Description

Overview

The Golf Course Superintendent is entrusted with the maintenance, operations and management of a golf course. The Golf Course Superintendent carefully manages the maintenance inputs to the golf course while conserving and protecting natural resources. This individual directly influences the playing areas and landscapes with which golfers interact.

General responsibilities

• Leads the construction and maintenance of the golf course(s).
• Leads the maintenance and repair of construction and golf course maintenance equipment.
• Renders professional advice, opinions, assistance and services to the club's Board of Directors.
• Participates in all long-range planning meetings.

Reporting

The golf course superintendent reports directly to the General Manager. However, this individual will interact regularly with the following individuals:

• Club President
• Golf Professional
• Controller
• Grounds and Greens Committee

Typical functions

The golf course superintendent assumes responsibility for managing and maintaining golf course properties, which may include:

• The golf course, driving range, and putting green
• Maintenance equipment
• Clubhouse grounds and landscaping
• Other properties as specified in writing by the superintendent's supervisor

Additional functions

• Construction, renovation and/or reconstruction of such properties, whether performed by maintenance staff or outside contractors.
• Prepares the annual budgets for the maintenance and capital improvement of course properties. The superintendent formulates the annual maintenance and capital budgets so as to implement board policies established in accordance with the long-range plan and defined maintenance standards.
• Interviews, hires, trains and supervises a staff of employees for the purpose of maintaining the properties. The superintendent has authority to terminate employment of subordinates.
• Plans all maintenance and project work, applying his or her agronomic and administrative expertise to achieve the agreed-upon maintenance standards and long-range goals.
• Oversees the scheduling and routing of personnel and equipment to accomplish the work. The superintendent frequently inspects the golf course and related areas to evaluate how well management standards are being achieved and to effect changes in management programs.
• Acquires equipment and purchases necessary supplies to maintain the golf course and other properties. The superintendent is responsible for inventory control and oversees the equipment maintenance programs. The superintendent approves all expenditures and exercises cost control measures to keep, as nearly as possible, operating and capital expenses in line with the approved budgets.
• Keeps accurate and complete records on payroll, inventory, weather data, maintenance procedures, pesticide applications, etc.
• Communicates regularly with other members of the top management to discuss activities, goals, plans and member/customer input.

• Advanced knowledge of agronomy and turfgrass management practices; a working knowledge of golf facility construction principles, practices and methods; and a thorough understanding of the rules and strategies of the game of golf.
• A high degree of administrative and executive ability, especially in terms of problem solving and decision making.
• Proficiency in computer use, knowledge of Microsoft Office and other applications.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Knowledge of current federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting the management of golf course operations (including, but not limited to, employment, safety and environmental standards, laws and regulations).
• Participation in continuing education opportunities such as seminars, workshops, correspondence courses, field days and trade shows.
• State certification or licensing as a pesticide applicator.