Rich Harvest Farms Golf Club - Golf Course Superintendent
An outstanding opportunity is available for a Golf Course Superintendent (GCS) with exceptional agronomic and leadership skills. Candidates should have a passion for the game of golf and providing an exceptional experience for Members and guests.
RICH HARVEST FARMS GOLF CLUB OVERVIEW
In 1987 Jerry Rich began to develop Rich Harvest Farms on his 1,820 acre property in Sugar Grove, IL out of a love of golf and golf course design. What started out as one hole eventually blossomed into an 18-hole ultra-private golf course, built and perfected over a period of 10 years. When it officially opened in 1999, Rich Harvest Farms was rated the 5th Best New Private Golf Course by Golf Digest. Three years later, Golf Digest placed the course on “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses,” where it remains to this day.
Since its opening, Rich Harvest Farms has become a premier destination for golfers all over the world, attracting a series of prestigious amateur and professional tournaments, including the 2009 Solheim Cup and the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series Chicago event. The facility is also home to the Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois and the Northern Illinois University Huskies Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams.
Mission
To provide the best overall experience in golf when considering course, food and beverage, accommodations, amenities available, and facilities in and around Rich Harvest Farms.
Rich Harvest Farms Golf Club By The Numbers:
Architect: Jerry Rich and Greg Martin (1998)
Rounds Played: 11,000
Cart Rounds: 10,000
Golf Course Grounds Budget (excluding capital): $2.0- $2.1mm
Green Speed Expectations: 10.5-11.5
Green Turf Type: Bent
Fairway: Bent
Roughs: Bluegrass/Tall Fescue
Water Source: (1) Well and (2) Pump Stations at Ponds
Rich Harvest Farms Website: www.richharvestfarms.com
GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT POSITION OVERVIEW
The GCS is expected to provide quality leadership and lead his/her department to ensure Top 100 playing conditions for Members and their guests. The GCS is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the golf course grounds and estate grounds.
The GCS must be an excellent, direct communicator and have a natural style of “sincere engagement” with members and staff. He/she will possess a passion for the game of golf, premier playing conditions and have strong agronomic knowledge and know how. Continuing education, professional development, future turf leader development, strong peer group relations and staying at the forefront of research and technology are necessary for success.
DIRECT REPORTS
Assistant Superintendents
Head Mechanic
REPORTS TO
General Manager
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be a Superintendent or a Senior Assistant Superintendent with a minimum of seven years’ experience at a golf course known for consistent, championship conditioning.
Possess exceptional agronomy skills
Successful experience in similar climates
Proven history of providing exceptional golfing conditions
Experience providing exceptional healthy bent and bluegrass turf conditions
Strong observational skills, with the ability to see the “Big Picture” while remaining detail oriented
Subscribes to sustainable maintenance practices
Strong irrigation management philosophy & practices
Strong agronomic skills-stays current with advances in turf technology and equipment
Experience controlling/managing Poa annua
Experience with tree management
High Golf IQ is essential
Strong relationship builder with a history of excellent relations with their Owner, Golf Professional, and General Manager
Confident, take-charge leader
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with Members, team members; able to explain technical issues in lay terms
Personable, builds rapport easily
Strong organizational skills
Strong budget management and forecasting skills
Strong character, confident, humble personality type
Proactive, high energy, collaborative leader, a team builder
A history of developing a positive employee work culture
A history of mentoring team members and advancing their careers
A history of recruiting team members for all positions needed within team
Experience with internship programs and professor or placement connections
EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS
A degree in turf management or related field of study; GCSAA Certification is preferred.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an end-of-year bonus and partial employer-sponsored benefit package. Additional benefits include optional housing and vehicle. Salary based on experience and tenure.
CONTACT
Tim Moraghan
ASPIRE Golf 908/ 635 7978
tmoraghan@aspire-golf.com
Jon Meagher
General Manager Rich Harvest Farms
JMeagher@richharvestfarms.com
