18:30 – Full-time staffing versus seasonal workforce models
22:30 – Why superintendents benefit from playing golf
28:30 – Using golf to build credibility and member relationships
32:30 – Recruiting challenges and developing talent within the industry 40:20 – Zoysia grass adoption and maintenance advantages
49:30 – Hiring advice and preparing for interviews
59:30 – Why Zoom interviews now play a critical role in hiring decisions

Links Mentioned
Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com GCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.org
Syngenta Turf Solutions: https://www.syngenta-us.com/turf Dream Golf Developments: https://dreamgolf.com

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 earning his MBA and CCM, while challenging long-held assumptions about silos in club operations.

The conversation dives deep into education versus experience, the real value of advanced degrees, and how continued learning helps superintendents earn credibility in the boardroom. Kenton explains how exposure to club management disciplines reshaped the way he leads people, collaborates with department heads, and measures performance across his team.

Listeners also gain a behind-the-scenes look at Mid Ocean's progressive people-development systems, including skills matrices, performance scorecards, emotional intelligence tracking, and learning-and-development investment. Kenton emphasizes that leadership longevity isn't about doing everything yourself, it's about building systems, trusting people, and choosing the right leaders to learn from early in your career.

This episode reinforces a powerful message: superintendents already manage the largest assets, budgets, and teams at the club, now it's time to fully step into that leadership potential.

What You'll Learn

• Why superintendents are naturally positioned to become club executives
• The real ROI of MBAs, CCMs, and continued education
• How education helps superintendents earn trust in the boardroom
• Why getting "out of your silo" makes you a better leader
• How to use performance scorecards instead of opinions
• Building staff development systems that improve retention
• Why people development is a competitive advantage for clubs
• How emotional intelligence impacts leadership effectiveness
• Practical approaches to delegation and time management
• Career advice for young superintendents planning long-term success

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and why superintendents are built to lead
01:50 – Kenton's early career path and agronomy background
03:40 – From superintendent to thinking like a club executive
05:45 – Education vs. experience: MBA and CCM insights
08:30 – Getting into the room: why education still matters
11:00 – What superintendents learn from club management programs
13:10 – Breaking silos and connecting with department heads
15:40 – Performance management and staff development systems
18:30 – Skills matrices, scorecards, and measuring success
22:10 – Emotional intelligence and leadership self-awareness
25:20 – Delegation, time management, and leadership mindset
29:40 – Governance, alignment, and defining success at the club
33:00 – Choosing leaders over logos early in your career
37:10 – Leadership advice to Kenton's younger self
38:30 – Final thoughts and where to connect

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com
Club Management Association of America (CMAA): https://www.cmaa.org
GCSAA: https://www.gcsaa.org

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, detailing how a lifelong connection to the outdoors shaped his philosophy as a superintendent.

The conversation covers how environmental stewardship can become a competitive advantage for clubs—not just an operational initiative—by improving course conditions, reducing inputs, and even attracting new members. Jim explains how small, intentional steps build member buy-in, why data and benchmarks matter more than ever, and how defining maintenance standards protects both the superintendent and the club.

Throughout the episode, Jim offers candid advice on leadership longevity, continuous learning, and resisting the urge to "do everything at once." His insights reinforce that sustainable success in golf course management is built on trust, clarity, fundamentals, and a clear vision for what's next. 

What You'll Learn

• How environmental stewardship can improve playability, resilience, and member perception
• Why starting with "small wins" builds trust and long-term buy-in
• How clubs can leverage sustainability as a membership attraction tool
• The role of data in smarter mowing, water use, and labor decisions
• Why intuition paired with data outperforms either approach alone
• How maintenance standards reduce conflict and align leadership
• The growing importance of BMPs, water conservation, and chemical reduction
• How to stay engaged, relevant, and evolving over a long superintendent career
• Practical advice for first-time superintendents navigating new roles

