Golf Course Superintendent - Palmer Course

Destination Geneva National; Lake Geneva (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Destination Geneva National in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, seeks an experienced Golf Course Superintendent to lead agronomic operations, maintenance, and presentation of the Arnold Palmer Course. You will guide daily conditioning, manage budgets, and mentor a dedicated crew to deliver exceptional playing conditions for members and guests.

You'll work with the leadership team to plan improvements, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and coordinate with tournament preparation for championship

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years as Golf Course Superintendent or First Assistant Superintendent.
• Two-year degree or certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field.
• Experience directing maintenance operations and supervising personnel.
• Knowledge of turfgrass management, irrigation, fertility programs, and conditioning.
• Proven leadership, organization, and communication abilities.
• Experience with budgeting, resource allocation, and equipment management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and recordkeeping.
• Valid driver's license and Pesticide Applicator License.
• Ability to work early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily maintenance and agronomic operations of the Arnold Palmer Course.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate agronomic programs including fertility and pest management.
• Diagnose turfgrass, drainage, irrigation, and environmental challenges.
• Manage irrigation systems, water use, soil moisture, and conservation.
• Oversee greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, trees, and grounds.
• Support course improvements, renovations, and long-term planning.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and develop maintenance staff.
• Direct priorities and ensure safety and accountability.

Skills

Turfgrass management

Leadership

Irrigation management

Budgeting

Communication

Problem solving

Recordkeeping

Education

AS in Turfgrass Management or related

Tools

Irrigation software

Maintenance management software

MS Excel

Job description

An Exceptional Opportunity in Championship Golf Course Management

Destination Geneva National is seeking an accomplished Golf Course Superintendent to lead the agronomic operations, maintenance, and presentation of our championship Arnold Palmer Course in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Geneva National is a premier 54-hole golf destination featuring three championship courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino. The Arnold Palmer Course offers a unique opportunity for an experienced turf professional to take ownership of a distinguished golf property while working alongside a dedicated agronomy leadership team.

Reporting to the Director of Grounds/Agronomy, the Superintendent will oversee daily course conditioning, agronomic programming, personnel development, and operational resources to consistently deliver exceptional playing conditions for our members and guests.

Position Responsibilities

Agronomic Leadership & Course Conditioning

• Direct all daily maintenance and agronomic operations of the Arnold Palmer Course, ensuring exceptional turf quality, playability, consistency, and presentation.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive agronomic programs, including fertility, irrigation, cultural practices, turf health, and integrated pest management.
• Proactively diagnose and resolve turfgrass, drainage, irrigation, and environmental challenges.
• Manage irrigation systems, water usage, soil moisture monitoring, and conservation practices.
• Oversee the care and maintenance of greens, tees, fairways, roughs, bunkers, trees, ornamental plantings, and surrounding grounds.
• Participate in course improvement initiatives, renovations, and long-term agronomic planning.
  

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and develop golf course maintenance personnel.
• Establish daily priorities and direct maintenance operations to maximize efficiency and achieve exceptional course standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, safety, and pride in workmanship.
• Mentor assistant superintendents, interns, and emerging turf professionals.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and environmental regulations.

Operational & Financial Management

• Assist in the development and administration of annual operating budgets and capital improvement plans.
• Manage labor, equipment, materials, chemical applications, and other maintenance resources efficiently.
• Maintain comprehensive agronomic, irrigation, chemical application, and maintenance records.
• Coordinate equipment utilization, preventive maintenance, and replacement planning.
• Support tournament preparation, special projects, and seasonal maintenance requirements.
  

Communication & Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Grounds, Golf Operations, and executive leadership to maintain the highest standards of course conditioning.
• Communicate proactively regarding agronomic programs, course conditions, maintenance activities, and operational priorities.
• Collaborate with the broader agronomy team, including Superintendents on Player and Trevino, on long-term planning, improvements, and best practices.

Why Destination Geneva National?

As Superintendent of the Arnold Palmer Course, you'll have the opportunity to lead the conditioning and presentation of a championship golf course within one of Wisconsin's premier golf destinations.

You’ll collaborate with experienced golf and agronomy professionals, contribute to ongoing course improvements, and help develop the next generation of turf management talent.

Geneva National is also proud to serve as host of the 2027 WIAA Boys State Golf Championships, reflecting our commitment to exceptional golf experiences and tournament-caliber course conditions.

If you are an experienced Superintendent or First Assistant Superintendent seeking an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a distinguished golf facility, we invite you to apply.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience as a Golf Course Superintendent or First Assistant Golf Course Superintendent.
• Two-year degree or certificate in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience independently directing golf course maintenance operations and supervising personnel.
• Comprehensive knowledge of turfgrass management, irrigation, fertility programs, pest management, and golf course conditioning.
• Proven leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with maintenance budgeting, resource allocation, and equipment management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and computerized recordkeeping.
• Valid driver's license and Pesticide Applicator License
• Ability to work early mornings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as required by golf course operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience as a Superintendent or First Assistant Superintendent.
• Experience at a championship-level golf course, private club, or premier golf resort.
• Experience preparing golf courses for competitive tournaments and championship events.
• Knowledge of golf course construction, drainage, irrigation design, and renovation projects.
• Strong understanding of the game of golf and golfer expectations.
• Spanish-language communication skills.

The Ideal Candidate

• The successful candidate will be a knowledgeable, hands‑on agronomic leader with a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for championship golf course conditioning.
• This individual will demonstrate sound judgment, independent problem‑solving abilities, and the leadership skills necessary to build and develop a high‑performing maintenance team.
• We seek a professional who takes ownership of course conditions, anticipates challenges, and consistently delivers results through thoughtful planning, effective communication, and disciplined execution.