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