LaGorce Country Club Miami Beach, Florida Golf Course Superintendent (GCS) Founded in 1927, LaGorce Country Club in Miami Beach, Florida has a storied history that really was born after WWII, when the club was on the brink of going out of existence. Several local civic leaders gathered together and purchased the club, resurrecting it and making it a key seasonal destination club for many residents and winter visitors. Built on dredgings from Biscayne Bay and the Intracoastal waterway, the Club soon hosted the Miami Beach-LaGorce open, and quickly was on the map. In 2004, the Club s original clubhouse was raised and a new, Miami-inspired clubhouse was built, providing members with an extraordinary view of the Miami Beach skyline, as well as first class facilities and amenities throughout. Minutes from South Beach, the Club has had a history of notable members including athletes Joe DiMaggio, Eddie Arcaro, Billy Cunningham and others. Known for the quality of its course and now for its supporting amenities, today s LaGorce Country Club is reflective of the unique and diverse make-up of greater Miami Beach. Members come from a number of countries and have selected Miami Beach for its eclectic blend of cultures, beaches, active lifestyle and accessibility to art, entertainment, tropical breezes and an international airport. In addition to the course, which was completely renovated and redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in the late 90 s, the Club has six Har Tru tennis courts, an active fitness facility, pool adjacent to the clubhouse, a croquet court, and multiple dining rooms and terraces. Club Facts: - Annual gross revenues are currently near $10.0M with food and beverage sales of approximately $2,261,000, and total Dues revenue of nearly $5.0M. - The Club, which owns the golf shop, also enjoys healthy support from its membership for its most prominent amenity, also retains shop sales, which total over $650,000. - Approximately 21,000 rounds of golf are played annually, with approximately 5,000 being guest play. - At present, the Golf Course Maintenance budget is approximately $1.8M with $300,000 of that amount relating to irrigation water. - The Club enjoys an excellent reputation for its caddie program. - The initiation fee for equity Founder member is $80,000 and the Club enjoys a waiting list at present. - There are approximately 650 total members at LaGorce. The Club functions under a strong GM/COO model organizational structure and a new GM/COO, Greg Deger, CCM, recently joined the Club after several years at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island. A
nine member Board of Governors governs the Club, each serving three-year terms. Additionally, there are seven standing advisory committees including: Golf, Green, Finance, House, Protocol, Young Members, and Membership. For more information, please visit LaGorce Country Club website at: www.lagorcecc.com. LaGorce Country Club Golf Course Superintendent (GCS) The Golf Course Superintendent (GCS), reporting to the General Manager, has clear ownership for day-to-day golf course operations of LaGorce Country Club. H/She is responsible to ensure that these operations are consistently managed and run with those attributes normally associated with a Top 100 member-owned club golf experience. This includes course condition, staff motivation and general leadership within the organization, budget management, and member and committee relations, among other key accountabilities. The Golf Course Superintendent, who reports directly to the General Manager/COO (GM/COO) will provide leadership to Green Committee and fellow management team members relative to the golf experience at LaGorce, and the Club s business and financial objectives. H/She is expected to a strong team player, recognizing that his/her leadership with other departments is a critical part of the overall seamlessness of a positive member experience. The GCS is clearly the face of the golf course in this most important of Club amenities, and therefore needs to be approachable, open for interactive information exchange, positive in demeanor and naturally proactive in making recommendations and taking action. The golf experience is the strongest driver of member recruitment, retention and satisfaction at LaGorce, and as such needs a superintendent leader who is clearly adept at developing a plan for success, communicating to necessary constituencies (staff, members, etc.) and executing upon it once in effect. His/her assertive hospitality-minded approach, complete with listening and communication and presentation skills, even with technical agronomic issues, must be intuitive and easily followed and emulated by the rest of the LaGorce golf maintenance operational team. The GCS is expected to provide day-to-day operation guidance to this department, working in close conjunction with the General Manager. The GCS also works closely with the Green Committee, but their focus is on strategic goals and evaluation, not day to day operations, so the GCS must be capable of making thoughtful, necessary, sometimes difficult decisions, considering what is in the overall best interests of the Club while meeting the success factors desired in LaGorce s daily operation, and its long term best interests. And, be able to effectively and confidently convey these decisions to multiple constituencies. As part of this role as the leader of course operations at the Club, the GCS will need the emotional maturity to balance multiple inputs from members and others, all of whom have well intended interest in seeing the Club meet its success goals. Balancing active use of the course with necessary agronomic practices for long-term success is vital, as is the ability to effectively and consistently communicate the whys and wherefores of agronomic actions. In addition to leading golf maintenance operations, the GCS will be responsible and accountable for the preparation and successful execution of annual golf maintenance operating and capital budgets. He/She will work with the GM to identify annual initiatives and budget objectives, presenting plans and recommendations to the appropriate groups for approval. These plans will be backed with reasoned, well-conceived tactics, which he/she will own and be accountable to attain. Kopplin & Kuebler, LLC Page 1 www.kopplinandkuebler.com
