If “course management” were a hole on a golf course, it’d be the longest and most hazard-plagued, trap-filled hole you’d ever play — and you’d need two course junkies to advise you along the way. Luckily, we have the just the right ones in lifelong course executives David Delsandro and Jeff Corcoran. Delsandro’s career in the turf industry has spanned 25 years, most recently as the superintendent at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania. His experiences include all types of conventional golf cour...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Leadership on the Links , host Tyler Bloom sits down with Scott Pavalko, the Superintendent at Castle Pines Golf Club, as he shares his journey from his early days in Ohio to leading at iconic courses like Muirfield Village and Cog Hill. Scott discusses the unique challenges of transitioning to Castle Pines, managing turf in diverse climates, and his commitment to continuous improvement in golf course management. Scott offers valuable lessons on leadership, focusing on the imp...
Jul 01, 2025•49 min
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we dive deep into the heart of workplace culture—what it is, how it evolves, and why it matters. Through real-world stories and candid discussion from our June webinar, our hosts explore how understanding existing dynamics, fostering trust, and using data-driven tools can help reshape and sustain a high-performing culture. Whether you’re leading a golf course team, a private club, or any organization that values people, this conversation offers a roadm...
Jun 17, 2025•48 min•Season 1Ep. 64
In today’s episode, we sit down with Greg Eisner, a proven leader in the golf industry whose career spans some of the most recognized names in the game—from Oakmont Country Club to the Trump Organization, and now Fieldstone Golf Club and Troon Golf. Greg shares how his journey—from intern at Oakmont during the 2007 U.S. Open to dual-role leader overseeing ten Troon properties—has shaped his approach to agronomy, leadership, and career development. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Oakmont b...
Jun 13, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 64
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Brian Stiehler, CGCS, MG, to explore a career rooted in tradition and elevated through leadership. From his early days in Reading, PA, to impactful stints at Oakmont, Augusta, and St. Andrews, Brian shares how these formative experiences shaped his professional path—and how he's applied those lessons at Highlands Country Club for over two decades. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How working at Oakmont inspired Brian’s leadership phi...
Jun 13, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 63
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we spotlight Albert Geniviva—whose unexpected summer job at Oakmont Country Club launched a dynamic career in turf management. From a college student studying accounting to a turf sales professional driving innovation in robotics, Albert’s journey is a testament to how the right environment can ignite a lifelong passion. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Albert’s first summer at Oakmont inspired him to switch careers and pursue a turf degree at Pe...
Jun 11, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 62
In this episode, we sit down with Jason Hurwitz, Senior Project Manager at The Mazzella Partnership, to unpack his 29-year journey through the turf industry—from high school intern to long-time superintendent to his current leadership role guiding clubs through high-impact golf course renovation and construction projects. Jason shares how his early experiences prepared him for today’s consulting work across some of the most ambitious club improvement projects in the country. What You’ll Learn in...
Jun 10, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 61
In this special conversation, we sit down with legendary golf course superintendent Mark Kuhns to explore a remarkable 43-year career that helped shape some of the most iconic clubs in American golf—Laurel Valley, Oakmont, and Baltusrol. From hosting multiple major championships to mentoring over 220 turf professionals, Mark’s impact on the industry is nothing short of profound. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What made Oakmont and Baltusrol training grounds for elite-level agronomy profes...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 60
In this mini series, we celebrate the people, places, and moments that helped shape some of the careers in golf course management and leadership. Hosted by Tyler Bloom, this series kicks off with a look behind the scenes at individuals careers were impacted at Oakmont Country Club, and why it holds such a special place in the golf industry. We'll be honoring mentorship, tradition, and the high standards that have influenced a generation of leaders. A personal reflection from Tyler Bloom on his o...
Jun 09, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 59
In this episode, Tyler Bloom sits down with Justin Sims, Director of Agronomy at The Alotian Club, to discuss his unconventional journey through elite golf clubs, his people-first leadership philosophy, and the systems he's built to elevate team performance and member experience. Whether you're a superintendent, general manager, or emerging turf leader, this conversation is packed with insights that will challenge the status quo and help you rethink how great teams are built. 💡 What You’ll Lear...
