Episode 102
102 | Building Turf Leaders at Merion
with Paul Latshaw and Alex Bonini
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with two of the most respected figures at one of golf’s most iconic clubs, Paul Latshaw, Director of Golf Course Operations at Merion Golf Club, and Golf Course Superintendent Alexander Bonini, to dig into what it really takes to build a culture of excellence in turf management.
From Merion’s legendary impact on the turf industry to the hands-on mentorship philosophy that has shaped careers across the country, Paul and Alex share the principles behind one of the most admired grounds programs in the game. We also get into the evolving role of the superintendent as both a field agronomist and organizational leader, and what may be the most pressing staffing challenge the industry faces.
Whether you’re an intern just entering the field, an assistant looking to take the next step, or a club leader trying to build a winning team, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t find anywhere else.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why Merion Golf Club has functioned like a “teaching hospital” for the turf industry, developing generations of superintendents, assistants, and professionals who’ve gone on to lead elite clubs nationwide.
- How Paul Latshaw approaches staff culture from day one, and why attitude and effort always outrank technical skill when hiring.
- The power of tailored intern experiences and why Alex Bonini and the Merion team leverage their alumni to do the recruiting for them.
- What first-time superintendents almost always misunderstand about the job before they land it.
- How the superintendent role has evolved into a CEO-level position and why staying in the field remains the most valuable thing a great super can do.
- A behind-the-scenes look at preparing Merion for the 2025 US Amateur Championship in August, one of the most demanding tournament prep challenges Paul says he has ever faced.
- Why the equipment manager may be the hardest position to fill at a private club and what clubs need to do right now to prepare for a looming talent gap in that role.
- The generational shift happening in how young turf professionals view their careers, and why Paul and Tyler both believe we are entering a golden age for the turfgrass industry.
Links and Resources
Leadership on the Links Podcast — Listen Here
BOOK A STRATEGY CALL
Paul Latshaw — LinkedIn Profile
Alexander Bonini — LinkedIn Profile
Merion Golf Club — Website
Bloom Golf Partners — bloomgolfpartners.com
Let’s make your team your competitive advantage.
Book a call with Bloom Golf Partners and take the first step towards building a world-class team.
Who is Tyler Bloom?
Tyler Bloom is the leading expert on workforce development in the golf and turfgrass industry. He has worked with dozens of leading golf and sports companies in the United States including The PGA of America, Top 100 golf courses, public, municipal to professional sports teams, universities, and national historic landmarks.