Episode 087
Building TurfNet, Building People: A Career Rooted in Content, Curiosity, and Community
with Peter McCormick
Summary
In this episode of Leadership on the Links, Tyler Bloom is joined by Peter McCormick, founder of TurfNet and one of the most influential voices in golf course management. Peter reflects on his 32-year journey building TurfNet, the evolution of the superintendent profession, and why focusing on people, content, and communication has always mattered more than chasing revenue. The conversation explores leadership, mentorship, technology, rising industry costs, work-life balance, and what it truly takes to build a sustainable and meaningful career in the golf and club industry. Peter also shares candid insights as he prepares for retirement, leaving behind a legacy rooted in service, curiosity, and long-term impact.
What You’ll Learn
• Why leading with valuable content and community building creates long-term trust and sustainable growth
• How the superintendent role has evolved in skill, compensation, and responsibility over the past three decades
• Why communication and mentorship remain two of the biggest gaps in the golf industry today
• How AI and emerging technology can support better decision-making without replacing human connection
• What separates great superintendents and leaders from good ones
• Practical advice for young professionals entering the industry, including mobility, resilience, and family balance
Timestamps
00:00 – Content-first business philosophy and why revenue follows value
01:40 – Introducing Peter McCormick and TurfNet’s early support of Bloom Golf Partners
03:50 – Building TurfNet and identifying unmet needs in the industry
07:38 – How the superintendent profession has changed over the past 30 years
09:00 – Rising salaries, equipment costs, and long-term sustainability concerns
12:50 – Curiosity, people-watching, and staying engaged in the industry
15:40 – Personal reflections on golf, family priorities, and career balance
23:25 – The role of AI and technology in modern golf course management
29:40 – The decline of blogs and why long-form communication still matters
36:15 – What separates great superintendents from good ones
39:35 – Communication, mentorship, and building strong team cultures
47:05 – Advice for young professionals entering the industry
53:45 – Letting professionals do their jobs and avoiding unnecessary interference
56:10 – Retirement, legacy, and lessons from 32 years of TurfNet
01:06:20 – Closing reflections on impact, relationships, and industry contribution
Links Mentioned
Bloom Golf Partners Website: https://www.bloomgolfpartners.com
TurfNet: https://www.turfnet.com
GCSAA Conference & Show: https://www.gcsaa.org
Penn State Turfgrass Program: https://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/turf
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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.