Director of Agronomy

By Forest Lake Club, December 12 - updated December 12 - Columbia, South Carolina

Forest Lake Club is seeking a strategic leader as their next Director of Grounds responsible for the care, conditioning, and long-range stewardship of Forest Lake Club’s golf course, grounds, facilities, and natural areas. The role integrates agronomy, infrastructure management, environmental protection, and team leadership to ensure that the course reflects the club’s heritage, the expectations of its membership, and the standards of the surrounding community. About Forest Lake Club Founded in 1923 in Columbia, South Carolina, Forest Lake Club has long been regarded as one of the region’s premier private clubs, defined by its relaxed Southern elegance, tight-knit membership, and commitment to providing exceptional recreational, social, and family experiences. The club’s rolling terrain, mature tree canopy, and lakeside setting embody the natural character of the surrounding Forest Acres community. Forest Lake has invested significantly in its golf course, clubhouse, racquet amenities, aquatics, and grounds over the last decade, ensuring that the property remains both timeless and relevant. The club’s culture is built on tradition, hospitality, environmental responsibility, and a strong sense of community. The Director of Grounds plays a central role in preserving the club’s legacy while leading the continued evolution of its golf course and outdoor environment. Club Highlights: Budget - $2.1M Staff size: 21 hourly, 3 Assistants, 1 Mechanic + Hourly mechanic Support Annual rounds: 27,000 Total Membership: 1160 Green Committee: 8 Members, 3 year committee term limits, with board member serving as chair Grass types: Greens – Champion Collars – Celebration sodded in 2025 Fairways – Mostly 419, but there is still some common out there Tee Boxes – Mixture of 419/Celebration/Diamond Irrigation system:  Pumps Rebuilt in 2016, new system installed in 2019, two wire rainbird. Water source- Man Made Lake Initial Priorities of Position: Elevate daily course conditioning standards Build and develop a high-performance agronomy team Create and execute a multi-year agronomic and infrastructure plan Develop communication plan with members, leadership & committees Success Traits of Individual: Strong knowledge and understanding of modern agronomic, equipment, technology and maintenance practices Strong leadership and team building capabilities Team player, who creates an environment for continued growth and  High attention to detail and observational skills High golf IQ Embraces technology with sound fundamental agronomic practices Strong financial acumen and budget management Resourceful and pragmatic Collaborative cross-department relations Exceptional communication skills with members, staff, and community stakeholders. Strong knowledge of irrigation systems, golf course construction, and capital project management. Active within the golf course superintendent and club community, seeking out advances to better Forest Lake Club Primary Responsibilities: Operational & Course Conditioning Lead all golf course and grounds maintenance operations to deliver consistent, high-quality daily conditioning aligned with Forest Lake Club expectations. Conduct daily inspections of greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, rough, practice areas, landscaping, and public-facing spaces. Maintain presence on the course during peak member play and major club events. Complete weekly ride-throughs with the agronomy leadership team to evaluate turf health, playability, detail standards, and member feedback. Agronomy, Environmental Stewardship & Community Integration Develop agronomic programs suited to Forest Lake’s climate, soil structure, tree canopy, water systems, and classic golf architecture. Oversee turf health, moisture management, pest control, and plant nutrition practices with environmental responsibility at the forefront. Protect and enhance naturalized areas, lake edges, woodlands, and wildlife corridors that are central to the club’s identity and the Forest Acres community aesthetic. Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Infrastructure, Irrigation & Equipment Manage all equipment maintenance, repair schedules, replacement planning, and capital forecasting. Oversee irrigation system performance, moisture management, audits, and long-term replacement planning. Lead drainage improvements, tree management programs, bunker projects, turf conversions, and other infrastructure upgrades. Coordinate all in-house and contracted construction projects, providing written plans and progress updates to the GM/COO. Leadership, Culture & Workforce Development Recruit, train, lead, and mentor the Grounds & Greens team in alignment with Forest Lake Club’s service culture and community standards. Provide clear expectations, performance evaluations, and professional development for assistant superintendents and staff. Conduct safety meetings and ensure compliance with club and OSHA standards. Foster a positive, accountable, and team-focused work environment. Budgeting, Financial Management & Resource Planning Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets for golf course and grounds maintenance. Oversee procurement, inventory, and cost controls for fertilizers, pesticides, materials, equipment, and supplies. Maintain accurate records for payroll, inventory, chemical applications, equipment maintenance, and cultural practices. Align budgetary execution with the club’s long-range strategic plan. Member Communication & Community Relations Collaborate with the GM/COO, Golf Professional, and other department heads to align course operations with club activities. Serve as the staff liaison to the Greens & Grounds Committee, providing professional guidance and transparent communication. Maintain visibility with the membership, offering insight into course conditions, turf challenges, and project timelines. Represent the club positively in the Forest Acres community, local environmental groups, and industry networks. Qualifications, Education & Experience: Degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field. 6–8+ years of progressive golf course management experience; private club experience preferred. GCSAA Class A membership; CGCS designation preferred. Demonstrated success with warm-season turf management in a climate consistent with the South Carolina region. Renovation and project management experience Compensation & Benefits: Salary - $180,000-$200,000 Annual car allowance Bonus Continued education and professional dues Relocation assistance Insurance Benefits consistent with the Club’s employee benefits, with Club covered premiums on Health only. Application Instructions: Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume addressed to Mr. Jacob Cyr and the Forest Lake Search Committee by January 6th, 2026 to the link provided.  In person interviews will take place in mid-January.    For any questions, please reach Tyler Bloom (tyler@bloomgolfpartners.com), Search Consultant.

