Episode 055

055 I Cultivating a Championship Culture

with Phil Cuffare

Oakland Hills Country Club has long stood as one of the most iconic venues in championship golf—and under the direction of Phil Cuffare, its future is being shaped with purpose and precision. In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler sits down with Phil to explore how a deep respect for tradition, an unrelenting work ethic, and a commitment to team development are driving one of the most ambitious facility transformations in modern golf history.

From his start at SUNY Delhi to his mentorships under industry legends, Phil shares his journey through the turf industry, including what it means to truly be a steward of a club’s legacy. The conversation also covers Oakland Hills’ major restoration projects, the strategy behind building a passionate and hardworking team, and why culture and standards—not just capital—define success.

Whether you’re an aspiring superintendent or a club executive looking to inspire your team, this episode offers powerful leadership insights from one of the top minds in the game.

What We Learned from This Episode:

✅ Build for Legacy, Not Just Today – Phil views his role not as a job, but as a stewardship responsibility to uphold Oakland Hills’ rich history and prepare it for the future.
✅ Culture is Built Through Standards – He sets a clear tone: “We don’t have bad days here.” High expectations are non-negotiable—and the team rises to meet them.
✅ Facilities Reflect Values – From the $80M clubhouse to a new state-of-the-art maintenance facility, the club’s investment in infrastructure is also an investment in people.
✅ Hire for Passion, Not Just Skill – Phil no longer hires out of desperation. He’s focused on finding people who want careers, not just jobs.