Jun 03, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 58
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we unpack what it really takes to build and sustain a top-tier workplace culture in the golf industry from our monthly webinar series. Tyler is joined by Rachel Ridgeway of Bloom Golf Partners to discuss culture, one that attracts, retains, and develops great talent. Culture isn’t a line item on a budget. It’s a leadership choice—and your best competitive advantage in a tight labor market. Build it on purpose, or lose people by default. Whether you're ...
May 27, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In this episode, we sit down with Eric Shomaker, Director of Golf Course and Grounds at Wade Hampton Golf Club, to explore his journey in the golf industry, leadership philosophy, and commitment to developing the next generation of golf course superintendents. Eric shares how intentional leadership, mentorship, and innovative team development practices have shaped the culture at Wade Hampton—one of the most respected pure golf experiences in the country. What You’ll Learn in this Episode: Intent...
May 20, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Oakland Hills Country Club has long stood as one of the most iconic venues in championship golf—and under the direction of Phil Cuffare, its future is being shaped with purpose and precision. In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Phil to explore how a deep respect for tradition, an unrelenting work ethic, and a commitment to team development are driving one of the most ambitious facility transformations in modern golf history. From his start at SUNY Delhi to his ...
May 15, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 55
In this episode, Ryan Karapas of Control Solutions, Inc. (QualiPro) shares how the company is rebranding from a post-patent chemical provider to a hybrid manufacturer with proprietary products trusted at the highest levels of the golf industry. Long known as a post-patent chemical provider, QualiPro is rewriting its playbook to become a “hybrid manufacturer”—one that blends value-based legacy products with a growing portfolio of proprietary innovations designed for elite-level performance. But t...
May 06, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 54
In this episode of Leadership on the Links , host Tyler Bloom sits down with industry veteran Dave Wilber , whose four-decade journey in turf has taken him from ranches and fairways to a global consulting career. Now in a new role as Director of Customer Success and Agronomy at TerraRad Tech , Dave shares how he’s helping bring game-changing soil moisture technology to the turf world. The conversation explores how TerraRad’s L-band microwave sensors are enabling smarter irrigation and better dec...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 53
On this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Jason Straka, a seasoned golf course architect with over 30 years of experience designing and renovating courses worldwide. Jason’s background in agronomy, environmental design, and construction gives him a unique perspective on the evolution of golf course architecture. We discuss the post-COVID design trends reshaping the industry, from short courses and reversible layouts to an increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental...
Apr 22, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we dive into the world of golf course construction and environmental stewardship with Nick Roth, Director of Greens and Grounds at The Tree Farm. Nick shares his journey from working on major renovation projects at Oakland Hills to leading the ground-up construction of The Tree Farm, a unique new golf destination blending golf, hospitality, and sustainability. We explore the club’s innovative design philosophy, how it balances architectural vision with...
Apr 21, 2025•36 min
In this episode of Leadership on the Links , we sit down with Tom Kaplun , Superintendent at North Hempstead Country Club and President of the New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA) . Tom shares insights into the NYSTA apprenticeship program , a game-changing initiative designed to develop the next generation of turfgrass professionals. We discuss how this program is shaping the future of the golf industry, improving workforce retention, and providing a structured pathway for career growth...
Apr 11, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 50
In this episode, we introduce Rachel Ridgeway as the newest team member at Bloom Golf Partners. We discuss her extensive HR background in private clubs, Bloom Golf Partners' expansion strategy, and how Rachel will integrate into the firm. Rachel Ridgeway’s 13-years of experience in hospitality and manufacturing led her to the private club industry, where she served as an HR executive at Merion Golf Club and Rehoboth Beach Country Club. She specializes in executive recruitment, employee engagemen...
Apr 01, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In this episode of Leadership on the Links , we dive into the findings of a recent survey on assistant superintendent employment trends and career development with industry expert Pat Jones. The conversation sheds light on what today’s assistants need to succeed and how the industry can better support their growth. What you'll learn in this episode: ✅ Mentorship & Development Matter: Assistants are seeking more guidance from superintendents and exposure to high-level responsibilities like bu...
