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

Summary 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. What You’ll Learn: 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.

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. What you’ll learn 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 Links Connect with Leslie Ludlow (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieludlow/

Summary 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 You’ll Learn 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/  Links Learn more about PondHawk: pondhawk.com Connect on LinkedIn: Linnae Industries LinkedIn Page Follow on X (Twitter): @SolarPondhawk  

Design DNA and Stewardship in Golf Architecture with Andy Staples Summary Golf course architect Andy Staples (Staples Golf Design) joins Tyler to trace his path from sketching a nine-tee, one-green “course” at age 12 to leading restorations and renovations across North America. They dig into classic influences (Langford & Moreau, Raynor, MacKenzie), why he prefers the word stewardship over 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. What You'll Learn 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/  Courses & Projects Mentioned 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. 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/  

 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/