Bloom Golf Partners
DIRECTOR OF GROUNDS – FOREST LAKE CLUB
Bloom Golf Partners, Columbia, South Carolina, us, 29228
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.
About Forest Lake Club 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
Initial Priorities of Position:
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
Success Traits of Candidate:
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
Primary Responsibilities: Operational & Course Conditioning
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.
Agronomy, Environmental Stewardship & Community Integration
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.
Infrastructure, Irrigation & Equipment
Manage equipment maintenance, repair schedules, replacement planning, and capital forecasting.
Oversee irrigation system performance, moisture management, audits, and long-range replacement planning.
Lead drainage improvements, tree management programs, bunker projects, turf conversions, and other infrastructure upgrades.
Coordinate in-house and contracted construction projects, providing written plans and progress updates to the GM/COO.
Leadership, Culture & Workforce Development
Recruit, train, lead, and mentor the Grounds & Greens team in alignment with Forest Lake Club’s service culture and community standards.
Provide clear expectations, performance evaluations, and professional development for assistant superintendents and staff.
Conduct safety meetings and ensure compliance with club and OSHA standards.
Foster a positive, accountable, and team-focused work environment.
Budgeting, Financial Management & Resource Planning
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for golf course and grounds maintenance.
Oversee procurement, inventory, and cost controls for fertilizers, pesticides, materials, equipment, and supplies.
Maintain accurate records for payroll, inventory, chemical applications, equipment maintenance, and cultural practices.
Align budget execution with the club’s long-range strategic plan.
Member Communication & Community Relations
Collaborate with the GM/COO, Golf Professional, and other department heads to align course operations with club activities.
Serve as staff liaison to the Greens & Grounds Committee, providing professional guidance and transparent communication.
Maintain visibility with the membership, offering insight into course conditions, turf challenges, and project timelines.
Represent the club positively in the Forest Acres community, local environmental groups, and industry networks.
Qualifications, Education & Experience
Degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field
6–8+ years of progressive golf course management experience; private club experience preferred
Demonstrated success managing warm-season turf in a climate consistent with the South Carolina region
Renovation and project management experience
Annual car allowance
Bonus opportunity
Continued education and professional dues
Relocation assistance
Insurance benefits consistent with the club’s employee benefits, with club-covered premiums for health insurance only
Application Instructions Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume, addressed to Mr. Jacob Cyr and the Forest Lake Search Committee , by January 6, 2026 , using the link provided. In-person interviews will take place in early January.
For questions, please reach Tyler Bloom at tyler@ bloomgolfpartners.com, Search Consultant.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About Forest Lake Club 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
Initial Priorities of Position:
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
Success Traits of Candidate:
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
Primary Responsibilities: Operational & Course Conditioning
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.
Agronomy, Environmental Stewardship & Community Integration
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.
Infrastructure, Irrigation & Equipment
Manage equipment maintenance, repair schedules, replacement planning, and capital forecasting.
Oversee irrigation system performance, moisture management, audits, and long-range replacement planning.
Lead drainage improvements, tree management programs, bunker projects, turf conversions, and other infrastructure upgrades.
Coordinate in-house and contracted construction projects, providing written plans and progress updates to the GM/COO.
Leadership, Culture & Workforce Development
Recruit, train, lead, and mentor the Grounds & Greens team in alignment with Forest Lake Club’s service culture and community standards.
Provide clear expectations, performance evaluations, and professional development for assistant superintendents and staff.
Conduct safety meetings and ensure compliance with club and OSHA standards.
Foster a positive, accountable, and team-focused work environment.
Budgeting, Financial Management & Resource Planning
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for golf course and grounds maintenance.
Oversee procurement, inventory, and cost controls for fertilizers, pesticides, materials, equipment, and supplies.
Maintain accurate records for payroll, inventory, chemical applications, equipment maintenance, and cultural practices.
Align budget execution with the club’s long-range strategic plan.
Member Communication & Community Relations
Collaborate with the GM/COO, Golf Professional, and other department heads to align course operations with club activities.
Serve as staff liaison to the Greens & Grounds Committee, providing professional guidance and transparent communication.
Maintain visibility with the membership, offering insight into course conditions, turf challenges, and project timelines.
Represent the club positively in the Forest Acres community, local environmental groups, and industry networks.
Qualifications, Education & Experience
Degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field
6–8+ years of progressive golf course management experience; private club experience preferred
Demonstrated success managing warm-season turf in a climate consistent with the South Carolina region
Renovation and project management experience
Annual car allowance
Bonus opportunity
Continued education and professional dues
Relocation assistance
Insurance benefits consistent with the club’s employee benefits, with club-covered premiums for health insurance only
Application Instructions Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume, addressed to Mr. Jacob Cyr and the Forest Lake Search Committee , by January 6, 2026 , using the link provided. In-person interviews will take place in early January.
For questions, please reach Tyler Bloom at tyler@ bloomgolfpartners.com, Search Consultant.
#J-18808-Ljbffr