Director Of Grounds – Forest Lake Club

Forest Lake Club is seeking a strategic leader to serve as its next
Director of Grounds
, responsible for the care, conditioning, and long-range stewardship of Forest Lake Club’s golf course, grounds, facilities, and natural areas. This role integrates agronomy, infrastructure management, environmental protection, and team leadership to ensure the property reflects the club’s heritage, member expectations, and the standards of the surrounding community.

Founded in 1923 in Columbia, South Carolina, Forest Lake Club has long been regarded as one of the region’s premier private clubs—defined by relaxed Southern elegance, a tight-knit membership, and a commitment to exceptional recreational, social, and family experiences. The club’s rolling terrain, mature tree canopy, and lakeside setting embody the natural character of the surrounding Forest Acres community.

Forest Lake has invested significantly in its golf course, clubhouse, racquet amenities, aquatics, and grounds over the last decade—ensuring the property remains both timeless and relevant. The club’s culture is built on tradition, hospitality, environmental responsibility, and a strong sense of community.

The Director of Grounds plays a central role in preserving the club’s legacy while leading the continued evolution of its golf course and outdoor environment.

• Annual Operating Budget:$2.1M
• Staffing:21 hourly; 3 Assistant Superintendents; 1 Mechanic + hourly mechanic support
• Annual Rounds:27,000
• Total Membership:1,160
• Greens Committee:8 members; three-year committee term limits; board member serves as chair
• Collars:Celebration (sodded in 2025)
• Fairways:Predominantly Tifway 419 (with some common Bermuda remaining)
• Tees:Mix of 419 / Celebration / Diamond
• Irrigation System:Pump station rebuilt in 2016; new system installed in 2019; two-wire Rain Bird

• Build and develop a high-performance agronomy team
• Create and execute a multi-year agronomic and infrastructure plan
• Develop a communication plan with members, leadership, and committees

• Deep understanding of modern agronomy, equipment, technology, and maintenance practices
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
• Collaborative team player who creates an environment for continued growth and development
• High attention to detail and strong observational skills
• High golf IQ
• Embraces technology while maintaining sound agronomic fundamentals
• Strong financial acumen and budget management skills
• Resourceful and pragmatic
• Exceptional communication skills with members, staff, and community stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of irrigation systems, golf course construction, and capital project management
• Active within the golf course superintendent and club community, seeking advances that benefit Forest Lake Club

• Lead all golf course and grounds maintenance operations to deliver consistent, high-quality daily conditioning aligned with Forest Lake Club expectations.
• Conduct daily inspections of greens, tees, fairways, bunkers, rough, practice areas, landscaping, and public-facing spaces.
• Maintain a visible presence on the course during peak member play and major club events.
• Complete weekly ride-throughs with the agronomy leadership team to evaluate turf health, playability, detail standards, and member feedback.

• Develop agronomic programs suited to Forest Lake’s climate, soil structure, trees, water systems, and classic golf architecture.
• Oversee turf health, moisture management, pest control, and plant nutrition practices with environmental responsibility at the forefront.
• Protect and enhance naturalized areas, lake edges, woodlands, and wildlife corridors that are central to the club’s identity and the Forest Acres community aesthetic.
• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

• Manage equipment maintenance, repair schedules, replacement planning, and capital forecasting.
• Oversee irrigation system performance, moisture management, audits, and long-range…