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and recognition for environmental stewardship
00:40 – Early connection to nature and career motivation
01:55 – Career path from municipal golf to private clubs
03:25 – Building confidence as a first-time superintendent
05:20 – Gaining member buy-in for environmental initiatives
06:10 – Starting with small, positive-impact sustainability steps
08:55 – Where to begin with environmental projects at a new property
10:20 – Sustainability as a membership attraction strategy
11:30 – Using data to drive smarter decisions
12:30 – Combining intuition with measurable benchmarks
14:20 – Technology, BMPs, and future industry challenges
16:45 – Staying fresh, curious, and engaged in the profession
19:15 – Importance of maintenance standards
21:15 – Long-range planning and defining the "next level"
24:50 – Advice for young and first-time superintendents
28:10 – Final reflections and where to connect

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com
USGA Green Section Record: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record.html
GCSAA: https://www.gcsaa.org

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, and values that shaped his path.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent, the importance of structured apprenticeship programs, and why training employers is just as critical as training employees. Tyler and Jordan discuss mentorship, communication, consulting, and the non-agronomic skills that separate good superintendents from great ones. They also examine reinvestment trends in golf, the balance between aspirational projects and fundamental infrastructure, and the role of lifelong learning in building sustainable teams and careers.

Jordan offers candid insights on leadership, humility, continuous development, and the long-term impact of mentorship, emphasizing that meaningful change in the industry happens through people, process, and consistent fundamentals.

What You'll Learn

• Why apprenticeship and workforce development require total buy-in from both employers and mentors
• How strong culture, communication, and team buy-in drive successful recruiting and retention
• Why training employers to recruit, develop, and mentor talent is a critical industry gap
• The importance of lifelong learning and continuous development for superintendents and leaders
• How consultants and organizations like the USGA can support better decision-making and communication
• The difference between aspirational projects and foundational infrastructure investments
• Why fundamentals like drainage, sunlight, and water management still matter more than technology alone
• How mentorship can create lasting impact and shape the next generation of industry leaders

Timestamps

00:00 – Workforce development focus and challenges of administering apprenticeship programs
01:40 – Recruiting cycles, mentor partnerships, and long-term program growth
03:50 – Evolution of apprenticeship models and industry-wide collaboration
05:30 – Purpose-driven work and why impact matters more than monetization
07:20 – Building team buy-in and strong workplace culture
09:20 – Structural gaps in recruiting, training, and retention
11:10 – Training the trainer and why labor issues persist
12:55 – Non-agronomic skills and professional development gaps
15:00 – Lifelong learning, mentorship, and continuous growth
16:45 – Leveraging consultants and external expertise effectively
18:50 – Communication, credibility, and building consensus
20:55 – Reinvestment in golf and resetting long-term club trajectories
25:20 – Aspirational projects vs. fundamental infrastructure needs
27:35 – Why fundamentals still drive long-term success
31:10 – Technology as a tool—not a replacement for basics
32:50 – Jordan Booth's career journey into the USGA
36:55 – Apprenticeship programs and global perspectives
39:00 – Mentorship, legacy, and changing lives
41:05 – Process, consistency, and leadership reflection
43:30 – Favorite foursome and golf experiences
45:55 – USGA Museum highlights and educating the public
48:05 – Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program and resources
49:55 – Closing reflections on leadership and impact

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com
USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program: https://www.usga.org
USGA Green Section Record: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record.html

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 conversation explores leadership, mentorship, technology, rising industry costs, work-life balance, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable and meaningful career in the golf and club industry. Peter also shares candid insights as he prepares for retirement, leaving behind a legacy rooted in service, curiosity, and long-term impact.

