Golf Course Superintendent

Golf Course Superintendent

Wanakah Country Club

Hamburg, NY

 

About the Club: Wanakah Country Club was founded in 1899, and is one of the oldest country clubs in Western New York. The club is located just fifteen minutes south of downtown Buffalo. The club is currently open ten months of the year and is very active in the summer months. Wanakah is a family-oriented club that has a beautiful 18-hole golf course, three har-tru tennis courts, two swimming pools, three pickleball courts, and a newly renovated clubhouse that sits atop a hill overlooking Lake Erie offering several dining options.

The original golf course designed in 1900 was a nine-hole course that was transformed into 18 holes in 1913. In 1925 renowned architect Willie Watson came in and redesigned the 18 hole golf course, which still holds that layout today. In 2010 the Club adopted a Golf Course Master Plan designed by Arthur Hills and Chris Wilczynski, which was completed in the spring of 2018. This 2.4-million-dollar project improved drainage throughout the course, rebuilt and reshaped all bunkers, rebuilt several tees, added new bunkers and tees, and has enhanced the overall design and playability of the course. Continuing to work with our Course Architect, the membership recently approved a new golf course plan and new irrigation system to be installed in 2027. This 5.6-million-dollar project will ensure adequate irrigation coverage to the entire course, by increasing the number of heads from 752 to 1270. The project also entails that all 73 bunkers on course get rebuilt to ensure consistency. The Club has invested several million dollars recently to redesign the Clubhouse, including indoor and outdoor member dining areas, meeting spaces, and new locker rooms. The short game facility and pool were both recently renovated, and new pickleball courts were added. The Club has a strategic plan that it is committed to ensuring our vision is met.

In 2024, the Club celebrated its 125^th Anniversary and also hosted the NYS Amateur. The Club has hosted other notable events including national USGA qualifiers, the NYS Mid-Am, and several district golf events. The Club has a very busy golf calendar from mid-May through mid-September, hosting a wide range of golf events for men, ladies, juniors, and charitable organizations. The Club is limited to 300 golfing members, with an ongoing waitlist. There are a total of 440 members and their families that belong in various membership classes. The Club does not have tee times, and puts Club access at a premium.

Mission Statement: Wanakah is a private country club on the shore of Lake Erie, dedicated to providing premier facilities and service to its members, their families and guests; promoting camaraderie and memorable experiences, while maintaining the legacy of our historic golf course and traditions.

Vision Statement: Wanakah will remain amongst the finest private clubs in Western New York.

Position Description:

·        Will report directly to the GM/COO and work closely with the Grounds Committee Chairman and Head Golf Professional.

·        Is responsible for all Club grounds and will ensure the highest standards are maintained.

·        To supervise the direct maintenance of the golf course, grounds, and tennis courts.

·        To frequently inspect the golf courses and grounds to ensure that all established standards and member expectations relating to the daily playing conditions are being met.

·        To prepare an annual operations and capital budget for the Grounds Department to be submitted to the GM/COO, and to maintain the grounds within the limits of the approved budget.

·        To keep accurate records of equipment, its maintenance, purchases, replacement, budget records, weather, fertilizer, chemical applications and a daily journal of course maintenance activities.

·        To hire, staff, train, supervise, evaluate, and terminate, if necessary, all employees within the Grounds Department, and to coordinate such activities with the GM/COO.

·        To use sound maintenance techniques, and to strive to continually improve and upgrade course conditions being sensitive to interference with play.

·        To work with and coordinate maintenance activities with the GM/COO, Grounds Committee, and Head Golf Professional regarding any events and/or maintenance procedures that may affect course playability.

·        To maintain all parking areas, roadways, and paths in clean and serviceable condition.

·        To supervise and coordinate horticultural activities, oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of all landscaping activities.

·        To supervise the maintenance and care of all grounds buildings and equipment.

Educational Requirements:

A degree in Turfgrass Management or related field of study is required.

 

Special Requirements:

·        GCSAA Certification is preferred.

·        New York Pesticide License (must be able to obtain within first year)

·        Knowledgeable using Rainbird Irrigation Cirrus Program.

 

Position Characteristics & Qualifications:

·        Dedicated to making Western New York home for the foreseeable future. The Club has had two superintendents in the last 40 years.

·        The ideal candidate must articulate a professional demeanor at all times, and have outstanding communication skills.

·        This proven leader must be self-motivated, trustworthy, dedicated, creative, energetic, and knowledgeable.

·        A leader by example, that is willing to be involved with daily maintenance.

·        Strong observational skills with an attention to detail are a must.

·        General computer skills are necessary.

·        2-3 years as a superintendent or first assistant at a reputable country / golf club with a strong agronomic background and experience managing Poa/bent putting greens.

·        High level of knowledge and appreciation for the game of golf.

 

Course Operations:

·        18 Holes

·        132 Acres

·        Season April 1^st - October 31^st (Temp Greens December 1^st - Mid-March)

·        20,000 rounds per year average (75% carts)

·        Poa / Bent Greens

·        Average daily green speed 11’ 6”

·        Five year-round employees (Three Assistants and Mechanic) 20-25 seasonal employees

·        $1,250,000 Average Annual Grounds Operating Budget

·        Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA – Current Course Architect

Compensation and Benefits: Compensation will include a competitive salary ranging between $90,000 and $130,000 commensurate with experience, bonus potential based on annual goals and objectives. Benefits include: PTO, attractive health insurance package, vison & dental coverage, matching 401 k, GCSAA dues and conference fees, monthly allowance, meals, and golf.

 

Please e-mail or mail cover letter and resume by October 15^th, 2025 to:

 

Michael Karnath, CCM, CCE

General Manager / COO

Wanakah Country Club

5161 Lake Shore Rd

Hamburg, NY 14075

E-mail: mikek@wanakahcc.com

No Phone Calls Please

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