Golf Course Superintendent Indian Hill Club

Genesis Turfgrass LLC.; Winnetka (IL); Hybrid; USD 215,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Hill Club in Winnetka, IL seeks an accomplished Golf Course Superintendent to lead its maintenance operation, with a strong culture and long-term vision. The role reports to the GM/COO and focuses on improving conditions, people, systems.

The successful candidate will manage a ~27-person staff, a $2.0M operating budget and future renovation projects, while delivering high-quality play, engaging members, and building the next generation of turf professionals.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in golf course maintenance leadership.
• Degree in turfgrass management preferred.
• Experience managing budgets and teams at a high-expectation facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead a staff of ~27 full-time and seasonal employees.
• Manage a $2.0M annual operating budget and capital planning (≈$280K in 2025).
• Plan for and manage pre-renovation, renovation, and post-renovation turf conditioning.
• Engage with GM/COO, Green Committee, and members with transparency.

Skills

Agronomy

Water management

Leadership

Budget management

Communication

Team development

Education

Turfgrass degree

Job description

Golf Course Superintendent Indian Hill Club

Indian Hill Club, one of the Midwest’s most respected private clubs, is seeking an accomplished Golf Course Superintendent to lead its golf course maintenance operation. This position is open due to a planned retirement, offering a rare opportunity to step into a well-supported, highly regarded operation with a strong culture, engaged membership, and a long-term vision for excellence.

The Golf Course Superintendent reports directly to the General Manager/Chief Operating Officer and plays a central leadership role in maintaining high quality playing conditions while developing people, systems, and future leaders.

The role is ideal for a Superintendent seeking long-term stability at a premier club, or a highly experienced leader ready to guide a major renovation while building the next generation of turf professionals. The Club has had only two superintendents over the last 70 years.

About the Club

Indian Hill Club is a private, member-owned club grounded in tradition, stewardship, and long-term excellence. The Club values strong governance, professional leadership, and a consistently high-quality member experience across all areas of operation.

With a culture rooted in integrity and thoughtful decision-making, Indian Hill honors its history while remaining intentional about its future – focused on preservation, continuous improvement, and relevance for generations to come.

• Annual Rounds: 18,300 (no Monday outings)
• Maintenance Budget: $2.0M operating
• Capital Budget: Variable (approx. $280K in 2025)
• Staffing: 7 Full-Time Employees, 20 Seasonal Employees
• Recent Projects: Maintenance Facility and site improvements in 2022, Major clubhouse renovation completed Fall 2025
• Future Projects: Golf course renovation in the initial planning stages
• Equipment: Purchase program
• Green Committee: 12 members. 2 meetings per year.

Initial Priorities

• Seek to understand the property, culture, and expectations of Indian Hill Club.
• Build strong relationships with staff, members, and fellow department leaders.
• Evaluate current operating systems and procedures.
• Make thoughtful, incremental improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, and team effectiveness.

Success Traits of Individual

• Humble leader, who respects the traditions of a classic golf course and club
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Team-first mindset with a passion for developing people.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and operationally disciplined.
• Driven to continually improve systems, conditions, and culture.
• Strong water management and drainage practices
• Familiar with Midwest climates, and has strong agronomic aptitude
• Builds trust with the GM/COO and a Green Committee, and continues to bring forth practical and innovative ideas to advance the golf course and department
• Passionate about the game of golf with a high Golf IQ
• Takes pride in developing team members, with a proven track record of developing interns to assistants and beyond
• Steward of IHC’s financial investments and upgrades to ensure optimal member experience
• Pre-renovation planning, execution and post-renovation turf conditioning experience
• Leverages advanced maintenance practices and technology to improve and inform decision-makingli>
• Highly attentive to detail and proactive
• Continuous learner

Key Knowledge, Skills, Aptitude and Other Traits:

• Agronomy & Course Conditions
• Deliver consistent, high-quality playing conditions aligned with member expectations.
• Develop and execute agronomic programs for bentgrass, Poa annua, and native grass areas.
• Oversee water management, fertility, pest control, and environmental stewardship using BMP-aligned practices.
• Lead preparation and planning for a future golf course renovation.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a staff of approximately 27 full-time and seasonal employees, including two primary assistants.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Actively develop talent and create clear pathways for professional growth within the team.

Operations & Financial Management

• Manage a $2.0M annual operating budget with disciplined financial oversight.
• Collaborate on capital planning (approximately $280K in 2025, variable based on need).
• Oversee equipment maintenance and replacement planning (equipment is owned, not leased).
• Implement and refine systems, procedures, and standard operating practices.

Communication & Member Relations

• Build trust and rapport with members through professionalism, transparency, and responsiveness.
• Communicate effectively with the GM/COO, Green Committee, and internal department leaders.
• Serve as a visible, approachable leader within the club community.

Required / Preferred Background

• 8+ years of progressive golf course maintenance leadership experience preferred (4–7 years considered for exceptional candidates).
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass management or a related field preferred (experience may offset education).
• Proven experience managing budgets, people, and agronomic programs at a high-expectation facility.

Total Compensation: Competitive, approximately $215,000–$270,000 depending on experience

Benefits Include:

• Performance bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with 3% club contribution + up to 2% match
• Paid time off / vacation
• Long-term disability
• Continuing education and professional development
• Local and national association dues
• Meals provided