Book a Strategy Call

What You'll Learn

• Why leading with valuable content and community building creates long-term trust and sustainable growth
• How the superintendent role has evolved in skill, compensation, and responsibility over the past three decades
• Why communication and mentorship remain two of the biggest gaps in the golf industry today
• How AI and emerging technology can support better decision-making without replacing human connection
• What separates great superintendents and leaders from good ones
• Practical advice for young professionals entering the industry, including mobility, resilience, and family balance

Timestamps

00:00 – Content-first business philosophy and why revenue follows value
01:40 – Introducing Peter McCormick and TurfNet's early support of Bloom Golf Partners
03:50 – Building TurfNet and identifying unmet needs in the industry
07:38 – How the superintendent profession has changed over the past 30 years
09:00 – Rising salaries, equipment costs, and long-term sustainability concerns
12:50 – Curiosity, people-watching, and staying engaged in the industry
15:40 – Personal reflections on golf, family priorities, and career balance
23:25 – The role of AI and technology in modern golf course management
29:40 – The decline of blogs and why long-form communication still matters
36:15 – What separates great superintendents from good ones
39:35 – Communication, mentorship, and building strong team cultures
47:05 – Advice for young professionals entering the industry
53:45 – Letting professionals do their jobs and avoiding unnecessary interference
56:10 – Retirement, legacy, and lessons from 32 years of TurfNet
01:06:20 – Closing reflections on impact, relationships, and industry contribution

Links Mentioned

Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com
TurfNet: https://www.turfnet.com
GCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.org
Penn State Turfgrass Program: https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf

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, AI-driven career tools, and expanded industry partnerships. The team also looks ahead to 2026, sharing what excites them most about the future of Bloom Golf Partners and the evolving golf and club management landscape.

Book a Strategy Call

What You'll Learn
• How Bloom Golf Partners' distributed, remote team operates seamlessly while delivering high-impact results across the country.
• Why internal development, strong references, and continued education are critical differentiators for career advancement in the golf and club industry.
• How industry visibility, events, and authentic relationships contribute to long-term professional credibility and trust.
• What new initiatives Bloom Golf Partners is launching in 2026, including scholarships, career services, and AI-supported tools.

Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome and podcast milestone announcement
01:00 – Reflecting on standout moments from 2025
04:30 – Sponsorships, industry presence, and "making it real" moments
06:00 – Team growth, full-time transitions, and personal wins
09:00 – Industry events, networking, and relationship building
12:00 – Ownership, culture, and what drives Bloom Golf Partners' results
16:00 – Reference checks, candidate quality, and hiring insights
20:00 – Leadership reflections and defining company values
23:00 – Looking ahead to 2026: scholarships and investing in people
27:00 – Team goals, learning, and professional development
31:00 – Expanding podcast voices and content evolution
35:00 – AI, career services, and new tools for industry professionals
38:00 – What truly differentiates Bloom Golf Partners
45:00 – Accessibility, authenticity, and the power of the network
49:00 – Closing thoughts and holiday message

Links Mentioned
Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com
Bloom Golf Partners Scholarship Program: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com/scholarship
GCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.org
Distinguished Club Summit: https://www.distinguishedclubs.com

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 industry. Brian emphasizes the significance of community engagement, workforce development, and the need for aspiring professionals to be detail-oriented and proactive in their careers. He also reflects on the hidden gems of Cleveland Metro Parks and his aspirations for future projects that will leave a lasting legacy.

What You'll Learn

• Why "managing to an outcome" isn't the same as leading expectations and why that distinction matters

• The real differences (and misconceptions) between municipal and private golf experience

• How Cleveland Metroparks thinks about standards, reinvestment, and long-term stewardship

• Brian's "present leadership" approach: being visible when things are hard, great, or average

• What he looks for in candidates immediately (shoes, handshake, eye contact, preparation)

• How to handle post-COVID realities: play up, maintenance windows down, and expectations rising

• Practical operating moves that improved customer experience (ex: 10-minute tee times, time-ticketing)

• Career advice for superintendents who want to move up: look the part, do the part, build exposure

• A reminder leaders forget: don't burn ladders on the way up or down

Links

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-m-zimmerman-34072b43/

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 impression" is now a real business and recruiting lever especially when you're competing for talent who doesn't know your property, culture, or team.

