DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSES AND GROUNDS – HERMITAGE COUNTRY CLUB

Hermitage Country Club, located in Richmond, Virginia, is seeking a proven and independent-thinking Director of Golf Courses and Grounds to lead its golf course and grounds operations.

The next Director of Golf Courses and Grounds will be entrusted with not only delivering championship conditions across Hermitage’s 36 holes, but also shaping the long-term agronomic vision, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and carrying forward the Club’s rich traditions with passion and purpose.

This position requires a leader who is trustworthy, proactive, and forward-looking — someone who can honor what has worked, recognize what needs to be done, and chart a visionary path for the next 10 years. The ideal candidate will be both a steward of Hermitage’s history and a builder of its future: passionate, intentional, a culture architect, and a strategic partner to the General Manager, Board, and membership.

About the Club

Founded in 1900, Hermitage Country Club is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s premier private clubs. With a storied history that includes hosting legendary players like Sam Snead and a tradition-rich amateur invitational, Hermitage is regarded as a cornerstone of golf in Virginia.

The Club features two distinct championship golf courses:

• The Sabot Course – A modern Tom Fazio design, celebrated for its bold bunkering, variety of shot values, and tournament-caliber challenge.
• The Manakin Course – A classic Edmund Ault parkland layout, known for its tree-lined fairways, strategic green complexes, and timeless design character.

With 36 holes of championship golf, family-focused amenities, and a proud membership that includes some of the region’s finest players, Hermitage stands out as one of the few independent, non-residential private clubs of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic.

Position Overview

The Director of Agronomy oversees all aspects of golf course and grounds maintenance at Hermitage. This leader will manage two superintendents (each responsible for a course), assistants, interns, the equipment team, and landscaping staff — fostering teamwork, accountability, and professional growth at every level.

The position requires balancing high-level agronomic expertise with visionary leadership and operational discipline. From managing complex capital projects (such as greens rebuilds, drainage upgrades, and water infrastructure) to delivering daily consistency in course conditions, the Director of Golf Courses and Grounds will be trusted as both an elite grass grower and a skilled project manager.

Reports to:

General Manager/COO

Supervises:

Superintendents (Sabot & Manakin), Assistants, Equipment Manager, Irrigation Technician, Agronomy Staff

Club Highlights

• Total Members: 1,287; Golf – 1,020
• Annual Agronomy Budget: $3.0M operating
• Capital Budget: Significant annual funding for infrastructure, renovations, and equipment
• Grass Types: Bentgrass greens (A1/A4 on Manakin, Pure Eclipse on the Sabot), bermudagrass/zoysiagrass blends on tees, fairways, and roughs
• Irrigation: Rainbird 2-wire
• Staff: 48 agronomy employees, including two course superintendents, assistants, interns, and equipment team
• Rounds: 63,000 annually for 36-holes
• Upcoming Projects: Dam renovation, Manakin greens rebuild, drainage and bunker improvements, long-term master plan development

Success Traits of the Individual

• 5–8 years of senior-level leadership in agronomy at a private, member-owned club
• Multi-course management experience preferred
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field
• Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) preferred
• Transition-zone turf expertise (bentgrass, bermudagrass, zoysiagrass)
• Strong financial acumen and capital project management experience

• Pesticide applicator certification; valid driver’s license
• Independent thinker & visionary – Brings a clear 10-year plan and thoughtful ideas for continuous improvement, while respecting tradition.
• Trustworthy & proactive – Fixes problems quickly, communicates openly, and follows up with solutions and accountability.
• Passionate culture builder – Inspires the team, develops leaders, and creates a department grounded in pride, integrity, and high standards.
• Project management expertise – Proven track record of executing major capital projects on time and within budget.
• Adaptable partner – Works seamlessly within a new leadership team, balancing flexibility with confidence.
• Financially responsible – Delivers high-quality results with fiscal discipline, earning trust from the Board and membership.
• Respected public relations leader – Builds relationships with staff, members, committees, and the broader community, representing Hermitage with pride.
• Elite agronomic knowledge – Deep understanding of Mid-Atlantic transition zone turf, multiple grass types, and championship conditioning.
• Resilient problem-solver – Owns mistakes, learns quickly, and consistently delivers “the next best thing” for Hermitage.
• Proactive and “Get it done” attitude

