Golf Course Superintendent
POSITION SUMMARY
Downbonnie, a public golf course in the South Carolina Sandhills designed by Mike Koprowski, will soon be under construction with plans to grass in early summer 2026 and to open for preview play in fall 2026. The Golf Course Superintendent will be entrusted with establishing an elite maintenance program from scratch during the construction period and with maintaining the golf course once grassed through Opening Day and beyond. Downbonnie is seeking an individual who takes pride in providing a world-class experience and professional playing conditions each day.
The ownership is deeply committed to maintaining elite golf course conditioning, viewing it as paramount to the guest experience. As a result, the Superintendent will report directly to the Owner, ensuring a streamlined focus on course quality and resource allocation. The Owner operates from a position of respect for expertise and will fully rely on the Superintendent's knowledge and skill, providing the necessary autonomy for them to excel and truly make the course shine. As Downbonnie grows, there will be the opportunity for this Superintendent position to advance to the Director of Grounds position with a commensurate salary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Design and oversee the buildout of the maintenance facilities.
· Advise ownership and architect on key decision points during construction (i.e., grassing selection, drainage, irrigation, etc.)
· Recruit, interview, and hire maintenance staff, both full-time and part-time employees.
· Plan, organize, and direct the grow-in of the golf course.
· Once open for preview play, plan, organize, and direct the entire maintenance program for greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, native areas/grasses, and sandscapes.
· Supervise the efficient operation of an equipment service and repair shop.
· Conduct daily inspections of the golf course and related areas to evaluate how well management standards are being achieved and to effect changes in maintenance programs.
· Manage inventory and maintain all owned and leased equipment.
· Establish detailed, day-to-day operational and scheduling protocols to ensure maximum efficiency among maintenance personnel and equipment.
· In addition to the golf course itself, manage and maintain the clubhouse grounds, driving range, maintenance facility grounds, and unused acreage/peripheral areas as identified by the ownership.
· Establish a thorough training and onboarding program for new maintenance employees.
· Procure equipment, supplies, and materials within budgetary limitations.
· Maintain records of annual maintenance activities and costs.
· Prepare and present the annual golf course maintenance budget.
· Maintain regular communication with ownership and other key management personnel to discuss activities, goals, plans and customer input.
· Develop a long-term plan that outlines major future projects.
· Regularly assess cost control measures to keep, as nearly as possible, operating expenses in line with approved budgets, and promptly communicate budget variances with ownership
· Keep accurate and complete records on inventory, weather data, maintenance procedures, pesticide applications, etc.
· Develop a healthy in-house career path to recruit and retain highly successful employees. Make Downbonnie a destination for top turf interns and recruits throughout the region, and beyond.
Educational Requirements
· A 2 or 4 year degree/certificate in turfgrass management or agronomy.
Experience Requirements
· Experience in all phases of golf course management and turf culture.
· Expert knowledge of the construction, establishment, and maintenance practices employed throughout a golf property, to include all playing surfaces, peripheral features, and infrastructure.
· Significant knowledge and first-hand experience with the game of golf.
· Knowledge of golf course architecture and basic design principles.
· Experience with Bermuda turfgrass is preferred.
· Experience maintaining exposed sandscapes and native areas is preferred.
· Experience proliferating and maintaining grasses native to the Carolina Sandhills is a plus.
Special Requirements
Job Benefits
Health insurance
Relocation assistance
Continuing education opportunities
Cell phone allowance
Professional organization dues assistance
Date Job is Available
Salary
$170,000 to $190,000 per year
Overtime: No
Job Application Instructions
Email resume & cover letter to nick@mazzellapartnership.com
1,184 views