2027 Turfgrass Management Internship – The Kansas City Country Club

About Kansas City Country Club

Founded in 1896, Kansas City Country Club is one of the Midwest's premier private golf clubs. Located in Mission Hills, Kansas, the Club recently completed an extensive golf course renovation led by golf course architect Andrew Green.

The renovation included the reconstruction of putting greens, tees, and other playing surfaces, along with the conversion of fairways from zoysiagrass to bentgrass. Our agronomy team now maintains approximately 3 acres of bentgrass putting greens and 28 acres of bentgrass fairways, in addition to bentgrass tees, approaches, and practice facilities.

This transformation provides a unique opportunity for aspiring turfgrass professionals to experience the challenges and rewards of managing newly established playing surfaces at a premier private club.

Internship Overview

Kansas City Country Club is seeking two motivated individuals to join our agronomy team for the 2027 season. The internship is designed for students pursuing careers in turfgrass management, although recent graduates interested in gaining additional professional experience are encouraged to apply.

Interns will work closely with the Golf Course Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, and experienced management team, gaining exposure to all aspects of golf course maintenance and agronomic decision-making.

Our goal is to provide a hands-on educational experience that extends beyond daily maintenance. Interns will be encouraged to ask questions, participate in agronomic discussions, and develop an understanding of the decisions required to produce exceptional playing conditions.

Responsibilities and Learning Opportunities

Interns will gain practical experience in:

• Bentgrass Management: Intensive management of newly established bentgrass greens, tees, approaches, and fairways, with an emphasis on summer stress management and turfgrass health.

• Water Management: Hand watering, moisture monitoring, irrigation scheduling, and precision water management of sand-based putting greens.

• Plant Health and Agronomy: Fertility programming, plant growth regulators, disease identification, integrated pest management, and soil and tissue testing.

• Chemical and Fertilizer Applications: Sprayer calibration, application techniques, product selection, and recordkeeping under appropriate supervision.

• Cultural Practices: Aerification, topdressing, verticutting, grooming, and organic matter management.

• Irrigation Management: Irrigation system operation, troubleshooting, repairs, and water-use efficiency.

• Daily Golf Course Operations: Course setup, mowing operations, equipment operation, and maintaining championship-caliber playing conditions.

• Leadership Development: Exposure to crew management, daily scheduling, project planning, and opportunities to lead small teams.

• Post-Renovation Management: Participation in ongoing golf course improvements and the development of long-term agronomic practices for newly established turfgrass.

Professional Development and Tournament Opportunities

In addition to daily responsibilities at Kansas City Country Club, interns will have opportunities to expand their professional networks and gain exposure to tournament-level golf course preparation.

Through established industry relationships, potential volunteer opportunities may include PGA Tour events such as the John Deere Classic and FedEx St. Jude Championship, as well as national amateur championships. Tournament assignments will be determined based on availability and scheduling.

These experiences offer interns the opportunity to work alongside leading golf course management professionals, observe championship preparation firsthand, and build valuable relationships throughout the turfgrass industry.