023 | Hitting the Right Notes: From Music Industry to Leadership in Golf

In this episode of Leadership on the Links, we explore the career journey of Jason Tharp, a golf course superintendent whose unconventional path led him from the music industry to one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the country.  Career Journey: From Music to Turf Jason Tharp’s story begins in Nashville, where he grew up surrounded by the music industry. After high school, he took jobs at local golf courses to make ends meet, all while exploring a career in recording arts. But it wasn’t long before he realized that his true passion lay outdoors. Seeking to blend his newfound love for golf course management with a formal education, Jason enrolled in Penn State’s online turf management program. He quickly worked his way up in the golf industry, starting from mowing greens to becoming a superintendent in Miami and Atlanta. His career path took a significant leap when he recently accepted the superintendent role at the renowned Gulfstream Golf Club, solidifying his place among the top leaders in the industry. Authenticity and Passion: Key to Career Advancement One of the key lessons Jason emphasizes is the value of authenticity. In his words, "You can’t fake passion and authenticity in interviews—it comes through in your energy and presence.” This approach helped him stand out, where he leveraged his creativity, including using drone footage, to showcase his vision for the course. Jason’s advice for career growth is rooted in the belief that you should "be the person now that you want to become." He encourages others to embrace hard work and maintain curiosity in every role they take on. His own career reflects this philosophy, as he continuously sought out opportunities to learn and grow, even when they required stepping outside of his comfort zone. Leadership and Management: Balancing Vision with Compassion As a superintendent, Jason's leadership style is defined by his ability to balance a clear vision with compassion for his staff. He believes that effective leadership comes from not only painting a strong vision for the team but also being open to their input and ideas. Jason took on a dual role as general manager (GM) at one point to further grow his leadership skills. This experience taught him the importance of supporting expert staff and the value of clear communication. "You can't be an expert in everything right away," he explains, emphasizing that GMs must rely on the expertise of their department heads while ensuring alignment with the club’s overall goals. He also stresses the importance of communicating the value of industry involvement to club members and committees, ensuring that the work of the superintendent and staff is fully understood and appreciated.    Soundbytes: “You can’t fake passion and authenticity in interviews—it comes through in your energy and presence.” (17:07-18:00) “Be selective and strategic about industry involvement, waiting 1-2 years in a new role before taking on significant association commitments. This ensures the right balance between their day job and outside responsibilities.” (47:22-48:00) Quotes: “In past interviews, I’ve tried to say the right things or do the right things, and I really wasn’t myself. This time, I was myself, and it took the pressure off.” "Leadership is not just about managing the course; it's about communicating how our work benefits the club.” “I’m all about coming in and being strong and painting a picture and a vision, but also being compassionate and listening to those that are around you.” “What ideas do you have, what concerns do you have, what do you need to do your job at the highest level and I think that when you do that, then people get it and they're like, oh my gosh, this this guy or girl is not just here to point the finger and to rule over and to run people over.”   Links Mentioned in This Episode: Tyler Bloom Consulting: https://tylerbloomconsulting.com/ Connect with Jason on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-tharp/