Leadership on the Links
Welcome to Leadership on the Links, the essential podcast for golf course superintendents, general managers, and executives who are passionate about mastering the art of golf course management. Hosted by Tyler Bloom, this podcast brings you into the world of golf course leadership with insightful interviews, expert advice, and actionable strategies designed to help you excel in your role. Each episode features in-depth conversations with industry experts who share their knowledge on a wide range of topics, from turf management and sustainability to team leadership and operational efficiency. Tyler's engaging style ensures that every discussion is not only informative but...
112 | John Reilly: Data, Paspalum and Resort Course Leadership
Few voices in the agronomic community carry the credibility of John Reilly, a Director of Agronomy known throughout the industry as "Turf Monkey." John has built one of the more innovative data-driven programs in the country across 45 challenging holes of coastal Florida golf. On this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler sits down with John to explore the career path, the philosophy, and the relentless curiosity behind a benchmark approach to conditioning and member engagement.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How John's formative years at renowned Philadelphia-area clubs, including Rolling Green and Merion, shaped...111 | Joel Simmons: The Pioneer of Biological Soil Management
Leadership on the Links SummitÂ
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/
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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 P...
110 | Golf Industry Sales, Legacy, and Turf Careers with Tom Valentine
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...
109 | Stephen Tucker: AI, Equipment Management, and Golf's Future
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...
108 I Darin Bevard: Championship Agronomy Standards and Prep
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...
107 I Connor Healy: Growing Leaders at Conway Farms Golf Club
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...
106 | Building Winning Club Cultures with Joel Inman
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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...
105 | How Shoal Creek Club was Rebuilt from Ruin
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In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Tim Freund, General Manager of Shoal Creek Club, and James Carroll, Director of Golf Course Maintenance, for a conversation about what it really takes to transform a legendary golf club from the inside out. When a tornado tore through Shoal Creek in 2021 and leveled 2,500 trees in a matter of minutes, it became the unlikely catalyst for one of the most ambitious renovations in the club's nearly 50-year history. Tim and James share how they turned a crisis into a defining...
104 | Kent Johnson: Building Club Culture at Baltimore Country Club
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...
102 | Building Turf Leaders at Merion with Paul Latshaw and Alex Bonini
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...
101 | Pat Jones and Mike Rollins: Golf's Equipment Manager Crisis
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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...
100 | A Milestone Moment: Inside the Future of Private Club Management with Jeff Morgan
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...
099 | Sales, Superintendents and Golf's Workforce Problem with Paul Hurst
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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...
098 | Concert Golf Partners Golf Course Maintenance Division and Growing Turf Talent
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...
097 | From Valhalla to the Field: How John Ballard Traded the Fairways for a New Career Path
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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...
096 | Self-Awareness, Alignment & the Leadership Edge: Unlocking Your Best Self with Aaron Dawson
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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...
095 | From Conference Floors to Championship Culture: What the CMAA Show Revealed About the Future of Golf Club Leadership
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...
094 | Building Trust on the Turf: How Superintendents Win Over Members, GMs, and Boards
Summary
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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...
093 | From the Boardroom to the Fairway: GM & Greens Chair Secrets to a Winning Club Culture
Summary
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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 comm...
092 | Inside the GCSAA 2026 Conference: Growth, Connections & Lessons Learned
Summary
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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 te...
091 | The Unexpected Power of Playing Golf to Build Industry Influence and Trust with Ken Mangum
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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...
090 | From Turf to the Boardroom: Kenton Brunson on Education, Leadership, and the GM Path
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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...
089 | A Journey in Environmental Stewardship with Jim Pavonetti
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...
088 | "Build Better Teams" with Jordan Booth
Summary
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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...
087 | Building TurfNet, Building People: A Career Rooted in Content, Curiosity, and Community
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...
086 | Year End Reflections with the Bloom Golf Partners Team
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.
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What You'll Learn
• How Bloom Golf Pa...
085 I Present Leadership: Why Great Operators Win Anywhere with Brian Zimmerman
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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...
085 I Present Leadership: Why Great Operators Win Anywhere with Brian Zimmerman
Summary
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...
085 I Present Leadership: Why Great Operators Win Anywhere with Brian Zimmerman
Summary
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...
084 | From "Good Enough" to Premium: Visual Storytelling for Clubs That Want More
Summary
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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.
What You'll learn
Why dated...
083 | From Superintendent to Capillary Flow: Rewriting the Turf Career Playbook with David Hardesty
Summary
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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...
082 | Preparing the Next Generation: QP2U and the Evolution of the Superintendent Role
Summary
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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...
081 | Pathways, Not Shortcuts: Inside the NYSTA–SUNY Delhi Apprenticeship Model with Ryan Bain and Sue VanAmburgh
Summary:
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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...
080 | Bridging the Gap: How Apprenticeships Are Rewriting Turf Careers with Ben Czyzewski
Summary:
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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...
079 | Care, Help, Trust: The New Leadership Playbook with Jeff Drummonds
Care, Help, Trust: The New Leadership Playbook with Jeff Drummonds  Summary:  Book a Free Talent Strategy Call  Former Marine and veteran executive coach Jeff Drummonds joins Tyler to unpack how leadership has shifted from intimidation and control to influence and emotional intelligence. Jeff shares his "big three" questions teams are silently asking—Do you care about me? Can you help me? Can I trust you?—and why answering them earns the right to lead. We dig into the EQ-i 2.0 model, why many high performers struggle after promotion, the hard ROI of EQ (turnover, conflict, productivity), and practical ways private clubs can ups...
078 | Grassroots to Game-Changer: Super-Scratch's Mission for Growing the Profession
Summary
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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 w...
077 | Paradigm Shift: Building Teams Where Women Lead with Kristen Liebsch
Summary
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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...
076 | Women Leading Change: The Next Chapter for Private Clubs with Taylor Malantonio
Summary
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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...
075 | Courage, Clarity and Results: Women in Golf that Build Winning Club Culture with Leslie Ludlow
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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...
074 | Innovation, Opportunity, and Pathways into Golf with Sandra Burton
Summary
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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...