By Hampton Golf, Inc. - Laurel Oak Country Club, November 12 - Sarasota, Florida

Laurel Oak Country Club is excited to announce an exceptional career opportunity of Director of Agronomy and Grounds. Laurel Oak Country Club is a distinctive family-oriented private county club situated within the gates of Laurel Oak Estates in Sarasota Florida. With two exceptional courses, designed by Rees Jones and Gary Player, consistently ranked the best in our market and combined with an incredible clubhouse, club amenities, engaging family activities and a vibrant social atmosphere; Laurel Oak County Club represents the best of private club lifestyle for its Members and Guests. For the Members of Laurel Oak, the 45,000 square foot clubhouse, newly renovated Lounge & Lounge Patio, Men’s, and Women’s Locker Rooms, provide an abundance of space and opportunity to enjoy all aspects what our Club has to offer. Each day is filled with a buzz of activity as our golf and tennis groups finish daily games, and social groups get together for cards and morning book club readings, all of whom are here to enjoy their benefits of membership. The culinary scene at Laurel Oak covers a variety of offerings that cater to the needs and preferences of our Membership, while also focusing on innovation and constant pursuit of the "Wow Factor". From themed action stations, club traditions and à la carte dining to multi-course specialty dinners, private events and non-member events, we accept the challenge of exceeding the expectations of a very diverse audience. At Laurel Oak, one of the significant pillars of our success is the culture of our team members and how that translates to the social environment of our club and membership. We cherish every opportunity to create an exceptional experience for our members and guests. The Food & Beverage department is the one amenity that impacts all categories of membership and therefore, is at the forefront of executing our Club Vision. Laurel Oak Country Club is the premier, private, family-oriented club in Southwest Florida, presenting our membership with a relaxed and comfortable sense of community while offering superior amenities, facilities, and social programming. While providing the highest service standards with uncompromising attention to detail, our goal is to enrich experiences and enrich your life. Salary & Benefits: ·       Annual Earning Potential: $250K - $300K, dependent on experience. ·       Full health care benefits package, including medical, dental, and ancillary insurance,401k and paid time off. ·       Our Culture and Values provides Team Members with a rewarding lifestyle and work/life balance.   Job purpose The Director of Agronomy & Grounds is responsible for implementing sound agronomic programs while working within the fiscal parameters of the various budgets established by the club or property. Responsible for leading all team members in Agronomy and Grounds Maintenance to foster an engaged team member culture. Responsible for the management of golf course assets, clubhouse and amenity common grounds and landscaping, capital, and improvement projects. Duties and responsibilities Responsible for requisitions, interviewing, and screening potential team members, eventually hiring, orientation, training (responsibilities, safety, accuracy, quality workmanship, preventive maintenance, course etiquette and member relations) and monitoring 90-day probationary periods and daily team member performance. All necessary forms must be completed and submitted before team members begin work. Responsible for documenting performance during the 90-day probation period, annual proficiency, on-going training, and informational meetings with team. Responsible for progressive discipline, hiring and termination of Team Members. Assures that effective orientation and training are given to each new team member. Directly supervises and implements sound agronomic programs while working within the fiscal parameters of the facility. Develops budgeting and capital plans. Manages expenses within the department in accordance within budget. Provides timely and accurate reporting of all financial and non-financial information as directed, requested, or required by Hampton Golf representatives or the General Manager, LOCC Committees and LOCC Board of Governors. Maintains clear understanding of and implements all Hampton Golf Agronomy standards in addition to ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulatory standards/laws. Stays abreast of current agronomic information. Ensures proper mixing, calibration, and application of all chemical/fertilizers used on the course; ensures that all applications are properly recorded and tracked for documentation purposes. Ensures that they and all team members obtain proper training and/or licenses needed to perform job tasks safely and within city, state, and federal regulations. Addresses directly all real or perceived environmental concerns. Maintains ongoing awareness of all agronomic activity on the course and provides constant feedback and direction to key staff members. Ensures both upward and downward communication within the department and interdepartmentally. Provides leadership and a positive working environment that fosters teamwork, communication, ethical behavior, cleanliness and a “can do” attitude. Develops, trains, coaches, and disciplines managers within the department providing feedback, direction, and leadership so that they may carry out the daily activities of the department, all while grooming them for upward mobility within the Company. Develops ongoing training programs. Incorporates safe work practices in job performance. Promotes owner, management and member and guest satisfaction by professionally, courteously, and diplomatically communicating activities, goals, plans, while receiving input in the same manner. Display telephone etiquette by answering and returning phone calls in a prompt, courteous and professional manner. Attends weekly executive employee meetings as required. Conducts weekly employee meetings for systematic communications with regard to the operation. Provide written information for member newsletters. Annually prepares a full facility written inventory and video records the building and contents for Insurance purposes. A member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association and possess a current state certificate or license as a pesticide applicator. Performs other duties as assigned.