Golf Course Superintendent

Westwood Country Club, located in Rocky River, Ohio, and designed by world-renowned course architect C.H. Alison is seeking a passionate and accomplished Golf Course Superintendent to lead its Golf Course Maintenance Department and be a part of an ambitious club culture.

The ideal candidate will be a results-driven, hands-on leader who brings energy, attention to detail, and a passion for maintaining exceptional course conditions. The previous Golf Course Superintendent is retiring after a successful 25-year career.

About Westwood Country Club

Westwood has been a source of pride for its members for many years. Many individuals have volunteered their time and talents, serving on the Board and working as committee members, to continue the Westwood standard of excellence. This shared responsibility and forward-thinking has helped maintain Westwood as a premier country club in Northeast Ohio.

The golf course offers an exciting challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Players will be tested by strategic shot placements and amazed by the scenic layout with unexpected rolling hills that supply many signature approaches to well-guarded greens. With abundant wildlife that calls Westwood home, it's hard to believe the property is located in a suburban environment. Members and guests can expect superior playing conditions and a relaxing walking round, supported by one of the area’s best caddie programs.

Westwood also boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, 4 Har-Tru tennis courts, a tennis shop, and a spectator balcony overlooking the courts with shaded seating areas.

Club Highlights:

• Architect: C.H. Alison design
• Total members: 425 with a waiting list
• Golf Rounds: 18,500
• Annual Budget - $1.6M 
• Capital Budget - $700K in 2024
• Grass Types: Greens: Bentgrass; Fairways: 80/20 Bent/Poa; Range tees: Bent/Rye
• Irrigation System: 2003 installation; Toro Site Pro multi-row
• Pump Station: Flowtronix; 1,600 gallons per minute
• Irrigation Source: City water ($115K in 2024)
• Equipment: Toro/John Deere, a mix of owned and leased
• Staff Size: 10 full-time, up to 15 part-time
• Direct Reports: Assistant Superintendent, Equipment Manager, Horticulturist
• Future Projects: Irrigation replacement in the next 4-5 years, bunker replacement in 5-6 years, developing a course master plan with course architect Jim Nagle

Position Overview:

To be successful, the Golf Course Superintendent must possess outstanding agronomic, leadership, communication, business acumen, and golf course maintenance experience. The role demands a professional who can meet or exceed member expectations by overseeing and coordinating all operational aspects of the Golf Maintenance department. The candidate must foster an environment that encourages open dialogue and strong working relationships with the Club’s management team.

Success Traits of the Individual:

• A humble, respectful individual with high integrity, known for being a team player and dedicated professional.
• Hands-on, passionate about agronomy and golf course maintenance, and a developer of teams.
• Understands the importance of the agronomy team within a team-based club culture.
• Highly attentive to detail, taking pride and ownership in providing exceptional golf course conditions daily.
• Proactive problem-solver who seeks out industry best practices.
• Organized, with exceptional prioritization skills.
• A clear vision and know-how to produce a golf experience reflective of top-performing clubs.
• Strong communication and member engagement skills.
• Creative in golf course and agronomic programming.
• A team developer and educator, proud to cultivate a respected golf course maintenance department.
• A collaborative thought partner with the General Manager, executive team, and club leadership.
• Strong industry network, including peers, academia, and support teams.
• Zero-based budgeting skills.
• Strong capital and project management skills.
• Environmental stewardship experience, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Initial Priorities of the Position:

• Review and assess foundational agronomic programs, including soil testing practices, fertility, pest management, and cultural practices for all areas of the golf course.
• Build rapport with the long-standing team and evaluate the needs for continued development, efficiency, and growth of operations.
• Evaluate infrastructure and environmental impacts, including the irrigation system, shade, and drainage
• Develop rapport with the General Manager and membership, learning the culture of Westwood Country Club before making any immediate adjustments to golf course maintenance programs and standards.

Qualifications:

• An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in turf management or a related field.
• Preferred: 3+ years as a Golf Course Superintendent. Candidates with senior management positions and a minimum of 8+ years of progressive responsibilities at premier facilities known for delivering exceptional member experiences and golf conditions will also be considered.
• Preferred expertise in managing creeping bentgrass on USGA-spec greens and cool-season turf in similar climates with environmental challenges.
• Professional licenses for pesticide applicator’s license and GCSAA certification

The Following Knowledge, Skills, and Aptitudes are Desirable:

Agronomics/Daily Golf Course Management:

• Strong technical and analytical focus to ensure optimal agronomic, water, soil, and environmental management programs.
• Continuously seeks out best-in-class conditioning methodologies, tools, and practices.
• Successful experience managing modified push up greens.
• Solid irrigation management philosophy and practices to produce firm and consistent conditions.
• Strong Poa annua control programs.
• Impactful tree and landscape management, along with native area management.
• Expertise in highly detailed bunker maintenance practices, including grass surrounds.
• Success in maintaining and enhancing Audubon certification.

Leadership:

• A creative, flexible, and results-oriented leader who ensures consistent achievement of goals.
• Leads by example in setting standards of operation and accountability.
• Cultivates a workplace culture reflective of top-performing organizations, motivating and retaining employees while promoting ethics and values.
• Collaborative in nature, with the ability to work effectively with various constituents.
• Proven success in recruitment and staff development practices.

Communication:

• A direct, transparent, thoughtful, and confident communicator with a proven ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Actively listens and maintains excellent relationships with all stakeholders including Green Committee
• Consistently educates membership about agronomic practices, environmental concerns, and infrastructure needs.
• Strong follow-up reporting with all constituents and direct reports.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish is highly desirable.

Business/Financial Management:

• Exemplary administrative, inventory, record-keeping, and accounting practices.
• Comfortable utilizing Microsoft Office or similar software.
• Ensures compliance with environmental, safety, federal, and state regulations.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.

Golf IQ/Industry Relations:

• High golf IQ, as a steward of the game, environment, and traditions.
• Adapts maintenance practices to enhance design features and golfer playability.
• Strong agronomic skills, staying current with trends in turf technology and equipment.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary - $125,000-$175,000
• Bonus
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k
• PTO/Vacation
• Long-term disability
• Continued education
• Local & national dues
• Uniforms
• Golfing privileges
• Cell phone allowance

Application Instructions:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to the link provided by October 4, 2024. Please address your cover letter to Mr. Matt Livingston and the Westwood Country Club Search Committee, detailing your interest in the position and explaining why the Rocky River location aligns with both your personal and professional goals.

Save your application materials as (Last Name, First Name, WestwoodCC).

Candidate selections will take place shortly thereafter, with in-person interviews scheduled for mid-October.

The search process will be facilitated by Tyler Bloom, Search Consultant, [email protected].