Job Description
A Golf Course Superintendent manages the day to day operations of a golf course, including maintenance of equipment and on course systems, turfgrass and personnel.
Turfgrass Management Oversees the growth, maintenance, and quality of the course's turf. This includes laying out irrigation and drainage patterns, and constructing greens and tees.
Maintenance Plans and coordinates maintenance and project work, and manages the purchase and repair of equipment.
Personnel Secures, trains, and supervises employees, and manages full-time and seasonal staff. Budgeting Prepares and maintains the annual budget for the course's maintenance and capital improvements.
Environmental stewardship Considers the environment and natural phenomena like drought, flood, insects, and disease when planning and taking action.
Customer service Responds to customer inquiries and ensures that the course meets the needs of players and members.
Weather monitoring Monitors weather and climatic conditions for the safety of players and the course.
Chemical use Manages and documents the use of chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers in accordance with regulations.
Education Continual education and training on best practices, IPM, and maintaining license's in accordance with government regulations.
Relevant School Subjects
- Business
- English
- Science
Areas of Expertise
- Environment
- Leisure/Sports/Tourism
- PR/Communications
- Science
Career Story
I remember going to apply for my first job. It was at Westmount Golf and Country Club. I was applying to be a dishwasher. As we drove up the driveway, I saw a man emptying the outside trash cans. I remember looking over at my Mother and saying to her "I will never do that job." About a week later I was called in for an interview, but it wasn't for a dishwasher position. It was for the turf crew. I decided to give it a try an the next week I was doing that job I said I would never do and loving it. I worked at Westmount for 3 season and absolutely loved it. An opportunity presented itself from there for me to join a golf course construction company that also did residential landscaping too. I decided to explore this avenue. I was the first female they had ever hired for the construction side. I absolutely loved it. It was a lot of long hours and hard work but I got to travel and work, at some incredible places. Some golf courses I worked at while working with the construction company were St. Catherine's CC, St. Thomas CC, Mississauga CC, Brampton CC, Credit Valley CC, Dundas Valley CC, Copper Creek GC, Sunset GC, Galt CC, and Le Meandre. There are many more I could add. After a while it was time for me to step back into the golf course role daily, and I took a position at the Oaks of St. George GC as the Assistant Superintendent. We had done a lot of work on this property and the construction company I worked for managed the turf department, so it seemed like a good next step in my career. Before starting I obtained my Pesticide License and my first winter there, I obtained my Turfgrass Managers Short Course Diploma. I was the Assistant Superintendent at The Oaks of St. George for 7 seasons. I learned everything from how to run a golf course, manage a crew, deal with the public, spray chemicals, maintain an irrigation system, fix course equipment, and manage the quality of the turfgrass. My time at The Oaks prepared me for my next and current chapter.... Becoming a Superintendent. GolfNorth Properties was looking for a Superintendent position to be filled at Dundee Country Club. I was nervous as at this point, I didn't know of any other female Superintendents in our areas. I thought well, if nothing else this will be a good life experience. I went through a first and second interview process and right before Christmas I was offered the position as Superintendent of Dundee Country Club a GolfNorth Property. This was another first for me. I was officially the first female Superintendent for my company and one of only 4 across Ontario at that time. I have now been the Superintendent at Dundee Country Club for 13 seasons. Every year presents different challenges and opportunities. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and am excited to see what this next season has instore for me.