Golf Course Superintendent (Development-Focused)

PROJECT OVERVIEW Ada Golf Club is a new, top-tier private golf club being developed in Ada Township, Michigan. The project is envisioned as a pure golf experience, minimalist in design, rooted in the natural landscape, and built to championship-caliber standards while remaining highly playable and walkable. The course is being designed by Brian Schneider (Renaissance Golf Design) and will emphasize ground game, strategic optionality, and a minimalist aesthetic inspired by classic architecture. Construction is targeted to begin in 2026. PROJECT VISION To develop and operate one of the premier golf experiences in the Midwest, defined by exceptional course conditions, thoughtful design, and a highly personalized member experience. PROJECT VALUES Golf First – Pure focus on the golf experience Minimalism & Naturalism – Work with the land, not against it Operational Excellence – High-touch service and elite conditioning Long-Term Stewardship – Sustainability, discipline, and durability Team & Culture – Build a world-class, values-driven team POSITION SUMMARY The Golf Course Superintendent (“Superintendent”) will play a foundational leadership role in the development, construction, and long-term agronomic strategy of Ada Golf Club. This is not a traditional “maintenance-only” role. The Superintendent will be deeply involved from pre-construction through grow-in and opening, serving as a key partner to the ownership group, General Manager (to be hired), and golf course architect, Brian Schneider. The Superintendent will oversee all aspects of: Golf course construction execution Grow-in planning and agronomic strategy Irrigation and infrastructure implementation Turfgrass selection and establishment Long-term maintenance philosophy and standards Following opening, the Superintendent will transition into full responsibility for course conditions, grounds operations, and team leadership, ensuring Ada Golf Club consistently delivers a best-in-class playing experience. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Golf Course Development & Construction Serve as day-to-day ownership representative on course construction alongside the architect and team Partner directly with Brian Schneider to ensure design intent is executed precisely in the field Oversee construction vendors, contractors, and equipment operators Monitor shaping, drainage, bunker construction, and finish grading to ensure quality and consistency Lead irrigation system planning, installation, and testing in coordination with consultants Provide input on: Turfgrass selection (likely fescue-forward approach) Soil profiles and amendments Grow-in sequencing and timelines Identify and resolve field issues in real time (weather, soil variability, logistics, etc.) Maintain detailed construction tracking (budget, timeline, quality control) Ensure the project is delivered on time, on budget, and to elite standards Leadership & Team Development Build the Grounds Department from the ground up Recruit, train, and retain a high-performing team Establish a culture of pride, accountability, and continuous improvement Lead by example with a hands-on, field-first leadership style Grow-In & Agronomic Strategy Develop and execute the comprehensive grow-in plan Establish agronomic programs for all playing surfaces (greens, fairways, tees, native areas) Manage seeding, sprigging, fertilization, and irrigation strategies Coordinate staffing and resource planning for grow-in phase Course Maintenance & Operations (Post-Opening) Lead all aspects of turfgrass management and course conditioning Establish and maintain championship-level playing conditions with a minimalist philosophy Implement sustainable agronomic practices aligned with long-term land stewardship Continuously refine course presentation to reflect architectural intent Financial & Project Management Manage construction budgets (in partnership with the ownership team) and support annual operating and capital budgets post-opening Track costs, approve invoices, and manage vendor relationships Support procurement and/or leasing of equipment and materials Ensure disciplined financial management aligned