• Why dated photos + dated websites quietly kill conversion (memberships, events, and hiring)

• The difference between "content" and story and why the story often reveals itself on-site

• What Karlo learned filming the 2024 U.S. Women's Open at Lancaster CC and why the grounds crew became the centerpiece

• A practical approach to building a 3–6 month visual content library (not random one-offs)

• What clubs should prioritize first: course, amenities, staff, leadership portraits, food, aerials

• The #1 mistake planners make when hiring photographers/videographers (over-controlling the outcome)

• The non-negotiable on drones: Part 107 licensing + risk (and why "my buddy has a drone" is a liability)

• A behind-the-scenes look at Bloom Golf Partners' team shoot in Hershey and what strong culture looks like on camera

Links

Karlo Gesner: https://www.karlogesner.com/

Follow Karlo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golfclubvisuals/

Book a Free Talent Strategy Call

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 Nicklaus and Big Cedar, to his current role helping clubs rethink bunkers, water management, and labor through Capillary's solutions. Along the way, he and Tyler dig into how roles are evolving, what it really takes to transition out of a traditional superintendent track, and how Bloom Golf Partners recently partnered with Capillary to build and fill a brand-new "Field Technology & Quality Manager" position.

Whether you're a superintendent, assistant, vendor, or club leader, this conversation is a real-world look at where the industry is headed and how to position yourself and your team to keep up.

• How David navigated a non-linear career path from superintendent to a technology- and construction-focused role with Capillary Flow.

• Why you shouldn't box yourself into one "traditional" turf role and what to consider when exploring alternative paths.

• What Capillary Flow actually does beyond bunker liners, and how hydroponic and water management solutions are changing expectations on the ground.

• How independent data and university research are helping validate water savings and drive smarter adoption of new technology.

• How Bloom Golf Partners helped Capillary design and recruit for a brand-new Field Technology & Quality Manager role from scratch.

• Why clarity in role design (especially around second assistants and emerging positions) is critical for recruiting, retention, and long-term team performance.

• Practical advice on authenticity in interviews and leadership why being yourself is an advantage, not a liability, in today's market.

Links

Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hardesty-93469861

Learn more about Capillary Flow: https://www.capillaryflow.com/ 

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 explore why mentorship, exposure, and real-world learning are becoming non-negotiables for the next generation of turf leaders.

They discuss the origins of QP2U, the industry challenges that inspired it, and why QualiPro is investing heavily in education as a brand pillar. This episode provides a transparent look at how the role of the superintendent is changing and what future leaders must do to stay ahead.

If you're a superintendent, assistant, GM, or club leader who cares about talent development and elevating operational standards, this conversation sets the tone for where our industry is heading.

Why QP2U was created and why access, mentorship, and exposure are the missing links in superintendent development today.
Hear the story behind QualiPro's shift from traditional marketing to a true investment in the next generation of turf leaders.

Key takeaways from the 2025 season including turf loss, pressure points, and the "you don't know what you don't know" problem.
Ryan shares what he heard from superintendents, assistants, and reps across the country — and why the industry needs more intentional education.

The culture and operational excellence behind Oakmont's U.S. Open preparation.
A behind-the-scenes reflection on leadership, clarity, and the power of intentional team culture at one of the most iconic clubs in golf.

How today's superintendent role is evolving and why technical skills alone are no longer enough.
Construction planning. Member relations. Cross-functional communication. Trend forecasting. Leadership. The job is changing, fast.

A preview of the QP2U education lineup including topics and speakers shaping the future of the industry.
From renovation and construction insights with top architects… to GM perspectives… to research roundtables with leading PhDs… the sessions are built for real-world application.

