Bloom is honored for his article in GCSAA’s Golf Course Management magazine
Lawrence, Kan. — Tyler Bloom, a former golf course superintendent who now serves as a workforce and talent development consultant, has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Leo Feser Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Now in its 43rd year, the award is presented annually to the author of the best superintendent-written article published in Golf Course Management, the association’s flagship publication, during the previous year.
A nine-year member of GCSAA, Bloom authored the story “Ready, willing and able,” (STORY LINK: https://www.gcmonline.com/profession/operations/news/inclusive-golf-course-employees) which was published in the January 2020 issue of GCM. The story highlighted the partnership between Baltimore’s Sparrows Point Country Club — where Bloom served as director of grounds and facilities at the time of publication — and The Arc Baltimore, an organization that connects local residents who have intellectual or developmental disabilities with meaningful employment. The partnership helped Bloom solve a persistent staffing challenge at Sparrows Point, and gave individuals from The Arc the opportunity to learn a unique skill set, be part of a team, and develop their professional and personal skills. Bloom is now the principal at Tyler Bloom Consulting, which assists golf courses with labor and talent development.
“Writing has always been a passion, and to be acknowledged along a who’s-who list of previous award winners is humbling,” Bloom says. “It’s an honor to be linked to the prestigious award, knowing how instrumental Leo Feser was during a critical point in our country’s history to keep our industry engaged through professional messages, stories and insights.”
GCSAA President John R. Fulling Jr., CGCS, says, “Superintendents helping other superintendents is a principle that dates back to GCSAA’s founding, and superintendent-authored stories in GCM are among the most notable ways that our members live that principle. Tyler’s story is an excellent example of this. It highlights a unique solution to a common problem for all superintendents, one that has the added benefit of supporting the community and helping others find value and worth in their jobs. He is a worthy recipient of our 2020 Leo Feser Award.”
Bloom says he felt an obligation to write this story “because people with disabilities are often overlooked in our society let alone our industry. Most people don’t realize, but around 20% of the U.S. population has some kind of disability. There’s tremendous value way beyond business metrics, including personal and team growth.
“We as an industry need to take a hard look in the mirror with what is going on with our labor shortages, and consider golf’s impact on the communities around us. A large percentage of our failures are a direct result of the barriers we have created. Creating inclusive systems, processes and cultures will allow business and industry to thrive. Most importantly, this experience broadened my IQ and self-awareness, which ultimately strengthened our team’s purpose.”
As part of winning the Leo Feser Award, Bloom will be recognized during the virtual 2021 Golf Industry Show, Feb. 2-4. He will also have his name engraved on a plaque that is permanently displayed at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan.
The Leo Feser Award honors the late Leo Feser, a pioneering golf course superintendent and a charter member of GCSAA. Feser is credited with keeping the association’s official publication alive during the Great Depression. For three years, 1933-36, he wrote, edited, assembled and published each issue of The Greenkeepers’ Report — as the association’s magazine was known then — from his home in Wayzata, Minn. The award was first presented in 1956 and has been given annually since 1977. Members of GCSAA’s GCM Editorial Board Task Group select the winner of the award each year.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
