091 | The Unexpected Power of Playing Golf to Build Industry Influence and Trust with Ken Mangum
Fri Feb 06 2026
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Summary
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Ken Mangum, longtime golf course superintendent and respected industry consultant, to discuss leadership, course standards, workforce development, and the evolving expectations within golf operations. Ken reflects on lessons from his decades of experience, including building long-term leadership teams, managing championship-level expectations, and creating workplace cultures that attract and retain talent.
The conversation explores how clear maintenance standards reduce operational "noise," why superintendents benefit professionally from playing golf, and how relationship-building with committees and members strengthens long-term success. Ken also shares perspectives on staffing challenges, developing talent from within, emerging turfgrass innovations like Zoysia, and the future of workforce recruitment in golf. The episode concludes with practical hiring advice, including preparation for Zoom interviews and how professionals can better present themselves during job searches.
What You'll Learn
• Why establishing maintenance standards creates consistency and minimizes operational conflict
• How leadership, communication, and culture shape long-term success in golf operations
• Why employee care and appreciation lead to stronger retention and recruitment
• How playing golf improves professional relationships and operational understanding • The benefits and growing adoption of Zoysia grass for playability and maintenance efficiency
• Practical hiring advice, including how to prepare for modern Zoom interviews
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and Ken Mangum career journey in golf course management
05:30 – Managing championship expectations and reducing operational noise
09:30 – Leadership, committees, and relationship management
12:00 – Workforce challenges and staffing evolution in golf
14:00 – Employee retention and culture-building strategies
18:30 – Full-time staffing versus seasonal workforce models
22:30 – Why superintendents benefit from playing golf
28:30 – Using golf to build credibility and member relationships
32:30 – Recruiting challenges and developing talent within the industry 40:20 – Zoysia grass adoption and maintenance advantages
49:30 – Hiring advice and preparing for interviews
59:30 – Why Zoom interviews now play a critical role in hiring decisions
Links Mentioned
Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com GCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.org
Syngenta Turf Solutions: https://www.syngenta-us.com/turf Dream Golf Developments: https://dreamgolf.com
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Book a Strategy Call Summary In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Ken Mangum, longtime golf course superintendent and respected industry consultant, to discuss leadership, course standards, workforce development, and the evolving expectations within golf operations. Ken reflects on lessons from his decades of experience, including building long-term leadership teams, managing championship-level expectations, and creating workplace cultures that attract and retain talent. The conversation explores how clear maintenance standards reduce operational "noise," why superintendents benefit professionally from playing golf, and how relationship-building with committees and members strengthens long-term success. Ken also shares perspectives on staffing challenges, developing talent from within, emerging turfgrass innovations like Zoysia, and the future of workforce recruitment in golf. The episode concludes with practical hiring advice, including preparation for Zoom interviews and how professionals can better present themselves during job searches. What You'll Learn • Why establishing maintenance standards creates consistency and minimizes operational conflict • How leadership, communication, and culture shape long-term success in golf operations • Why employee care and appreciation lead to stronger retention and recruitment • How playing golf improves professional relationships and operational understanding • The benefits and growing adoption of Zoysia grass for playability and maintenance efficiency • Practical hiring advice, including how to prepare for modern Zoom interviews Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Ken Mangum career journey in golf course management 05:30 – Managing championship expectations and reducing operational noise 09:30 – Leadership, committees, and relationship management 12:00 – Workforce challenges and staffing evolution in golf 14:00 – Employee retention and culture-building strategies 18:30 – Full-time staffing versus seasonal workforce models 22:30 – Why superintendents benefit from playing golf 28:30 – Using golf to build credibility and member relationships 32:30 – Recruiting challenges and developing talent within the industry 40:20 – Zoysia grass adoption and maintenance advantages 49:30 – Hiring advice and preparing for interviews 59:30 – Why Zoom interviews now play a critical role in hiring decisions Links Mentioned Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com GCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.org Syngenta Turf Solutions: https://www.syngenta-us.com/turf Dream Golf Developments: https://dreamgolf.com