Description

Forest Lake Club, a 100+ year-old, member-owned, legacy private club in Columbia, South Carolina is seeking an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent to join a progressive, collaborative, and growth-minded agronomy team. With 1,140 members and a rich history of golf, the club is committed to elevating daily course conditioning while preparing for a potential full-scale golf course renovation in the coming years. The Assistant Superintendent will work with diverse turfgrass systems, a highly invested membership, and a seasoned leadership team dedicated to professional development.

Club Highlights:

• 2025 Maintenance Budget: $2.16M operating + $200K annual lease capital
• Annual Rounds: 27,000; no outside outings
• Staff: 20-26 full-time employees
• Typical Work Schedule:
  • In-Season:
  • - Mon: 5:45am-4/4:30pm
  • - Tue-Thu: 5:45am-3:30pm
  • - Fri: 5:45am-12pm
  • - Weekends: 1 out of 3
• Out-of-Season:
  • - Mon: 5:45am-3pm
  • - Tue-Thu: 5:45am-2:30pm
  • - Fri: 5:45am-12pm
  • - Weekends: 1 out of 3
• Turf Types:
  • - Greens: Champion Ultradwarf
  • - Collars: Celebration Bermudagrass
  • - Fairways: Tifway 419
  • - Tees: 419 / Celebration / Diamond Zoysia
• Future Projects: Potential full golf course renovation (2028)
• Irrigation System: Rain Bird two-wire system
• Equipment: 60/40 leased/owned (John Deere & Toro)
• Recent Improvements: Collars, tees, sod, tree projects
• Upcoming Events: CGA Amateur (2027), SCJGA State Championship (2029)

Success Traits of the Individual:

• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, thrives under pressure
• Passionate, motivated, eager to learn
• Goal-oriented and aspiring to become a Superintendent
• Hands-on leadership style
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Team-driven mindset aligned with Forest Lake Club values

Initial Priorities:

• Learn property, staff, SOPs
• Understand agronomic programs within 30-60 days
• Build strong working relationships
• Become familiar with irrigation and maintenance standards

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in task delegation and team training
• Train equipment operators
• Support irrigation technician with repairs and installations
• Supervise and participate in chemical/fertilizer applications
• Assist in developing agronomic calendars
• Monitor course conditions
• Communicate with Golf Shop team regarding conditions and tournament planning
• Engage in hands-on maintenance
• Order pesticides, sand, and supplies
• Perform duties assigned by Director of Grounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-3 years golf course maintenance experience (entry-level considered)
• Certificate, Associate, or Bachelor's degree in turfgrass or related field (preferred but not required)
• Ability to substitute experience for education

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $60,000-$67,000
• Health Insurance: 75% club-paid
• Dental & Vision: Employee-paid
• 401(k): 3% match, increasing to 5% after 1-year vesting
• PTO:
  • - Year 1: 12 days
  • - Year 2+: 3 weeks, increases with tenure
• Additional:
  • - Disability coverage
  • - Continuing education
  • - Association dues
  • - Uniforms
  • - Meals
  • - Golf privileges

About Forest Lake Club:

For over a century, Forest Lake Club has been a premier private club in the Midlands, known for its exceptional golf, racquet sports, aquatics, dining, and social offerings. The club honors tradition while investing in its future, guided by values of Passion, Collaboration, Integrity, Evolution, and Selflessness.