In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we unpack what it really takes to build and sustain a top-tier workplace culture in the golf industry from our monthly webinar series.  Tyler is joined by Rachel Ridgeway of Bloom Golf Partners to discuss culture, one that attracts, retains, and develops great talent. 

Culture isn’t a line item on a budget. It’s a leadership choice—and your best competitive advantage in a tight labor market. Build it on purpose, or lose people by default.

Whether you're a superintendent, GM, or emerging leader, you'll walk away with practical strategies to make an immediate impact on your team and your club.

• Why workplace culture is becoming the #1 driver of recruiting and retention

• How to build trust through purposeful communication and feedback loops

• Why “starting small” with culture projects leads to lasting change

• Tactical strategies for developing interns and AITs into long-term contributors

• Examples of clubs successfully defining and living out their team values

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Shomaker, Director of Golf Course and Grounds at Wade Hampton Golf Club, to explore his journey in the golf industry, leadership philosophy, and commitment to developing the next generation of golf course superintendents.

Eric shares how intentional leadership, mentorship, and innovative team development practices have shaped the culture at Wade Hampton—one of the most respected pure golf experiences in the country.

What You’ll Learn in this Episode:

• Intentional leadership and open communication are foundational to Eric’s approach.

• Assistant superintendents at Wade Hampton receive hands-on leadership training, budget exposure, and mentorship through structured programs.

• Influenced by mentors like Marsh Benson, Eric emphasizes relationship-building and thoughtful decision-making.

• Creative development strategies like “Manager of the Week” and “Lunch-and-Learns with Members” help assistants prepare for long-term careers in the turf industry.

• The culture at Wade Hampton is grounded in excellence, camaraderie, and continuous growth—principles reflected in Eric’s leadership, which champions work-life balance, emotional intelligence, and a deep belief that long-term success comes from investing in people and embracing diverse professional experiences.

Links mentioned:

Wade Hampton Golf Club: https://www.wadehamptongc.com/

Oakland Hills Country Club has long stood as one of the most iconic venues in championship golf—and under the direction of Phil Cuffare, its future is being shaped with purpose and precision. In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom sits down with Phil to explore how a deep respect for tradition, an unrelenting work ethic, and a commitment to team development are driving one of the most ambitious facility transformations in modern golf history.

From his start at SUNY Delhi to his mentorships under legends in the industry, Phil shares his journey through the turf industry, including what it means to truly be a steward of a club’s legacy. The conversation also covers Oakland Hills’ major restoration projects, the strategy behind building a passionate and hardworking team, and why culture and standards—not just capital—define success.

Whether you’re an aspiring superintendent or a club executive looking to inspire your team, this episode offers powerful leadership insights from one of the top minds in the game.

What We Learned from This Episode:

✅ Build for Legacy, Not Just Today – Phil views his role not as a job, but as a stewardship responsibility to uphold Oakland Hills’ rich history and prepare it for the future. ✅ Culture is Built Through Standards – He sets a clear tone: "We don’t have bad days here." High expectations are non-negotiable—and the team rises to meet them. ✅ Facilities Reflect Values – From the $80M clubhouse to a new state-of-the-art maintenance facility, the club’s investment in infrastructure is also an investment in people. ✅ Hire for Passion, Not Just Skill – Phil no longer hires out of desperation. He’s focused on finding people who want careers, not just jobs.

In this episode, Ryan Karapas of Control Solutions, Inc. (QualiPro) shares how the company is rebranding from a post-patent chemical provider to a hybrid manufacturer with proprietary products trusted at the highest levels of the golf industry. 

Long known as a post-patent chemical provider, QualiPro is rewriting its playbook to become a “hybrid manufacturer”—one that blends value-based legacy products with a growing portfolio of proprietary innovations designed for elite-level performance. But this shift isn’t just about chemicals—it’s about changing minds, building trust, and positioning QualiPro as a go-to partner for the most demanding golf course environments in the country.