Mar 25, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Evan Schiller, one of the golf industry's most respected course photographers. Evan shares his journey from competitive golfer to capturing some of the world's most stunning golf courses. We discuss the role of photography in shaping a golf course’s brand, the behind-the-scenes work of superintendents, and the evolving trends in course design and maintenance. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Evan transitioned from playing profess...
Mar 18, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler sits down with David J. McGregor, a seasoned turf professional and Master Greenkeeper, to discuss his journey from England to the U.S. and his insights into the differences in golf course management between the two regions. More importantly, David introduces Evoke IQ, an innovative automated budget tracking platform designed to streamline financial management for golf course superintendents and club managers. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Da...
Mar 11, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler sits down with Christopher Brown, CEO of Teed & Brown, a seasoned professional who transitioned from golf course management to the lawn care industry. Chris shares his journey, from working in the golf course industry to leading Teed & Brown, a rapidly growing lawn care company. With a focus on leadership, career growth, and industry evolution, Chris provides valuable insights into balancing business expansion with maintaining a strong co...
Mar 04, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode, host Tyler Bloom is joined by Alyson Johnson, a dynamic leader with over 25 years of diverse experience across the golf industry. From her early days in sports psychology to running her own agency, The Gilly Group, Alyson has carved out an impressive career in marketing, branding, communications, and sponsorships within golf. We explore the vast opportunities available in the business of golf—opportunities that extend far beyond playing or teaching. Alyson shares valuable insigh...
Feb 25, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this episode, the Bloom Golf Partners team recaps their experience at the 2023 GCSAA Conference & Trade Show in San Diego. The team shares their insights and takeaways from the event, including what surprised them, memorable conversations, and how they see the industry evolving. They also discuss the importance of their team dynamic and how they can better communicate their services to the industry. What You'll Learn: Momentum in the Industry Needs to Be Captured: There’s a heightened int...
Feb 18, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In today’s episode, we’re joined by a rising star in the turfgrass industry, Andi Meadows, Assistant Superintendent at TPC San Antonio. With a career that’s a testament to perseverance, continuous learning, and leadership, Andi takes us on a journey from crew member to assistant superintendent. Recently, she was awarded the prestigious $10,000 GCSAA Alan MacCurrach Jr. Scholarship, which will help her complete her degree in turfgrass science. In this insightful conversation, Andi shares the less...
Feb 11, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this episode of Leadership on the Links , host Tyler Bloom sits down with Gina Rizzi, a leader in sustainability and inclusion in the golf industry. Through Radius Sports Group, ARCUS Marketing, and VRA Connect, Gina drives environmental stewardship, economic impact, and inclusion. We’ll discuss her role in developing state-level best management practice (BMP) guides and creating the first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report. Gina also introduces the BMP Hero platform, a groundbreaki...
Feb 04, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode, Tyler is joined by Mitch Rupert to dive into the groundbreaking findings of the 2025 Workforce Trends in Golf Study . If you’ve ever wondered why the golf industry struggles with talent attraction or how it can position itself as a career destination, this is the episode for you. Whether you’re a golf course leader, HR professional, or just curious about the future of golf’s workforce, you’ll leave with actionable insights to help grow the industry. Let’s get started! What You’l...
Jan 28, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Chad Allen, Golf Course Superintendent at Chatham Hills, as they discuss Chad's unique career journey, his leadership insights, and his approach to evolving the golf course management industry. He was recently awarded the Emerging Leader Award by GCSAA. Chad shares how his non-traditional path, which started in substance abuse counseling, has shaped his leadership style and approach to staff empowerment, mentorship, and technol...
Jan 21, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Episode Overview In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Jeff White, CGCS, outgoing President of the GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America). Jeff shares his journey from local chapter leadership to the national stage, offering insights into industry leadership, workforce development, environmental advocacy, and the future of golf course management. Jeff reflects on his experiences, challenges, and the lessons he's learned while representing golf course su...
Jan 14, 2025•54 min•Ep. 38
