Summary
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Jordan Booth, a senior leader with the USGA Green Section, to explore the future of workforce development, apprenticeship, and leadership in the golf industry. Jordan shares his career journey from golf course maintenance to academia and ultimately to the USGA, highlighting the mentors, experiences, and values that shaped his path.
The conversation dives deep into the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent, the importance of structured apprenticeship programs, and why training employers is just as critical as training employees. Tyler and Jordan discuss mentorship, communication, consulting, and the non-agronomic skills that separate good superintendents from great ones. They also examine reinvestment trends in golf, the balance between aspirational projects and fundamental infrastructure, and the role of lifelong learning in building sustainable teams and careers.
Jordan offers candid insights on leadership, humility, continuous development, and the long-term impact of mentorship, emphasizing that meaningful change in the industry happens through people, process, and consistent fundamentals.
What You'll Learn
• Why apprenticeship and workforce development require total buy-in from both employers and mentors
• How strong culture, communication, and team buy-in drive successful recruiting and retention
• Why training employers to recruit, develop, and mentor talent is a critical industry gap
• The importance of lifelong learning and continuous development for superintendents and leaders
• How consultants and organizations like the USGA can support better decision-making and communication
• The difference between aspirational projects and foundational infrastructure investments
• Why fundamentals like drainage, sunlight, and water management still matter more than technology alone
• How mentorship can create lasting impact and shape the next generation of industry leaders
Timestamps
00:00 – Workforce development focus and challenges of administering apprenticeship programs
01:40 – Recruiting cycles, mentor partnerships, and long-term program growth
03:50 – Evolution of apprenticeship models and industry-wide collaboration
05:30 – Purpose-driven work and why impact matters more than monetization
07:20 – Building team buy-in and strong workplace culture
09:20 – Structural gaps in recruiting, training, and retention
11:10 – Training the trainer and why labor issues persist
12:55 – Non-agronomic skills and professional development gaps
15:00 – Lifelong learning, mentorship, and continuous growth
16:45 – Leveraging consultants and external expertise effectively
18:50 – Communication, credibility, and building consensus
20:55 – Reinvestment in golf and resetting long-term club trajectories
25:20 – Aspirational projects vs. fundamental infrastructure needs
27:35 – Why fundamentals still drive long-term success
31:10 – Technology as a tool—not a replacement for basics
32:50 – Jordan Booth's career journey into the USGA
36:55 – Apprenticeship programs and global perspectives
39:00 – Mentorship, legacy, and changing lives
41:05 – Process, consistency, and leadership reflection
43:30 – Favorite foursome and golf experiences
45:55 – USGA Museum highlights and educating the public
48:05 – Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program and resources
49:55 – Closing reflections on leadership and impact
Links Mentioned
Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com
USGA Greenkeeper Apprenticeship Program: https://www.usga.org
USGA Green Section Record: https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/course-care/green-section-record.html