We dive into initiatives like the Elite Advisory Team, QualiPro University, and CSI Academy—designed to build trust, elevate education, and drive performance across all budget levels. From major tournament support to next-gen superintendent development, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how QualiPro is changing the game.

Listen in to understand how QualiPro is moving from commodity player to trusted turf partner—and why that matters for the future of golf course conditioning.

• How QualiPro is rebranding from a post-patent chemical supplier to a hybrid manufacturer with proprietary solutions

• The role of the Elite Advisory Team (EAT) in shaping product credibility with top superintendents

• Why assistant superintendent development is a key focus through QualiPro University

• How digital education through CSI Academy and YouTube is changing product knowledge delivery

• The strategy behind supporting major tournaments like the U.S. Open and Players Championship

Links mentioned in this episode: 

Quali-Pro: https://www.controlsolutionsinc.com/quali-pro 

Ryan Karapas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-karapas-94b507132/ 

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, host Tyler Bloom sits down with industry veteran Dave Wilber, whose four-decade journey in turf has taken him from ranches and fairways to a global consulting career. Now in a new role as Director of Customer Success and Agronomy at TerraRad Tech, Dave shares how he’s helping bring game-changing soil moisture technology to the turf world.

The conversation explores how TerraRad’s L-band microwave sensors are enabling smarter irrigation and better decision-making—and why tech like this is becoming essential. But the discussion also dives into leadership, mentorship, and the evolving challenges facing today’s superintendents. Dave opens up about career reinvention, burnout, and the importance of lifelong learning in a fast-changing industry.

Whether you’re managing a course, mentoring a team, or just thinking about what’s next, this episode offers real talk, sharp insights, and a clear look at where the turf industry is headed.

✅ Career Reinvention is Possible – Dave transitioned from decades of turf consulting into a tech-forward role at TerraRad Tech, proving that adaptation and lifelong learning keep you relevant.

✅ Technology is Shaping the Future of Turf – TerraRad’s L-band microwave radiometry sensors go beneath the surface—literally—by measuring soil moisture 3-4 inches deep and integrating with platforms like Toro Lynx for intelligent irrigation management.

✅ ROI-Driven Innovation Matters – With water and budget pressures growing, the ability to visualize and act on moisture data is a game-changer for many operations.

✅ Mentorship + Curiosity = Longevity – Dave’s career longevity is rooted in staying curious, reading outside of the turf world, and helping others grow through mentorship.

Links mentioned:

TerraRad Tech - https://terraradtech.com/turfrad/ 

David Wilber LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wilber-53696730a/

On this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Jason Straka, a seasoned golf course architect with over 30 years of experience designing and renovating courses worldwide. Jason’s background in agronomy, environmental design, and construction gives him a unique perspective on the evolution of golf course architecture.

We discuss the post-COVID design trends reshaping the industry, from short courses and reversible layouts to an increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Jason also shares insights into the collaborative process between architects, superintendents, and club members—highlighting what makes a project truly successful. If you’re passionate about the future of golf course design, this episode is a must-listen!

🏌️‍♂️ Jason’s diverse background in agronomy, environmental design, and construction shapes his unique approach to architecture. 🌍 Sustainability is at the forefront, with modern designs focusing on environmental stewardship. ⛳ Post-COVID trends are driving creativity in golf course design, including short courses, reversible layouts, and putting courses. 🤝 Collaboration is key—successful projects require teamwork between architects, superintendents, and club members. 🚀 Attracting new talent to turfgrass science and golf course management is a growing industry challenge.

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we dive into the world of golf course construction and environmental stewardship with Nick Roth, Director of Greens and Grounds at The Tree Farm. Nick shares his journey from working on major renovation projects at Oakland Hills to leading the ground-up construction of The Tree Farm, a unique new golf destination blending golf, hospitality, and sustainability.

