Golf Course & Grounds Superintendent

Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of the Indianapolis northside, Highland Golf & Country Club is an established private Club with a strong tradition of providing members and their families with an exceptional club experience. The golf course and surrounding grounds are central to that experience; with the course conditioning, attention to detail, and overall property presentation playing an important role in the Club's standards of excellence.

Highland offers an opportunity for an experienced Superintendent to make a meaningful impact at a well-respected private club. Working closely with the Director of Golf and the Board of Directors, the Superintendent will help elevate course conditions, strengthen maintenance operations, and deliver a consistently first-class experience for members and guests.

Position Priorities: Elevating the Highland Experience

Highland Golf & Country Club is seeking a Superintendent who understands the difference between maintaining a golf course in good condition and delivering a truly exceptional golf experience.

The immediate priority for this position is to elevate the overall quality, consistency, and presentation of the golf course and surrounding property through an uncompromising commitment to attention to detail. The successful candidate will bring a fresh, discerning eye to every aspect of the operation; identifying opportunities to refine, improve, and consistently execute the details that distinguish a good golf course from a great one.

This commitment extends beyond turfgrass conditions to the entire property; including greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, course accessories, landscape features, practice facilities, cart paths, maintenance practices and overall cleanliness and presentation.

The successful candidate will be proactive rather than reactive, regularly evaluating the course and property with a critical eye, anticipating needs, correcting deficiencies, and continuously identifying ways to improve quality and consistency.

Recent Investment & Future Capital Plans

The Club is making a significant long-term commitment to enhancing its golf course and grounds, creating an exciting opportunity for the next individual to help shape the future of the property.

Recent and planned investments include:

- Irrigation : $2.2 million upgraded & improved irrigation system in 2024.

- Golf Course Master Plan : Up to $1 million in planned improvement, with construction starting in fall of 2027.

- Drainage : Roughly $100,000 annually in drainage investments to improve course conditions and playability.

- New Maintenance Facility : Plans for a completely new maintenance facility and supporting resources, with construction planned approximately 2029.

These projects reflect the Club's commitment to continued improvement and provide the new Superintendent an outstanding opportunity to help lead meaningful projects, introduce new ideas, and make a lasting impact on Highland.

Essential Responsibilities

- Oversee all aspects of the golf course and grounds, including landscaping at the clubhouse, pool, racquets and bocce facilities

- Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic programs for optimal turf health and playability

- Maintain the golf course to champion-level standards consistent with the Club’s heritage and reputation

- Manage irrigation systems, drainage, and water quality

- Plan and execute course improvement projects, renovations, and capital improvements

- Ensure proper chemical application, fertilization, and pest management programs

- Maintain equipment inventory and coordinate equipment procurement and maintenance

Key Expectations for Success

- Attention to detail : Identify and address the small details that collectively create an exceptional golf course and property.

- Consistency: Establish standards that are maintained throughout the season, across all areas of the property, and across all maintenance shifts.

- Ownership and accountability : Take personal responsibility for course conditions, property presentation, departmental performance, and the execution of established standards.

- Team standards: Build a culture in which employees understand what excellence looks like, take pride in their work, and are accountable for delivering it.

- Proactive improvement: Continually evaluate maintenance practices, identify deficiencies, and implement practical improvements rather than accepting the status quo.

- First-class presentation: Ensure that the entire property- not just the greens and fairways- reflects the quality and attention to detail expected at Highland.

- Member experience: Understand the exceptional conditioning, consistent presentation, and professional communication are essential components of the private club experience.

Leadership Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

- Quality-driven: Committed to consistent, exceptional playing conditions and meticulous course presentation.

- An effective leader: Capable of building a strong team, establishing clear expectations, and developing employees.

- Financially disciplined: Able to manage a significant operating budget while making thoughtful, long-term investment decisions.

- A proactive communicator: Comfortable working directly with the Director of Golf, Board of Directors, members, and fellow department heads.

- Agronomically sound: Able to balance immediate playing conditions with turf health, weather realities, and sustainable maintenance practices.

- Organized and accountable: Consistent in planning, follow-through, documentation, and execution.

- A collaborative professional: Committed to working in the best interests of the club and contributing to a positive, member-focused culture.

Performance Standards

Performance will be evaluated through mutually agreed-upon goals covering:

- Quality, consistency, and presentation of golf course playing conditions.

- Turfgrass health, resilience, and effectiveness of agronomic programs.

- Achievement of approved operating budgets and responsible capital spending.

- Employee leadership, retention, development, and workplace safety.

- Equipment reliability and operational efficiency.

- Effectiveness of irrigation, drainage, and resource management.

- Completion of approved improvement projects.

- Communication, collaboration, and responsiveness to club leadership and members.

- Progress toward annual objectives and long-term course improvement priorities.

Performance goals will recognize weather variability, agronomic realities, available resources, and the importance of protecting the long-term health of the golf course.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field preferred

- Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive golf course maintenance experience

- Minimum of 3-5 years in a supervisory or direct-level role, and success leading and managing a team

- Previous experience at a premier country club or resort course required

- Demonstrates success in elevating course conditions to peak standards

Technical Knowledge

- Comprehensive knowledge of turfgrass science, soil chemistry, and agronomic practices

- Expertise in irrigation systems (preferably irrigation certification)

- Strong knowledge of safety regulations, environmental compliance, and pesticide application

- Familiarity with golf course equipment, maintenance and technology

- Computer proficiency in course management software and Microsoft Office suite