Leadership on the Links

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we dive deep into the heart of workplace culture—what it is, how it evolves, and why it matters. Through real-world stories and candid discussion from our June webinar, our hosts explore how understanding existing dynamics, fostering trust, and using data-driven tools can help reshape and sustain a high-performing culture. Whether you’re leading a golf course team, a private club, or any organization that values people, this conversation offers a roadmap for intentional culture-building. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Why culture isn’t something you build—it’s something you shape * How leaders can uncover and understand the current culture before driving change * The value of trust, consistency, and communication in cultural transformation * Why core values must go beyond the break room wall to actually influence behavior * The crucial role leadership and governance play in sustaining cultural change

In today’s episode, we sit down with Greg Eisner, a proven leader in the golf industry whose career spans some of the most recognized names in the game—from Oakmont Country Club to the Trump Organization, and now Fieldstone Golf Club and Troon Golf. Greg shares how his journey—from intern at Oakmont during the 2007 U.S. Open to dual-role leader overseeing ten Troon properties—has shaped his approach to agronomy, leadership, and career development. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How Oakmont built the foundation for Greg’s standards, agronomic discipline, and passion for high performance. * Why being both a superintendent and a regional manager gives Greg a unique lens on club operations and talent development. * The role of Troon Golf's global network in offering advancement opportunities and internal career mobility. * How strong relationships and early mentors can shape an entire career trajectory in the golf industry.

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Brian Stiehler, CGCS, MG, to explore a career rooted in tradition and elevated through leadership. From his early days in Reading, PA, to impactful stints at Oakmont, Augusta, and St. Andrews, Brian shares how these formative experiences shaped his professional path—and how he's applied those lessons at Highlands Country Club for over two decades. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How working at Oakmont inspired Brian’s leadership philosophy and set a new bar for professionalism * What it’s like managing an agronomy operation at 4,100 feet in the mountains of North Carolina * How Brian and the Carolinas GCSA turned crisis into opportunity during the pandemic with innovative virtual education * Insights into Oakmont’s continued evolution ahead of the U.S. Open—and the lasting pride it instills in its alumni Whether you’re a rising turf leader or a seasoned superintendent, Brian’s story offers tactical wisdom, historical perspective, and a clear reminder of the importance of mentorship, structure, and community in our industry.

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we spotlight Albert Geniviva—whose unexpected summer job at Oakmont Country Club launched a dynamic career in turf management. From a college student studying accounting to a turf sales professional driving innovation in robotics, Albert’s journey is a testament to how the right environment can ignite a lifelong passion. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How Albert’s first summer at Oakmont inspired him to switch careers and pursue a turf degree at Penn State * Why Oakmont’s culture of excellence creates a lasting impact on those who work there * The evolution of Albert’s career—from superintendent roles to a leadership position in turf technology sales * How robotic mowers are transforming labor strategies across golf course operations—and where they’re making the biggest impact

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Hurwitz, Senior Project Manager at The Mazzella Partnership, to unpack his 29-year journey through the turf industry—from high school intern to long-time superintendent to his current leadership role guiding clubs through high-impact golf course renovation and construction projects. Jason shares how his early experiences prepared him for today’s consulting work across some of the most ambitious club improvement projects in the country. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * 📈 Career Growth: Jason’s 29-year journey demonstrates the long-game mindset—each phase of his career built on the one before it. * Oakmont Experience: Leadership presence, clear communication, and relationship-building were cornerstones of his development at one of the game’s most prestigious clubs. * New Challenges: At The Mazzella Partnership, Jason now advises clubs on complex renovation and construction projects, bringing superintendent-level insight to planning and execution. * Trending Amenities: Short courses and putting courses are on the rise as clubs adapt to time-conscious members. * Project Leadership: Success comes from organized communication, long-term planning, and regular meetings to keep teams aligned and accountable. Links mentioned:  Jason Hurwitz LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hurwitz-00724311/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hurwitz-00724311/] Mazzella Partnership - https://mazzellapartnership.com/ [https://mazzellapartnership.com/]