Why QualiPro is choosing partnership over promotion.
Ryan outlines the company's commitment to being more than a product provider — but a true industry partner focused on elevating the profession.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Links

QualiPro: https://www.controlsolutionsinc.com/quali-pro
Register for QP2U: https://info.controlsolutionsinc.com/registration-qp2u-dec25 
Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-karapas-94b507132/

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 and landscaper to assistant and emerging leader in turf, and how an "open-minded" superintendent at Noyac Golf Club took a chance on potential over pedigree. Sue then pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to administer a statewide apprenticeship: communication with employers and SUNY Delhi, onboarding expectations, time management, and what happens when apprentices fall behind… or move on.

Together, they tackle the questions superintendents and club leaders quietly worry about:

Who is actually a good fit for an apprenticeship? What kind of employer environment is necessary? What if it doesn't work out? Along the way, you'll hear how the program balances classroom learning with on-course reps and how networking, peer support, and vendor participation can turn apprenticeship into a true workforce-development engine for the industry.

What You'll Learn:

• Non-traditional backgrounds can be high-ceiling hires.
  Ryan had limited turf experience but a formal business degree, landscaping background, and clear drive - exactly the kind of profile most clubs overlook but this program is built to serve.
• Apprenticeship is a partnership, not a recruitment gimmick.
  NYSTA and SUNY Delhi emphasize that employers should identify someone already on their team they want to grow, then wrap structure, education, and support around that person.
• Structure + communication make the program work.
  Clear expectations (3–5 hours of coursework per week, a dedicated apprenticeship director, check-ins between employers, SUNY Delhi, and apprentices) keep the workload manageable and progress on track.
• It's not for everyone - on both sides.
  Apprentices need motivation, self-awareness, and a long-term growth mindset. Employers need the bandwidth and desire to mentor, not just get another set of hands on a mower.
• The hidden ROI is networking and leadership development.
  Cohort connections, in-person labs at SUNY Delhi, and peer group texts help apprentices feel less isolated — and give emerging leaders like Ryan a platform to coach the next class.
  
  

Links:

Learn More about the NYSTA Apprenticeship Program: https://nystaapprenticeship.com/ 

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 master's degree at Penn State and ultimately returning to SUNY Delhi as faculty.

If you're trying to build a stronger pipeline of assistants and future leaders and you've got team members who are curious, engaged, and ready for more - this episode will help you see what's possible when education meets real-world work.

What You'll Learn:

• How the two-year program combines full-time employment with 19 college credits

• What apprentices actually study: plant science, turf fundamentals, pests and pesticide applications, irrigation, first aid/CPR, and more

• How the January hands-on lab week in Delhi gives apprentices access to sharpening, grinding, and technical training they may never see on the job

• Why the program is tuition-free for employers and apprentices through state support

• How apprenticeships can act as a feeder into associate and bachelor's degrees, not a competitor

• Where Ben sees opportunities for equipment companies and industry partners to plug into the training

Links:

Learn More about the NYSTA Apprenticeship Program: https://nystaapprenticeship.com/ 

• Modern leadership is influence, not intimidation—especially with Millennial & Gen Z teams.
• Employees are screening leaders with three questions: care, capability to help, and trust.
• Many leaders were promoted for technical excellence, not prepared to lead people.
• EQ is trainable (unlike IQ). The EQ-i 2.0 framework maps strengths & gaps across 5 scales/15 subscales.
• EQ lowers turnover and conflict and improves productivity—there's clear business ROI.
• Clear expectations + respect for time off + fair give-back (pay or time) beats "sunup to sundown."
• Communication clarity is the single highest-leverage leadership skill.

• Learn more about Jeff: drummondsleadership.com 
• Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-drummonds/
• Explore BGP Leadership Development for Clubs: bloomgolfpartners.com

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 funds are awarded, and what's next: regional qualifiers, national championship, and a vision to support almost every turf student in the country. If you're a superintendent, club leader, or industry partner wondering "How do we help?", this is your playbook.

