Leadership on the Links

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/

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. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 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. Notable Moments & Takeaways: 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. Links & Resources: 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/ Connect with Bloom Golf Partners: 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 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

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

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 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.comGCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.orgPenn State Turfgrass Program: https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf

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/

Summary Book a Free Talent Strategy Call In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler sits down with David Hardesty of Capillary Flow to unpack two big themes shaping the turf side of the golf industry: non-traditional career paths and technology that actually makes superintendents' lives easier. David walks through his journey from turf school and construction projects with Jack 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. What You'll Learn 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/