Detroit Golf Club Assistant Superintendent Detroit Golf Club Details Posted: 24-Sep-26 Location: Detroit, Michigan

Details

Posted: 24-Sep-26

Required Education: Associates Degree

Type:

Full Time

Level:

Experienced

Categories:

2nd Assistant Superintendent

Assistant Superintendent

Detroit Golf Club is a historic 36-hole Donald Ross design with a tradition of excellence spanning more than a century. From 2019 through 2026, the club hosted the PGA TOUR’s Rocket Classic, and our agronomy team prepared the course for eight consecutive TOUR events. That experience shaped who we are: every day, we bring championship-level standards, attention to detail, and pride to the conditions we deliver for our members and guests.

We are seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented turf professional to join our agronomy leadership team as First Assistant Golf Course Superintendent. This is a role for someone who is ready to take on real responsibility and wants a clear path to becoming a Golf Course Superintendent.

Position Overview The First Assistant leads day-to-day golf course operations and works directly with the Director of Agronomy and the North and South Course Superintendents. You will run the crew, carry out our agronomic programs, and have a real say in planning and budgeting. We expect your input and we value it. Our maintenance team includes 12 full-time and 40 seasonal staff across 36 holes.

What We Offer

Competitive salary: $60,000 – $70,000, based on experience, plus Performance Incentives Health benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance club pays 80% / eligible after 90 days Retirement: 401(k) Time off: 9 days PTO plus 5 Vacation Days, and paid holidays Predictable schedule: every other weekend off; about 60 hours per week in season Professional dues paid: GCSAA and MiGCSA membership Continuing education: GCSAA Conference & Trade Show / Golf Industry Show attendance, seminars, and licensing costs covered Housing: Temporary Housing is Available. Staff meals, uniforms, golf privileges

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Crew Development

Lead, schedule, and train the turf team, and hold morning crew meetings. Build a positive, accountable team culture with clear performance standards. Mentor Second Assistants, interns, and developing staff members.

Agronomic Programs

Oversee all chemical and fertilizer applications with precision and environmental responsibility. Manage moisture and irrigation, and keep accurate, detailed application records. Set daily, weekly, and seasonal agronomic goals with the leadership team. Help build and manage the annual operating budget and agronomic plans.

Championship Conditioning & Event Preparation

Deliver tournament-quality conditions every day, using the standards and practices refined during eight years of hosting the PGA TOUR. Lead course setup and preparation for all member & outside events.

Project & Facility Management

Take part in and oversee construction, renovation, and capital improvement projects, including South Course Master Planning. Manage daily task scheduling and use labor, equipment, and resources efficiently.

Professional Growth

Direct mentorship from an agronomy leadership team with a proven record of developing Superintendents. Learn directly from a team that prepared a PGA TOUR venue for eight years, and gain championship-level experience you can take anywhere. Budgeting, capital planning, and communicating with members and committees: the skills hiring committees look for in a Superintendent. Personal development plan with set goals, regular reviews, and active help with your job search when you are ready for a Superintendent role. Access to a wide professional network through the club, industry associations, and local chapter involvement.

Why Detroit Golf Club? You will join a prestigious club, work alongside a passionate and skilled agronomy team, and take on real responsibility on a 36-hole Donald Ross property with championship-caliber standards. Metro Detroit offers a vibrant sports and dining scene, Great Lakes recreation, and an affordable cost of living compared with many major golf markets. For the right person, this role is the step to becoming a Superintendent at a premier facility.

Detroit Golf Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualifications

Degree or certificate in Turfgrass Management or a related field. 3+ years of golf course experience; prior Assistant Superintendent or management-level experience strongly preferred. Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification, or able to obtain within 90 days. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and direct diverse teams; Spanish/English bilingual a plus. Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills; comfortable with Rainbird Cirrus Pro, Microsoft Office Products, and record-keeping platforms like Greenkeeper App. Valid driver’s license and a commitment to growing personally and professionally in the turfgrass industry.

Founded in 1899 by William R. Farrand and several close friends, Detroit Golf Club remains an exclusive private golf club to this day. By 1916, our two Donald Ross-designed courses were completed. The North Course hosted the PGA TOUR’s Rocket Mortgage Classic and Rocket Classic every summer from 2019 through 2026 and has new USGA greens built in 2025. The South Course consists of 17 original Donald Ross push-up greens with XGD drainage.

The North Course has 007xl bentgrass Greens, Tees, and Fairways. The South course has Bentgrass/Poa annua playing surfaces on greens, tees and fairways. Roughs consist of bluegrass/ryegrass/tall fescue mixes. Detroit Golf Club has partnered with golf course architect Tyler Rae to develop a complete master plan for DGC moving forward.

The North Course underwent a full renovation in 2025 including bunkers, greens, tees, irrigation, drainage and fairway regrassing. Interns joining us in 2027 will be part of the continued implementation of that master plan for the South Course.