In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom sits down with Scott Pavalko, the Superintendent at Castle Pines Golf Club, as he shares his journey from his early days in Ohio to leading at iconic courses like Muirfield Village and Cog Hill. Scott discusses the unique challenges of transitioning to Castle Pines, managing turf in diverse climates, and his commitment to continuous improvement in golf course management.

Scott offers valuable lessons on leadership, focusing on the importance of adaptability, resilience, and relationship-building. He reflects on his own leadership evolution and how mentorship, strategic decision-making, and clear communication have been integral to his success. You’ll also hear about the balance of managing high expectations from both staff and members, while prioritizing family and work-life balance.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Turf Management Strategies: Key considerations for navigating climate challenges and managing turf in different environments.
• Continued Growth: The significance of ongoing learning and making incremental improvements to elevate the member experience.
• Being Adaptable: How to lead through change, adapt to new challenges, and manage high-stakes decisions with clarity and confidence.
• Leadership Evolution: The role of mentorship, relationship-building, and strategic thinking in long-term career success.
• Work-Life Balance: Insights into managing a demanding career while maintaining resilience and prioritizing family life.

Soundbytes: "I was very naive as to kind of what the turf industry was." (5:21 - 5:25)

"My dad's saying was, you kill him with kindness, and that was kind of his motif."  (40:01)

Quotes: "I think it's just listening and being willing to learn. Not everything's the same, but the fundamentals are."

"I think it's just the way I'm wired and it's what I love about the job is just always trying to find ways to get better. And then if we can't find ways to get better, then let's try to find ways to keep doing what we're doing more efficiently or find ways to just give people better balance in life or whatever it may be."

"He's the Michael Jordan of Superintendents, and he's the most humble person you will find."

"I could not be more proud of how these guys responded and it was really incredible to see. It wasn't without its hiccups. I mean, everybody invested a lot of time and probably some of them to the detriment of their personal life, the sacrifice that was put forth to put this tournament on. Which happens every week on the PGA Tour."

Links Mentioned in this Podcast:

Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/ Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pavalko-310a8989/