What You'll Learn

• The simple insight that sparked Super-Scratch—and why "super-am" events resonate

• How scholarships scaled from $1.5K to $160K+ in six years (and ~$400K annual revenue)

• The funding mix: industry sponsors vs. growing club/member donations

• How schools and sponsors help select recipients (need + merit + intent to stay in turf)

• Why member education and superintendent communication are competitive advantages

• The career arc no one talks about: superintendent → entrepreneur/executive

• How any club can participate: per-member dues, cart-fee add-ons, foundations, events

Links

• Super-Scratch Foundation: http://superscratchfoundation.org/ 
• Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mason--/ 
• Bloom Golf Partners Research:  https://bloomgolfpartners.com/research  

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 partnerships, transparent roles/pay, parental-leave and flexibility that signal belonging, and putting more women in board and management seats. Kristen shares a standout story of a new female assistant superintendent stepping into leadership and winning over the crew, plus how associations amplify progress through advocacy like Pennsylvania National Golf Day. A candid, actionable playbook for boards, GMs, and supers who want women's leadership to be the norm, not the exception.

What You'll Learn

• Access precedes interest: If women never see the workplace, they won't picture themselves in it.

• Information builds confidence: Spell out roles, pay, pathways, and training.

• Policies signal belonging: Parental leave, flexibility, and clear job security invite women to stay and lead.

• Representation matters: Women on boards/management widens the hiring aperture.

• Tell the stories: Normalize women's leadership by celebrating real examples.

• Associations = force multipliers: Advocacy days, school inroads, and visible coalitions expand the tent.

• Culture beats heroics: Team mentality and ego-checks outperform "lone-wolf" leadership.

Links

• Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents (PAGCS): https://pagcs.org/ 

• First Green Program:  http://www.thefirstgreen.org/

• Bloom Golf Partners: Workforce & Leadership Resources

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 club leadership.

In this episode, Tyler and Taylor talk candidly about the evolving role of women in golf, redefining HR beyond policy, and why flexibility and trust are critical to retaining top talent. Taylor also highlights how seeing women in leadership roles has transformed her perspective—and why representation matters for the next generation of club professionals.

Visit Bloom Golf Partners here.

• How an unexpected summer job led to a full-time career in private clubs

• The impact of redefining HR around culture and employee engagement

• Why trust and autonomy drive stronger teams

• The growing visibility of women in leadership roles across the club industry

• How clubs can become more attractive career destinations for women

• Taylor's take on flexibility, work-life balance, and what truly makes a club a "fun place to work"

Check out Bloom Golf Partners research here.

Links

🔗 Kings Creek Country Club on LinkedIn
📸 Follow @KingsCreekCC on social media

🔗Connect with Taylor on LinkedIn here.

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 cultures accelerate teams, and how women can move confidently into leadership even when they don't "check every box."

From tactical wins (spouses-as-stakeholders, visibility in the first 90 days) to mindset shifts (apply anyway, servant leadership, athlete competitiveness), this episode is a masterclass for current and aspiring club leaders.

Visit Bloom Golf Partners here.

• Data > drama: How to arm your board conversations with facts (utilization, compaction, P&L drivers) to speed alignment.

• Revenue first: Why "you can't save your way to a budget" and practical levers to grow top line across golf, aquatics, rackets, F&B, and membership.

• Feedback culture: How to normalize real-time coaching so performance improves and emotions de-escalate.

• Women in leadership: Applying when you don't meet every criterion, earning the benefit of the doubt, and navigating legacy perceptions.

• 90-day trust plan: Visibility, presence, and quick wins that establish why you're in the chair.

• Spouses as stakeholders: Simple hosting and gifting strategies that defuse off-course politics and build support systems.

• Athlete mindset at work: Compete, take clear feedback, and move fast from mistake → improvement.

• The "benevolent dictator" model: What it is, when it works, and why clarity + care beats consensus without direction.

• Career pivots that compound: Translating sales, training, and operations into a GM toolkit.

• Courage & clarity: "If you win, you win. If you lose, you learn"—how to make bigger moves with less fear.

Bloom Golf Partners Research

Connect with Leslie Ludlow (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieludlow/

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 Company and working across Southeast Asia before co-founding PondHawk in 2014.

