Leadership on the Links

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/ [https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/] Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pavalko-310a8989/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pavalko-310a8989/]

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