Golf Course Superintendent

New Haven, CT | New Haven Country Club, founded in 1898, is among the earliest golf clubs in the United States. Yale professor Theodore Woolsey was instrumental in its incorporation and early growth, with the club intentionally located outside New Haven to avoid overcrowding from Yale students who had overwhelmed the original downtown course. Land was acquired along scenic Lake Whitney, and by 1899 construction began on both the golf course and a distinctive Old English–style stone clubhouse, with a suspension footbridge providing access from Whitney Avenue and the trolley line.

By the spring of 1900, the club had quickly become a premier social destination, celebrated for its tranquil setting, elegant clubhouse, and renowned restaurant. Early membership included prominent figures such as Eli Whitney III, Walter Camp, and U.S. President William Howard Taft, reflecting the club’s stature within the region. The combination of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and growing enthusiasm for golf positioned New Haven Country Club as a leading institution in Connecticut’s social and sporting life.

In 1920, the club made a pivotal decision to redesign the course under famed architect Willie Park, Jr., a two-time British Champion who personally supervised the project. His influence is most evident in the club’s famously challenging, rolling greens. While members have enjoyed a variety of recreational activities over the years, golf has always remained at the heart of the club. Paired with a historic clubhouse and a membership of community leaders, this enduring golfing tradition defines the richness and legacy of New Haven Country Club.

The most recent golf course improvements include a bunker renovation and tree removal. The club has also a continous relationship with reknowned golf course architect Brian Schneider highlighting the focus on continued excellence of this historic layout.

CLUB DETAILS

Facility: Member Owned

Course Access: Private Equity

Number of Holes: 18

Total Annual Rounds: 18,000

Members: 450

Practice Range: Yes

Short Game Area: Yes

POSITION OVERVIEW

Title: Golf Course Superintendent

Reports to: General Manager

Supervises: Maintenance Staff of 8 full time and nearing 20 in season

Position Description: The Golf Course Superintendent reports to the General Manager and is responsible for all golf course and grounds operations. The role provides strategic leadership for agronomy, daily playing conditions, long-term planning, staff development, and capital project execution. The succesful candidate will be a strong communicator and a great teammate who is visible with a passion for excellence

The Golf Course Superintendent works closely with the Head Golf Professional and Grounds Committee and serves as a visible, trusted leader to members, staff, and Club leadership. This position will play a key role in preparation for and execution of the Club’s upcoming golf course projects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

General Responsibilities

• Lead all golf course and grounds operations, including the course, practice areas, and Club landscaping

• Deliver outstanding daily and tournament playing conditions

• Hire, train, mentor, and lead a team of approximately 15 staff members

• Develop and execute annual and long-term agronomic plans

• Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and environmental standards

• Serve as the Club’s primary internal liaison for the 2027 golf course pond project

• Communicate consistently with leadership, committees, and membership

• Collaborate with the Head Golf Professional on course setup and member experience

Typical functions

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

  • • The golf course(s): Bent Grass Greens

    • Maintenance equipment

    • Clubhouse grounds and landscaping

    • Open spaces, wooded areas, unused acreage and areas outside the perimeter fence

    • Sod farm and nursery

    • Other properties as specified in writing by the superintendent's supervisor

Additional functions

• Oversee 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 expenditure 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 group to discuss activities, goals, plans and member/customer input.