Director of Agronomy

Royal Oaks Country Club, a private club in Houston, Texas, is seeking a Director of Agronomy to lead its golf course maintenance operation through the final stages of a complete course renovation by Beau Welling Design and into the club’s next era of championship-caliber conditioning.

The selected leader will play a hands-on role in the grow-in, reopening, and establishment of an entirely renovated golf course featuring TifEagle greens, NorthBridge Bermuda fairways and rough, redesigned bunkers, and a new Rain Bird IC irrigation system. This individual will establish the agronomic standards, team culture, and daily processes that will define the course for years to come.

Reporting directly to the General Manager/COO, the Director of Agronomy will oversee the maintenance operation, develop the agronomy team, manage departmental resources, and bring the newly renovated course to its full potential.

About the Club

Royal Oaks Country Club is a gated private club in west Houston, where its tagline—“Where Elevated Feels Effortless”—reflects a commitment to exceptional hospitality, comfort, and a welcoming member experience.

Beyond golf, the club offers a 20-station Trackman Range, Trackman iO indoor simulators, a highly regarded tennis program, a thriving pickleball community, an aquatics center, wellness programming, and an extensive dining and social calendar.

The club is completing the most significant project in its 25-year history: a full reinvention of the golf course led by Beau Welling, a Tom Fazio protégé and trusted Tiger Woods collaborator. The redesign pairs timeless strategy with modern shotmaking, with every bunker rebuilt using Arkansas Premier White sand.

The goal is a course “as beautiful as it is playable”—one that challenges accomplished players while welcoming newcomers.

The club’s culture is grounded in seven core values:

• Integrity
• Respect
• Accountability
• Team Player
• Reliability
• Positive Attitude
• Leadership

This position offers an opportunity to grow in and establish a newly renovated course alongside an experienced leadership team.

Club at a Glance

Reports to: General Manager/COO

Team structure: Golf Course Superintendent, Senior Assistant Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Equipment Manager, Irrigation Technician, Assistant-in-Training, and maintenance crew reporting to the assistants

Operating budget: $3.6 million, including payroll

Capital budget: $700,000 in 2026; varies annually

Annual rounds: Approximately 29,000

Outings: Historically 4–8 annually; no outside events planned following reopening

Staffing: 27 budgeted full-time positions, including the Director of Agronomy

Green Committee: Nine members; six meetings annually

Greens: TifEagle

Fairways and rough: NorthBridge Bermuda

Irrigation: New Rain Bird IC system with Cirrus Pro

Equipment fleet: Primarily Toro; daily-use equipment leased and long-term equipment purchased

Renovation: Complete course renovation by Beau Welling Design, including greens, bunkers, turf replacement, and irrigation

Planned reopening: Summer 2027

Member tournament schedule: Resumes in fall 2027

Success Traits

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A passion for golf course management and consistently exceptional playing conditions.
• A strong work ethic, reliability, and a positive attitude through the demands of grow-in and reopening.
• Hands-on leadership that sets clear expectations and models the standards expected of the team.
• Accountability for departmental performance, projects, and outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach with staff, members, and colleagues.
• Clear, direct communication with club leadership and the agronomy team.
• Openness to coaching, feedback, and new approaches.
• A strong understanding of golf and how agronomic decisions affect playability.
• An organized, detail-oriented approach and an appropriate sense of urgency.
• Curiosity about turfgrass practices, technology, and opportunities for improvement.
• The ability to manage competing priorities in a demanding environment.

Initial Priorities

During the first months, the Director of Agronomy will focus on:

1. Grow-in and establishment: Lead the establishment of TifEagle greens and NorthBridge Bermuda playing surfaces.
2. Reopening readiness: Execute a successful reopening and phased return to play.
3. Irrigation management: Learn, evaluate, and optimize the new Rain Bird IC system with Cirrus Pro.
4. Maintenance standards: Establish daily routines, agronomic programs, and operating processes for the renovated course.
5. Team development: Build, train, and develop the staff as the operation returns to full play.
6. Tournament preparation: Prepare the course for the return of member tournament events in fall 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Agronomic Leadership and Course Conditioning

• Work with the General Manager/COO and course architect to establish short- and long-range plans for the golf course.
• Develop and execute fertility, plant protection, cultural practices, and water management programs.
• Oversee the care of turfgrass, plants, shrubs, trees, and associated golf course grounds.
• Establish and maintain conditioning standards that support course health, playability, and member expectations.
• Oversee irrigation scheduling, monitoring, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Supervise fertilizer and plant protection applications and maintain accurate application records.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise, schedule, and direct daily maintenance operations, including assignments, training, and performance management.
• Mentor and develop the agronomy management team and maintenance staff.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and consistent communication throughout the department.
• Maintain accurate departmental personnel and work records.
• Promote a culture aligned with the club’s core values.

Financial and Equipment Management

• Prepare and manage the annual operating budget to meet departmental goals.
• Develop the annual capital budget and recommend investments that support long-term operational needs.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and repair operations.
• Ensure the equipment fleet is maintained to a high standard of reliability, safety, and performance.

Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Stewardship

• Implement and enforce a comprehensive safety program for employees, members, and guests.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
• Oversee the proper use, storage, and disposal of chemicals, fertilizers, petroleum products, and other regulated materials.
• Maintain required records and pursue responsible practices that minimize environmental impact.

Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Stewardship

• Implement and enforce a comprehensive safety program for employees, members, and guests.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
• Oversee the proper use, storage, and disposal of chemicals, fertilizers, petroleum products, and other regulated materials.
• Maintain required records and pursue responsible practices that minimize environmental impact.

Communication and Professional Development

• Coordinate maintenance schedules and course preparation with the golf professional staff and other club departments.
• Communicate professionally with members, staff, and club leadership.
• Participate in educational programs to remain current on turfgrass research, technology, and maintenance practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or associate degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: A minimum of 7–10 years of progressive golf course management experience.
• Leadership background: Prior experience as a Director of Agronomy, Golf Course Superintendent, or Senior Assistant Superintendent at a high-end private club required.
• Renovation experience: Experience with major course renovations preferred.
• Turfgrass expertise: Extensive experience with warm-season turfgrasses, including ultradwarf Bermuda greens and Bermuda fairways. TifEagle experience and familiarity with South Texas growing conditions are particularly valuable.
• Water management: Strong understanding of irrigation systems, water management, and environmental stewardship.
• Licensing: Texas pesticide license or the ability to obtain one within a reasonable timeframe.
• Professional membership: GCSAA membership required.
• Language skills: Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

The ideal candidate will combine technical agronomic expertise with high emotional intelligence, strong communication skills, financial acumen, and a commitment to staff development. This leader must be proactive, organized, and comfortable working within a highly engaged membership while delivering exceptional conditioning and member satisfaction.

Compensation and Benefits

Royal Oaks Country Club offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Meals and uniforms.
• Club-paid national and local professional education opportunities.
• Professional dues, as established with senior management.
• Support for continued professional development and long-term career growth.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit a résumé and cover letter addressed to:

Bruce V. Zahn Jr., CCM, CCE
General Manager/COO
Royal Oaks Country Club

The cover letter should clearly explain:

• Your qualifications and alignment with the position.
• Why this opportunity is the right next step at this stage of your career.
• How Royal Oaks Country Club and the Houston area align with your professional and personal goals.
• The value you would bring to the club if selected.

All applications will be handled confidentially by Tyler Bloom, Search Consultant, Bloom Golf Partners. Please send information to tyler@bloomgolfpartners.com