Lead Golf Course Superintendent

Placements24; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension plan

Performance bonuses

Golf privileges

Housing support

On-site accommodation

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Golf Course Superintendent for a flagship golf club in Polokwane, Limpopo. This senior role requires visionary leadership, deep turfgrass knowledge, and strong management of irrigation, pest control, and staff.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in golf course maintenance with supervisory experience, a related degree/diploma, and a commitment to sustainable practices. The position may include housing options and access to club facilities.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years in golf course maintenance, with at least 3 years in supervision/management.
• Thorough knowledge of turfgrass, soil science, irrigation, and pest/disease management.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Certification from a recognized turfgrass association (e.g., GCSA SA) is desirable.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining golf course maintenance equipment.
• Commitment to environmentally sound practices.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic plans for greens, fairways, and roughs.
• Oversee irrigation systems operation and water management.
• Manage pest, disease, and weed control programs (IPM).
• Supervise, train, and evaluate groundskeeping staff.
• Develop and manage the annual budget for maintenance operations.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainability practices.
• Operate and maintain course maintenance equipment safely and efficiently.
• Collaborate with management and agronomy consultants to meet course objectives.
• Plan and execute course renovation projects as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

IPM knowledge

Budgeting/financial management

Turfgrass knowledge

Staff supervision

Environmental practices

Education

Degree or Diploma in Turfgrass Management or related

Tools

Golf course maintenance equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious golf club renowned for its immaculate course conditions and exceptional golfing experience, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Lead Golf Course Superintendent for their flagship property located in **Polokwane**, **Limpopo**. This senior management position requires a visionary leader with a comprehensive understanding of turfgrass management, irrigation systems, pest and disease control, and staff supervision. You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of course conditioning to meet the expectations of discerning golfers and host professional tournaments. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for golf, a commitment to sustainability, and a proven ability to manage complex horticultural operations within the beautiful **Polokwane** landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive agronomic plans for all turf areas of the golf course, including greens, fairways, and roughs.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water management.
• Manage pest, disease, and weed control programs using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate a team of groundskeepers and maintenance staff.
• Develop and manage the annual budget for golf course maintenance operations.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and implement sustainable practices.
• Operate and maintain all golf course maintenance equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Collaborate with the club's management and agronomy consultants to achieve course objectives.
• Plan and execute course renovation projects as needed.

Requirements

• Degree or Diploma in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in golf course maintenance, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Thorough knowledge of turfgrass species, soil science, irrigation, and pest/disease management.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Certification from a recognized turfgrass management association (e.g., GCSA SA) is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining golf course maintenance equipment.
• Commitment to implementing environmentally sound practices.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as required by course conditions and events.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical aid and pension.
• Performance-based bonuses and opportunities for professional development.
• Complimentary golf privileges and access to club facilities.
• Housing allowance or on-site accommodation may be available.
• Opportunity to manage and maintain a championship-caliber golf course.
• Be part of a respected club with a commitment to excellence in **Limpopo**.