We explore the club’s innovative design philosophy, how it balances architectural vision with maintenance practicality, and the environmental initiatives shaping the course’s future. If you’re interested in course design, turf management, or what it takes to build a world-class golf experience from scratch, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

🌲 The Tree Farm’s unique design blends heathland and sandhills influences, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. ⛳ Nick’s experience at Oakland Hills helped prepare him for the challenges of course construction and management from the ground up. 🏗️ The design evolved during construction, with on-the-spot decisions shaping the final layout. 🔥 Sustainability efforts include controlled burns, native plant restoration, and collaboration with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. 🔮 The future of The Tree Farm includes continuous refinements, potential course expansions, and a focus on enhancing the member experience.

Links and Resources mentioned:

Nick Roth - LinkedIn Profile

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Tom Kaplun, Superintendent at North Hempstead Country Club and President of the New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA). Tom shares insights into the NYSTA apprenticeship program, a game-changing initiative designed to develop the next generation of turfgrass professionals.

We discuss how this program is shaping the future of the golf industry, improving workforce retention, and providing a structured pathway for career growth. Whether you’re a superintendent, a golf course operator, or someone looking to break into the industry, this conversation is packed with valuable insights!

⛳ The NYSTA apprenticeship program offers structured education and hands-on training for turfgrass professionals. 🌱 Workforce development benefits, including skill-building, employee retention, and career advancement. 🎓 Open to a diverse range of individuals, from recent graduates to career changers and experienced employees. 🤝 Industry partners play a crucial role by supporting through equipment donations, scholarships, and program promotion.

🔗 NYSTA Apprenticeship Program – https://nystaapprenticeship.com/

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Tom Kaplun, Superintendent at North Hempstead Country Club and President of the New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA). Tom shares insights into the NYSTA apprenticeship program, a game-changing initiative designed to develop the next generation of turfgrass professionals. We discuss how this program is shaping the future of the golf industry, improving workforce retention, and providing a structured pathway for career growth. Whether you're a superintendent, a golf course operator, or someone looking to break into the industry, this conversation is packed with valuable insights!

⛳ The NYSTA apprenticeship program offers structured education and hands-on training for turfgrass professionals. 🌱 Workforce development benefits, including skill-building, employee retention, and career advancement. 🎓 Open to a diverse range of individuals, from recent graduates to career changers and experienced employees. 🤝 Industry partners play a crucial role by supporting through equipment donations, scholarships, and program promotion.

🔗 NYSTA Apprenticeship Program - https://nystaapprenticeship.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share the podcast! Stay tuned for more conversations on leadership, innovation, and the future of golf course management. 🎙️

In this episode, we introduce Rachel Ridgeway as the newest team member at Bloom Golf Partners. We discuss her extensive HR background in private clubs, Bloom Golf Partners' expansion strategy, and how Rachel will integrate into the firm.

Rachel Ridgeway’s 13-years of experience in hospitality and manufacturing led her to the private club industry, where she served as an HR executive at Merion Golf Club and Rehoboth Beach Country Club. She specializes in executive recruitment, employee engagement, and club governance, with a passion for the unique dynamics of private clubs. 

A SHRM-CP certified professional and Lumina Learning practitioner, Rachel has successfully recruited for leadership roles across private clubs, including Assistant General Managers, Superintendents, Executive Chefs, and Directors of Finance.

This episode is packed with practical insights for General Managers, Club Leaders, and Superintendents looking to enhance hiring, retention, and leadership development strategies in their organizations. 

• HR Expertise in Private Clubs – Rachel has placed key club leadership roles, bringing best practices to streamline the search process and enhance recruitment outcomes.

• Strategic Integration of HR Best Practices – Rachel’s discusses the value of strategic initiatives including structured onboarding, exit interviews, and employee engagement strategies.

• Building Long-Term Leadership Pipelines – Develop stronger hiring frameworks to help clubs attract, retain, and develop top talent. Establishing core values, conducting annual employee satisfaction surveys, and implementing recognition programs create engaged teams and reduce turnover.

• Leadership & Development Initiatives: Rachel’s experience includes launching supervisor peer groups, Lumina Spark workshops, and leadership retreats to strengthen club leadership teams.

Links in this episode:

Rachel Ridgeway - LinkedIn

Bloom Golf Partners - www.bloomgolfpartners.com