Page 44 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2021

SPORTS & OUTDOORS
As golfers hole out on 2020 and tee o on 2021, optimism about the golf industry is blooming. “Our numbers in
December were outstanding,” said Russ Bloom of Bloom Golf Management. “Rounds and loyalty card sales in December were exceptional, and we saw a 70 percent increase in revenue,” added The Oaks Golf Club general manager.
story by Tommy Snell photos courtesy of Russ Bloom
s a PGA Member, Russ Bloom has always been about growing the game, fertilizing golf
courses with outstanding opportunities for golfers of all ages. “On March 15, 2020
we were 1,000 rounds behind the last couple of years, and at year’s end we ended up 5,000 ahead, doing 2,370 rounds in December alone.”
Golf is back! Golf Datatech reported that “U.S. golf equipment sales for December 2020 were up 58 percent over the same period in 2019.”
Bloom’s sta has grown faster than Bermuda in July. With a little help from his friends, Bloom bought The Oaks in 2014 and started Bloom Golf Management. He now owns three golf courses: Heron Lakes, The Oaks and Oak Knoll. As of January 1, his company began managing Hattiesburg Country Club.
The former San Diego State golfer’s biggest joy is still working with kids who have dreams of becoming great players. “I consider myself
a coach because of my own experiences,”
he admits. Jackson Wedgeworth, Avery Weed
and Hannah Levi are testaments to his passion for teaching young golfers.
Bloom feels a responsibility to “grow the game,” and he is elevating that cliché to a new level. “I was very fortunate to work for Landmark National and OB Sports, two companies that absolutely did things right. I try to share with other courses and golf professionals.”
Wife Leah and daughters Gracie and Katie Rae come rst, but Bloom shares his talents with others. His impact on the game has certainly branched out. Former Gulf Coast Junior Tour player and now Head
Golf Professional at Heron Lakes Gabi Oubre pointed out, “He is a fantastic mentor, especially for a young
person like me who is just starting in the business.”
44 | March 2021
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