Leadership on the Links

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 This Episode: 📈 Career Growth: Jason’s 29-year journey demonstrates the long-game mindset—each phase of his career built on the one before it. Oakmont Experience: Leadership presence, clear communication, and relationship-building were cornerstones of his development at one of the game’s most prestigious clubs. New Challenges: At The Mazzella Partnership, Jason now advises clubs on complex renovation and construction projects, bringing superintendent-level insight to planning and execution. Trending Amenities: Short courses and putting courses are on the rise as clubs adapt to time-conscious members. Project Leadership: Success comes from organized communication, long-term planning, and regular meetings to keep teams aligned and accountable. Links mentioned:  Jason Hurwitz LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hurwitz-00724311/ Mazzella Partnership - https://mazzellapartnership.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. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 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.     What you’ll learn in this episode 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/  

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/  

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 roadmap for intentional culture-building. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why culture isn’t something you build—it’s something you shape How leaders can uncover and understand the current culture before driving change The value of trust, consistency, and communication in cultural transformation Why core values must go beyond the break room wall to actually influence behavior The crucial role leadership and governance play in sustaining cultural change  

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 built the foundation for Greg’s standards, agronomic discipline, and passion for high performance. Why being both a superintendent and a regional manager gives Greg a unique lens on club operations and talent development. The role of Troon Golf's global network in offering advancement opportunities and internal career mobility. How strong relationships and early mentors can shape an entire career trajectory in the golf industry.  

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 philosophy and set a new bar for professionalism What it’s like managing an agronomy operation at 4,100 feet in the mountains of North Carolina How Brian and the Carolinas GCSA turned crisis into opportunity during the pandemic with innovative virtual education Insights into Oakmont’s continued evolution ahead of the U.S. Open—and the lasting pride it instills in its alumni Whether you’re a rising turf leader or a seasoned superintendent, Brian’s story offers tactical wisdom, historical perspective, and a clear reminder of the importance of mentorship, structure, and community in our industry.  

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 Penn State Why Oakmont’s culture of excellence creates a lasting impact on those who work there The evolution of Albert’s career—from superintendent roles to a leadership position in turf technology sales How robotic mowers are transforming labor strategies across golf course operations—and where they’re making the biggest impact

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 professionals Why continuous education and member communication are critical to long-term success The philosophy behind his internship program and how it developed over 200 industry leaders Tactical ways to build member consensus—using visual demos, expert consultants, and storytelling Reflections on leadership, humility, and the evolving role of the modern superintendent  

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 own time at Oakmont and how it shaped his values as a person and professional.      

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 Learn in This Episode Why giving staff the freedom to fail is one of the most effective leadership strategies How to communicate agronomic decisions in a way that resonates with boards and members The systems and mindset behind Justin’s leadership and work philosophy—and why it’s a competitive advantage Lessons learned from mentors at some of the most iconic clubs in the world.   

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 a superintendent, GM, or emerging leader, you'll walk away with practical strategies to make an immediate impact on your team and your club. What You’ll Learn in this Episode Why workplace culture is becoming the #1 driver of recruiting and retention How to build trust through purposeful communication and feedback loops Why “starting small” with culture projects leads to lasting change Tactical strategies for developing interns and AITs into long-term contributors Examples of clubs successfully defining and living out their team values  

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: Intentional leadership and open communication are foundational to Eric’s approach. Assistant superintendents at Wade Hampton receive hands-on leadership training, budget exposure, and mentorship through structured programs. Influenced by mentors like Marsh Benson, Eric emphasizes relationship-building and thoughtful decision-making. Creative development strategies like “Manager of the Week” and “Lunch-and-Learns with Members” help assistants prepare for long-term careers in the turf industry. The culture at Wade Hampton is grounded in excellence, camaraderie, and continuous growth—principles reflected in Eric’s leadership, which champions work-life balance, emotional intelligence, and a deep belief that long-term success comes from investing in people and embracing diverse professional experiences. Links mentioned: Wade Hampton Golf Club: https://www.wadehamptongc.com/

