Description

The Golf Course Superintendent is responsible for the overall agronomic management, conditioning, and presentation of the golf course and grounds. This includes turf health, irrigation systems, drainage performance, environmental stewardship, and daily course setup. The role requires strong technical expertise, disciplined execution, and structured leadership of the grounds team.

This position must balance improving course conditions with consistent, predictable communication and professionalism with membership.

Agronomic Leadership

• Develop and execute an annual agronomic plan aligned with club standards and budget.
• Maintain high-quality playing conditions across greens, tees, fairways, rough, and practice areas.
• Implement and manage:
• Fertility programs
• Pest and disease control
• Cultural practices (aeration, verticutting, topdressing)
• Prioritize green speed consistency, firmness, and turf health over cosmetic short-term gains.

2. Course Improvement Execution

• Lead and support capital and improvement projects, including:
• Drainage improvements (priority areas: Nos. 11, 17, 18)
• Selective tree removal tied to turf health and playability
• Forward tee expansion and construction
• Bunker renovation support (with contractors)
• Irrigation expansion in targeted areas
• Collaborate with GM and committee on phased execution plans tied to budget and ROI.

3. Irrigation & Water Management

• Maintain and optimize irrigation systems for efficiency and coverage.
• Identify and correct gaps in green surrounds, slopes, and high-stress turf areas.
• Manage water usage responsibly, balancing playability and sustainability.

4. Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, and manage a grounds team (~6 staff).
• Establish clear daily, weekly, and seasonal work plans.
• Build repeatable systems for:
• Morning setup
• Maintenance standards
• Equipment use and care
• Maintain accountability through checklists, not verbal-only direction.

5. Member & Stakeholder Interaction

• Maintain professional, controlled, and respectful communication with members.
• Coordinate with Golf Operations on:
• Course setup
• Tournament preparation
• Cart and traffic management
• Provide clear, simple updates on course conditions and ongoing work when needed.

6. Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets.
• Control labor, chemical, and equipment expenses.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising agronomic integrity.
• Support long-term capital planning (equipment replacement, irrigation, etc.).

7. Equipment & Facilities Oversight

• Ensure all maintenance equipment is properly maintained and utilized.
• Oversee maintenance facility organization, safety, and cleanliness.
• Plan for equipment lifecycle and replacement schedules.

8. Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain proper chemical handling, storage, and application standards.
• Enforce safety protocols across the grounds team.

Performance Expectations

• Measurable improvement in drainage performance on key holes.
• Reduction in turf stress caused by shade (tree management plan execution).
• Increased consistency in playing conditions (especially greens).
• Improved member perception of course conditioning and professionalism.
• Clear, structured daily operations with minimal confusion or rework.

Key Competencies

• Agronomic expertise (cool-season turf preferred)
• Systems thinking and operational structure
• Calm, controlled communication style
• Problem-solving under constraints (budget, labor, infrastructure)
• Ability to execute long-term plans without overreacting to short-term pressure

Qualifications

• Degree or certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, or related field
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in a superintendent or assistant role
• Pesticide applicator license (or ability to obtain)
• Strong knowledge of irrigation systems and drainage solutions
• Experience with course renovation or improvement projects preferred

Success Profile for This Role

• Prioritizes consistency over intensity
• Executes plans rather than reacting emotionally to conditions or feedback
• Communicates simply and professionally with members and leadership
• Builds systems that reduce reliance on personality or daily improvisation