Director of Agronomy

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.

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