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 mentorships under legends in the industry, Phil shares his journey through the turf industry, including what it means to truly be a steward of a club’s legacy. The conversation also covers Oakland Hills’ major restoration projects, the strategy behind building a passionate and hardworking team, and why culture and standards—not just capital—define success. Whether you’re an aspiring superintendent or a club executive looking to inspire your team, this episode offers powerful leadership insights from one of the top minds in the game. What We Learned from This Episode: ✅ Build for Legacy, Not Just Today – Phil views his role not as a job, but as a stewardship responsibility to uphold Oakland Hills’ rich history and prepare it for the future. ✅ Culture is Built Through Standards – He sets a clear tone: "We don’t have bad days here." High expectations are non-negotiable—and the team rises to meet them. ✅ Facilities Reflect Values – From the $80M clubhouse to a new state-of-the-art maintenance facility, the club’s investment in infrastructure is also an investment in people. ✅ Hire for Passion, Not Just Skill – Phil no longer hires out of desperation. He’s focused on finding people who want careers, not just jobs.

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 this shift isn’t just about chemicals—it’s about changing minds, building trust, and positioning QualiPro as a go-to partner for the most demanding golf course environments in the country. We dive into initiatives like the Elite Advisory Team, QualiPro University, and CSI Academy—designed to build trust, elevate education, and drive performance across all budget levels. From major tournament support to next-gen superintendent development, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how QualiPro is changing the game. Listen in to understand how QualiPro is moving from commodity player to trusted turf partner—and why that matters for the future of golf course conditioning. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How QualiPro is rebranding from a post-patent chemical supplier to a hybrid manufacturer with proprietary solutions The role of the Elite Advisory Team (EAT) in shaping product credibility with top superintendents Why assistant superintendent development is a key focus through QualiPro University How digital education through CSI Academy and YouTube is changing product knowledge delivery The strategy behind supporting major tournaments like the U.S. Open and Players Championship Links mentioned in this episode:  Quali-Pro: https://www.controlsolutionsinc.com/quali-pro  Ryan Karapas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-karapas-94b507132/   

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 decision-making—and why tech like this is becoming essential. But the discussion also dives into leadership, mentorship, and the evolving challenges facing today’s superintendents. Dave opens up about career reinvention, burnout, and the importance of lifelong learning in a fast-changing industry. Whether you’re managing a course, mentoring a team, or just thinking about what’s next, this episode offers real talk, sharp insights, and a clear look at where the turf industry is headed. What we learned from this episode: ✅ Career Reinvention is Possible – Dave transitioned from decades of turf consulting into a tech-forward role at TerraRad Tech, proving that adaptation and lifelong learning keep you relevant. ✅ Technology is Shaping the Future of Turf – TerraRad’s L-band microwave radiometry sensors go beneath the surface—literally—by measuring soil moisture 3-4 inches deep and integrating with platforms like Toro Lynx for intelligent irrigation management. ✅ ROI-Driven Innovation Matters – With water and budget pressures growing, the ability to visualize and act on moisture data is a game-changer for many operations. ✅ Mentorship + Curiosity = Longevity – Dave’s career longevity is rooted in staying curious, reading outside of the turf world, and helping others grow through mentorship. Links mentioned: TerraRad Tech - https://terraradtech.com/turfrad/  David Wilber LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wilber-53696730a/

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 stewardship. Jason also shares insights into the collaborative process between architects, superintendents, and club members—highlighting what makes a project truly successful. If you’re passionate about the future of golf course design, this episode is a must-listen! Key Takeaways 🏌️‍♂️ Jason’s diverse background in agronomy, environmental design, and construction shapes his unique approach to architecture. 🌍 Sustainability is at the forefront, with modern designs focusing on environmental stewardship. ⛳ Post-COVID trends are driving creativity in golf course design, including short courses, reversible layouts, and putting courses. 🤝 Collaboration is key—successful projects require teamwork between architects, superintendents, and club members. 🚀 Attracting new talent to turfgrass science and golf course management is a growing industry challenge. Links & Resources Fry-Straka Global Design - https://www.frystraka.com/