Today, PondHawk's solar-powered water quality systems can be found on golf courses from Ontario to Oregon and across the Mid-Atlantic to the Great Lakes, helping facilities become more sustainable while delivering the high-quality playing conditions golfers expect.

Sandra shares candid insights on what it was like to break into the golf world, why superintendents are often more open to innovation than outsiders realize, and the surprising range of career opportunities the golf industry has to offer - from mechanics and chefs to agronomists and event managers.

This conversation also dives into one of the industry's most important challenges: attracting more women to golf careers. Sandra offers her perspective on tapping into adjacent fields like horticulture, biology, and economics, and rebranding golf as a place where science, land stewardship, and a passion for the game come together.

If you've ever wondered how golf can connect innovation, sustainability, and career growth, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Visit Bloom Golf Partners here.

• What it will take to rebrand golf careers as dynamic, sustainable, and rewarding paths for the next generation.
• How Sandra transitioned from the energy sector to golf innovation through PondHawk.
• Why the golf industry is more open to new ideas and technology than many people realize.
• The surprising career opportunities in golf—from mechanics and chefs to agronomists and event managers.
• Why the public often misunderstands the science and work behind golf course management.
• How the industry can attract more women by tapping into related fields like horticulture, biology, and economics.
  
  https://bloomgolfpartners.com/research/ 

Learn more about PondHawk: pondhawk.com

Connect on LinkedIn: Linnae Industries LinkedIn Page

Follow on X (Twitter): @SolarPondhawk

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 sustainability, how member identity shapes renovation decisions, and why the superintendent–architect partnership is everything. Plus: lightning-round "Chip Shots" on dream foursomes, halfway-house orders, and the one hole he'd play forever.

Visit Bloom Golf Partners here.

• Start with identity and reality. Benchmark finances, demographics, and maintenance capacity before chasing ambition.

• Process wins. Member outreach, focus groups, and transparent master-planning build trust and consensus.
  Design for stewardship. Favor contours over sand, right-size bunker counts, and invest in efficient irrigation.

• Partner with your superintendent. Track labor hours pre-project and plan reallocations post-project.

• Flexibility is insurance. Build in mow-line options and treatments that can scale maintenance up or down.

• https://bloomgolfpartners.com/research/ 

• West Bend CC (WI), Sand Hollow (UT), Meadowbrook CC (MI), Olympia Fields (IL), Garden City CC (NY), Arcola CC (NJ), Belle Meade CC (TN), Phoenix CC (AZ), Shoreacres, Shinnecock, Seminole, Riviera, Pine Valley.

Links

• Instagram: @andystaplesgolf

• X (Twitter): @BuildSmarterGolf

• Website: Staples Golf Design: https://www.staplesgolfdesign.com/ 

Lessons from a Cruel Summer: Agronomy, Member Education & Smarter Solutions with Steve McDonald

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 the helm, Colin oversaw multiple major championships, spearheaded $100M+ in capital improvements, and helped shape one of the most storied clubs in the world.

Beyond his personal journey, Colin shares hard-earned leadership lessons—why authenticity matters more than polish, how building real relationships can open doors, and why a culture of fun is essential in an industry that exists to create memorable experiences. He also dives into the realities of member culture, from aligning boards with management to the importance of every touchpoint in shaping satisfaction.

Looking ahead, Colin offers a candid take on the future of the club workforce, including opportunities for women and Latinas in leadership roles, concerns about losing long-standing multi-generational staff traditions, and the challenges of recruiting and retaining quality talent in today's labor market.

What You'll Learn in this Episode:

• How Colin's unconventional journey led him to one of the most prestigious GM roles in the world of private clubs

• Why authenticity and relationships are more important than résumés in career advancement

• The hidden gaps in board-management communication—and how to fix them

• Exciting opportunities for women, especially Latinas, in club management

• Why long-term staff relationships are fading—and what that means for the future of clubs

• Practical advice on aligning culture, member experience, and staff engagement

Links mentioned in this episode:

Colin Burns Consulting - https://colinburnsconsulting.com/

Colin Burns LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/burns-colin/

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 enthusiasts.

