Description

Golf Course Superintendent

Turtle Creek Club | Tequesta, Florida
Reports To: General Manager

Position Summary

The Golf Course Superintendent is responsible for the overall leadership, maintenance, conditioning, and environmental stewardship of the golf course and related grounds at the Turtle Creek Club in Tequesta, Florida. This role oversees daily golf course operations, long-term agronomic planning, staff leadership, budget management, and capital improvement execution while delivering exceptional playing conditions year-round.

The Superintendent works collaboratively with the General Manager, Golf Professional staff, Green Chairman, and the Greens & Grounds Committee to align course conditioning, maintenance standards, and long-range priorities with the club's strategic goals and member expectations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Course & Grounds Management

• Direct and oversee all aspects of golf course maintenance including greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, irrigation systems, lakes, and landscaped areas
• Develop and execute a comprehensive agronomic plan tailored to South Florida conditions, including fertility, pest management, and seasonal transitions
• Ensure consistent playing conditions that balance turf health, playability, and presentation
• Monitor course conditions daily and adjust maintenance practices in response to weather patterns, usage, and seasonal demands

Environmental Stewardship & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including water management and chemical application requirements
• Implement and maintain Best Management Practices (BMPs) for sustainability and responsible resource use
• Manage irrigation scheduling and water usage to support turf health while promoting conservation

Leadership & Staff Management

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise all golf course maintenance personnel
• Foster a positive, safety-focused, and team-oriented culture
• Conduct performance evaluations and support ongoing staff development and professional certification
• Enforce safety protocols, OSHA standards, and proper equipment use

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Prepare, manage, and administer the annual golf course maintenance operating and capital budgets
• Track expenses, control costs, and identify efficiencies without compromising course conditions
• Participate in long-range planning for capital projects including irrigation, drainage, bunkers, greens, and equipment replacement

Equipment & Infrastructure

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all golf course maintenance equipment and facilities
• Coordinate equipment purchasing, leasing, and preventative maintenance programs
• Manage relationships with vendors, contractors, and consultants as needed

Committee Collaboration

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Green Chairman and the Greens & Grounds Committee
• Provide professional insight, data, and recommendations regarding course conditions, agronomic practices, environmental stewardship, and capital priorities
• Attend committee meetings as requested to present updates, answer questions, and review short- and long-term maintenance plans
• Partner with the Green Chairman and committee to align member expectations with agronomic best practices and operational realities
• Execute all approved maintenance plans and projects under the direction of the General Manager, consistent with club policies and governance structure

Communication & Member Relations

• Maintain open and effective communication with the General Manager regarding course conditions, priorities, and upcoming projects
• Support member communications, presentations, and committee materials as needed
• Work closely with the Golf Professional staff to coordinate course setup, tournaments, and special events

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5-10 years of progressive experience in golf course maintenance; private club experience preferred
• Prior experience as a Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent
• Degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Florida Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe
• Strong working knowledge of warm-season turfgrasses common to South Florida
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience managing budgets, capital planning, and long-range agronomic strategies

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience with golf course construction, renovation, or major capital improvement projects, including collaboration with architects, contractors, and consultants
• Experience leading or participating in grow-in programs for greens, tees, fairways, or practice facilities
• Demonstrated ability to transition a golf course from construction or renovation into high-quality, playable conditions while managing member expectations

Preferred Credentials

• Membership in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
• Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) designation
• Experience working with Florida regulatory agencies and water management districts

Work Environment & Expectations

• Full-time, exempt position requiring early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Hands-on leadership role in a South Florida outdoor environment
• Visible presence on the golf course and within the club community

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based incentives
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401K
• Continuing education and professional development support
• Golf and club privileges in accordance with club policy

Why Join Our Club

This is an opportunity to lead the agronomic operation of a respected private golf club with an engaged membership, supportive leadership, and a commitment to long-term course excellence. The club is committed to building a long-term relationship with its next Golf Course Superintendent and values stability, collaboration, and continuity in leadership as key components of long-term success.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining interest in the position and relevant experience
• A current résumé

Please submit all application materials in PDF format via email to:

Ted Strelec, PGA, CCM
General Manager
gm@turtlecreekclub.com

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All inquiries and submissions will be treated confidentially.