In this episode, host Tyler Bloom is joined by Alyson Johnson, a dynamic leader with over 25 years of diverse experience across the golf industry. From her early days in sports psychology to running her own agency, The Gilly Group, Alyson has carved out an impressive career in marketing, branding, communications, and sponsorships within golf.

We explore the vast opportunities available in the business of golf—opportunities that extend far beyond playing or teaching. Alyson shares valuable insights on personal branding, the challenges and triumphs women face in this male-dominated industry, and the importance of building diverse skill sets for career growth.

You’ll also learn about the fascinating world of golf course design, her perspective on creating memorable golf experiences, and her advice for women aspiring to succeed in golf careers. Plus, Alyson gives us a sneak peek at an exciting project she’ll be announcing soon.

Join us as we uncover actionable strategies and inspiring stories to help you elevate your career and leadership in golf. Let’s tee off this insightful conversation with Alyson Johnson!

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Business of Golf: Behind-the-scenes efforts in the golf industry create exceptional experiences for players and fans. Career paths extend beyond playing or teaching to include roles in law, HR, finance, and more.
• Women in Golf Careers: Women face challenges in a male-dominated industry, often hesitating to apply for roles unless fully qualified. Education on opportunities and strong personal branding can empower women to succeed.
• Personal Branding: A strong personal brand highlights professional appearance, skills, and willingness to learn. It helps others understand your value and opens doors for career growth.
• Construction and Course Design: The process of creating world-class golf courses involves transforming sketches into reality, with careful consideration of terrain, soil, and water. Alyson’s work has given her a deeper appreciation for this art and science.

Soundbites:

“Many people, not just women, don’t fully understand the wide range of career opportunities in the golf industry. When someone says they work in golf, the assumption is often that they are either a player or an instructor. However, the golf industry offers roles in nearly every field, such as law, HR, accounting, culinary arts, and course maintenance. If people realized they could apply their unique skills to a career in golf, it could help address workforce challenges in the industry.” (24:55)

"For women, there’s an added barrier—many don’t feel welcome in golf, even as players. This lack of comfort extends to using golf for professional networking.” (27:08)

Key Quotes:

• “Women are often hesitant to engage due to a fear of seeming inexperienced, whereas men tend to approach these situations with more confidence, even if they’re unsure.”
• “Men will apply for a role even if they meet only one out of ten qualifications, whereas women might hesitate to apply unless they meet nearly all the requirements. This hesitation often stems from a fear of appearing unqualified or not knowing enough, leading women to hold back from trying altogether.”

• “Golf opens so many doors and provides incredible experiences.”
• “Too often, different sectors within golf work in silos, complicating things and even stepping on each other's toes. To avoid this, there needs to be more collaboration and understanding between different players in the industry.”
• “Another challenge is how many players, especially women, don’t realize the range of skills they have. Players are often seen as just athletes, but they are also running businesses—handling marketing, travel, strategy, and finances.”

• “Personal branding also extends to your overall image. Are you professional in appearance and punctual in your commitments? Do you stay informed about industry trends? Who are you surrounding yourself with, and what projects are you working on? Sharing those projects shows the breadth of your experience and knowledge.”

Links and Resources Mentioned:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyson-ramsey-johnson/ 

Website: https://www.gillygroup.com/