• How Chris's 27 years of experience and mentorship prepared him for the Old Sawmill project

• The philosophy behind Old Sawmill's unique membership model and member experience

• Agronomic strategies for managing diverse soils, drainage, and overseeding in a shoulder-season club

• The importance of superintendent–architect–contractor relationships in course construction

• Lessons in leadership, team building, and mentoring when starting from scratch

• How technology like turf scan is shaping modern course design and maintenance

Links mentioned in this episode:

Chris Fletcher - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-fletcher-004a442a/

Old Sawmill Golf Club - https://oldsawmillgc.com/

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 billions in new business—while silently wrestling with crippling public speaking anxiety. But that wasn't the end of his story—he made it the beginning of something new. Through relentless determination, he rewired his fear into authenticity and impact, and now helps others do the same.

He's the creator of The Ramey Method, built around the S.P.E.A.K. Framework, a transformative system designed to shift speakers not just into presenters, but into voices of authority

What You'll Learn in this Episode: 

• You'll learn how clarity, tone, and resonance can transform the way leaders connect with their teams. 

• Scott and Tyler explore common pitfalls, the role of authenticity and self-regulation, and practical strategies to cut through today's noise. 

• Key lesson: Be yourself uncompromisingly as a leader; teams can sense inauthenticity

• Scott developed his leadership approach by observing both effective and poor leaders throughout his career.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Scott Ramey - https://thescottramey.com/

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 Acres Country Club led him to build a digital solution—TurfCloud—which ultimately evolved into a foundational piece of GreenSight's cutting-edge platform. Today, GreenSight combines drone imagery, soil sensors, autonomous mowing, and job tracking into one integrated system that's redefining the superintendent's toolbox.

From navigating early startup chaos to forming key partnerships with companies like Husqvarna and Harold's, Jason offers sharp insights for superintendents, innovators, and anyone looking to challenge the status quo.

Whether you're curious about robotics, seeking smarter labor solutions, or just wondering what it takes to turn an idea into an industry-shaping company—this conversation delivers real lessons from someone who's walked the fairway and paved a new path.

• From Superintendent to Innovator: Jason's journey from Stowe Acres to launching TurfCloud and ultimately joining GreenSight as VP of Business Development.

• GreenSight's Tech Stack: Drones, job boards, soil sensors, autonomous mowers—an all-in-one dashboard for superintendents.

• Autonomous Mowing is Here: Early adopters are seeing labor savings, consistent course conditions, and growing interest among members.

• Align with the Right People: Success in both turf and tech hinges on relationships—with your team, your mentors, and your family.

• Entrepreneurship Mindset: Don't live in the "what ifs." If you've got a good idea, go for it.

Links mentioned in this episode

GreenSight: https://www.greensightag.com/

Jason VanBuskirk (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-vanbuskirk/

 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, Mark shares insights into the evolution of subsurface drainage, project management, and how to future-proof your business in a shifting market.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Mark's experience with industry leaders led to co-founding Turf Rehab

• The growing demand for subsurface drainage in approaches, tees, and fairways—not just greens

• How Turf Rehab is managing staffing and cash flow by expanding into the sports field market

• The importance of industry relationships and team building in long-term career success

• Lessons in navigating industry skepticism and driving innovation adoption

Mark Luckhardt (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/markluckhardt/

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 golf industry.

You'll learn:

• What separates managers from leaders in modern golf operations

• Reflections on serving as GCSAA President in 2021 during the pandemic

• Why maintenance and safety standards are critical (and often ignored)

• How GCSAA certification can open doors in your career

• Where the industry is headed—and how to position yourself ahead of the curve

• What Mark is building next in collegiate golf and golf advisory services

Mark Jordan (LinkedIn) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-jordan-make-an-impact/