Golf Course Superintendent

In September of 1915, an avid group of golfers took over a lease of one hundred acres of land from Mayo Clinic doctors E.S. Judd and D.C. Balfour. Harry Turple, a Red Wing Course Golf Professional, was brought in to lay out a nine-hole golf course – and Rochester Golf Club was born. The members desired a more challenging golf course and as luck would have it, a Mayo Clinic physician married the daughter of noted golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast.

Tillinghast had become the pre-eminent golf course architect of his time by designing courses such as Winged Foot, Baltusrol and the San Francisco Golf Club. In 1916, Rochester Golf Club became incorporated and changed its name to the Rochester Golf & Country Club.

Between 2017 and May 2019 RGCC worked closely with Tom Doak and Brian Slawnik of Renaissance Golf to remove more than 3000 trees from the property, add a new drainage and irrigation system, restore putting greens and bunkers to their original shape and size, reconstruct every tee box, and construct a new state-of-the-art practice facility. In August 2023 RGCC worked closely again with Brian Slawnik and USGA agronomist Zach Nicoludis to re-grass RGCC's fairways and greens. During that time the Club invested in a new Aquatics Facility, Fitness Center, Trackman Golf Simulator Lounge, Kids Club, complete renovation of the entire Clubhouse, expansion of the restaurant outdoor dining patio and pool patio, construction of a new 10th Tee Snack Bar, 4 oncourse bathrooms, and an outdoor event lawn space to accommodate up to 300 guests Rochester Golf & Country Club is a private club and currently has 553 (331 golfing) member families.

RGCC Highlights:

• Architect: A.W. Tillinghast, Tom Doak (2018)
• Golf Rounds: 19,000 (April- mid November)
• Average Age of Membership: 51 years old
• Annual Grounds Budget - $1.1M
• Grass Types:
  • Greens: 007 XL Bentgrass
  • Fairways: 007XL Bentgrass
  • Tees: Dominant Extreme Bentgrass
• Irrigation System: 2018; Toro Lynx 2 wire, Infinity sprinklers, HDPE pipe
• Irrigation Source: Well
• Equipment: Toro/John Deere, a mix of owned and leased
• Maintenance Team: 4 full-time, 15-20 seasonal

Position Summary:

Rochester Golf & Country Club is seeking a Golf Course Superintendent who possesses a great passion for the game of golf, tremendous care for the well-being and development of their team, and a desire to be part of a Club whose vision is to continue to evolve as the premiere club in Minnesota

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional leader with a talent for driving a positive culture of mentorship, collaboration, and teamwork that strives for success not only within the department but also throughout the Club. This individual must be a genuine, authentic, and engaging leader with a keen eye for detail coupled with a true understanding of the agronomic details of what makes an exceptional golfing experience.

The Golf Course Superintendent reports directly to the General Manager and has responsibility for all day-to-day operations of the golf course, practice areas and landscaping on the grounds.

Priorities of the Position: 

• Review and assess agronomic programs, including soil testing practices, fertility, pest management, and cultural practices for all areas of the golf course.
• Build rapport with the leadership team and evaluate the needs for continued development, efficiency, and growth of operations.
• Develop rapport with the General Manager, Golf Professional and membership, learning the culture of Rochester Golf and Country Club before making any immediate adjustments to golf course maintenance programs and standards.

Responsibilities: 

• Schedules, trains, supervises and evaluates the golf course maintenance staff which includes two assistants and an equipment manager
• Supervises all planting, fertilizing, and care of turf, plants, shrubs, trees, and other facilities on the golf course 
• Selects and prepares proper fertilizers and pesticides for all playing surfaces and plant material
• Supervises the operation of the equipment repair facility.
• Develops and maintains drainage, irrigation, and watering systems
• Maintains course in proper playing condition consistent with the expectations of the Greens Committee and the Club’s membership
• Selects and maintains all annual flowers and perennial plants around the property
• Communicates as necessary with golf professionals to discuss conditions of facilities, maintenance plans, and scheduled events
• Communicates as necessary with grounds, golf and/or other applicable committees
• Attends weekly Leadership meetings and monthly Greens Committee meetings
• Implements and enforces comprehensive safety program for employees, members, and guests on course in compliance with local, state, and federal laws
• Prepares an annual budget for the department; once the budget is approved and issued, takes corrective action as necessary to help assure that budget goals are met
• Audits and approves bi-weekly payroll for Grounds Department
• Approves all product and service invoices before submitting to the Accounting Department
• Promotes an operational plan for implementation of snow removal
• Attends turf conferences, equipment shows, workshops, and other educational programs to ensure best management practices are being considered and used.
• Plans professional development and training activities for subordinates
• Establishes short- and long-range plans for the golf course
• Keeps members informed about current and future maintenance activities through club communications
• Adheres to all federal, state, and local laws regarding health, safety, and employment
• Develops and maintains a genuine relationship with all members and staf