Initial Priorities

• Build trust and alignment with the General Manager, Board, and membership while continuing to elevate the agronomy staff around a common vision.
• Assess agronomic practices and resource allocation; implement immediate enhancements to course conditioning and presentation.
• Develop a phased, fiscally responsible long-range plan for both courses and infrastructure.
• Lead ongoing projects (dam, Manakin greens, drainage) with precision and transparency.
• Establish a proactive communication plan with members, delivering regular updates and on-course engagement.

Key Skills, Knowledge, Aptitude and Other Traits:

Golf Course and Grounds Management

• Oversees all aspects of golf course maintenance, including clubhouse grounds, open spaces, and associated landscaping.
• Ensures the course is maintained in optimal playing condition through consistent inspection and proactive adjustments.
• Supervises planting, fertilizing, and care of turf, plants, shrubs, and trees in alignment with the club’s turf management plan.
• Oversees and manages all course construction, renovations, and major maintenance projects.
• Develops and maintains irrigation, drainage, and watering systems to support agronomic needs and water conservation goals.
• Leads road, roadside, and non-golf property landscape maintenance, including the clubhouse and surrounding areas.

Equipment and Facilities Oversight

• Supervises equipment repair operations and ensures maintenance of all grounds equipment per established standards.
• Conducts daily facility checks and ensures secure inventory management of equipment, tools, and keys.
• Coordinates work with outside contractors and service providers as needed.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Hires, schedules, trains, supervises, and evaluates agronomy department staff.
• Maintains accurate personnel records and promotes a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develops and executes professional development and training programs, including safe equipment use and chemical handling.
• Emphasis on working with turf management team including interns, development and recruitment. 

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations including HAZCOM, OSHA, and EPA standards.
• Manages the proper use, storage, and disposal of chemicals, petroleum, and controlled substances, minimizing environmental impact.
• Maintains required documentation and promotes sustainable maintenance practices throughout the operation.
• Possesses up-to-date knowledge of golf course laws and regulations, and the rules of golf as they relate to maintenance.

Budgeting and Strategic Planning

• Prepares and manages the department’s annual operating and capital budgets, making adjustments as needed to meet goals.
• Develops and updates a comprehensive grounds manual.
• Establishes and executes short- and long-term maintenance and improvement plans for the golf courses and grounds.
• Makes recommendations for capital improvements and major equipment purchases based on long-range planning.

Communication and Club Coordination

• Serves as a key liaison with the Director of Golf and applicable club committees to align course maintenance with play schedules and member expectations.
• Attends staff and management meetings and keeps members informed about maintenance activities and schedules.
• Makes course closure decisions based on weather and turf protection requirements.

General Responsibilities

• Demonstrates strong administrative and executive capability, particularly in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Capable of leading operations during emergency situations and taking necessary action.
• Carries out additional duties as assigned by the General Manager. 

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive with top Mid-Atlantic private clubs, commensurate with experience. Includes:
• Performance bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with club match
• PTO/Vacation
• Disability and life insurance provided
• Professional dues and continuing education support
• Meals, uniforms, company vehicle, cell phone allowance
• Golf privileges

Application Instructions

To apply for the Director of Golf Courses and Grounds position at Hermitage Country Club, candidates should submit a single PDF that includes:

1. Cover Letter addressed to Hermitage Country Club Search Committee, describing their interest in the role, vision for Hermitage, and relevant qualifications.
2. Résumé with detailed experience, credentials, and achievements.

Application materials should be sent via Bloom Golf Partners website –  “[First Name, Last Name] – Hermitage Country Club.”

For any further questions, please contact Tyler Bloom, Bloom Golf Partners(tyler@bloomgolfpartners.com).

Apply Now