LaGorce is not likely a training ground for an up and coming Golf Course Superintendent, except for those with exceptional quality experiences and alignment, but rather an environment that requires an experienced, exceptional professional. Primary Responsibilities Golf Course Operations Management Consults with the GM/COO and Green Committee on policy recommendations, standards and strategy, as well as changes in the organizational structure and operation of the agronomy department and implementation of changes. Sets standards for the golf course maintenance operation agronomic conditioning and maintenance practice, work efficiencies, operations protocols, as well as presentation of staff, equipment and facilities. Essentially, all touch point areas within the operation, as well as behind the scenes support needs, are ultimately the responsibility of the GCS and, therefore, need clear definition and on-going evaluation. Engineers and coordinates an effective golf maintenance operation that functions as would be expected in a Top 100 private, member owned club operation with highly trained, effective and knowledgeable staff members and a can do positive attitude. Must have a keen and high-level working knowledge of South Florida turf grass management processes. Business and Financial Acumen Oversees the preparation of the annual operating and capital budgets under the direction of the GM/COO and, after necessary approval, manages and controls the golf maintenance operation to attain the desired results, recognizing the need to apply a common sense approach to flexibility within the roadmap of each budget plan. Is ultimately responsible to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place for all of LaGorce s golf maintenance operation assets, and consistently follows up to ensure that necessary checks are in place. This means having a clear and consistent means of protecting and maintaining course equipment and structures, and ensuring that his/her team does so as well. Works with the GM/COO to identify new and enhanced means of delivering improved conditions to members, recommending improvements with sound reasoning and recognizing the accountability of execution if approved, as well as being able to effectively communicate such standards and practices to a wide audience, both individually and in group presentations. Ensuring that necessary adherence to Local, State and Federal regulations are probably and effectively in place and consistently focused upon, including most importantly safety and environmental compliances. Maintenance Team and Associate Relations Interacts on a regular basis with fellow department managers and the GM/COO pursuant to performance evaluations, discipline, recognition and/or discharge of his/her employees. Daily interaction with the General Manager/COO and Director of Golf is vital. Ensures an effective program for recruitment and retention of key golf maintenance staff. Considers the implementation of a strong and vibrant internship program for agronomic students. Kopplin & Kuebler, LLC Page 2 www.kopplinandkuebler.com
Ensures that appropriately skilled and competent team members are in place. Sets standards of performance with each of them for their respective reports, and holds them accountable for maintaining the success goals for the golf maintenance operation. Promotes a healthy working environment and overall atmosphere for staff that supports and values appropriate and responsible contributions to the Club s success. Additionally ensures that associates in golf operations are focused on positive and supportive relationships amongst themselves, with other departmental associates and with the membership, and that inappropriate behavior of any type is not tolerated in the workplace. Member and Committee Relations Assures a consistent, efficient, seamless daily operation of the Club s golf maintenance operations, providing members and guests with a golf experience that meets the defined expectations of the Club, as communicated through the GM/COO. Oversees top-flight golf maintenance operations, with exemplary conditioning commensurate consistent with Top 100 member owned clubs around the country. Is sincerely and visibly interactive with members and their guests on a regular basis, focusing on exchanging information and obtaining direct input relative to member satisfaction with course set up and conditioning, personnel and uniformity. Consistently addresses and evaluates activities, employee attitude and overall appearance of staff and facilities to ensure maintenance of desired standards, recognizing his/her consistent representation of the Club. Is the positive, upbeat leader of his/her golf maintenance operation, who intuitively exemplifies the standards of decorum and quality necessary to meet the expectations of LaGorce, proactively leading the team to provide quality and consistent playing surfaces. Information Exchange and Understanding = Effective Communication Intuitively enjoys recognizing LaGorce members, their guests, and believes in the concept of sincere and engaged interaction. Sets an example and expects similar behavior from associates who share member interaction. Recognizes that no surprise management means keeping the GM/COO, Green Chair or appropriate other responsibly parties informed of all significant, or potentially significant staff performance and operating matters, achievements, or other situations of membership importance. Is the primary verbal and written communicator of necessary and important information for Members and Staff, and recognizes that the ability to convey information in an articulate, well-conceived and well-written manner is of utmost importance. Initial Priorities of the Golf Course Superintendent With the expectation that the new Golf Course Superintendent will commence his/her role during the high season activities, several key and necessary priorities have been identified as needing immediate focus: Immediately develop and execute a plan to gain the confidence and support of members, department managers and other key golf maintenance operation staff through a series of proactive, insightful decisions and actions. Get to know as many of members as quickly as Kopplin & Kuebler, LLC Page 3 www.kopplinandkuebler.com
possible, learning their desires and expectations, while at the same time addressing each of the key course related issues slated for improvement. Evaluate the current water supply and delivery system. Evaluate, recruit where necessary, and build a high performing team that is exceptionally well trained, and clearly understands and executes to the standards and expectations of LaGorce. Clearly define the standards of course conditions and presentation, communicate such to the GM/COO, Green Committee and Membership, and execute to that level. Develop a strong alignment and mutually supportive relationship with the General Manager/COO fellow management team members, most importantly the Director of Golf. Golf Course Superintendent Candidate Specifications Critical and Necessary Qualifications; Key Characteristics A strong, passionate and easily approachable leader with a proven track record of providing Top 100 -level services in a multiple hole, member-owned club environment, and with a personality that exemplifies the style commensurate with success at LaGorce. A Team Builder who has a history of attracting, developing and retaining a high performance golf maintenance staff Strong tropical climate grasses and agronomic practices experience with strong preference for candidates with 419, Paspalum, Tifeagle and other hybrid Bermuda experience Experience in a highly regarded golf-centric member-owned club, and possessing a verifiable history of success in course renovations Fundamental understanding of what constitutes a premier club experience, and the proven ability to execute to that level General Qualifications & Experience Preferably, a college graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Agronomy or Turf Management with a minimum of 8-10 years of experience of Golf Course Superintendent experience in a similar, private, member-owned golf centric club. (Note: this IS NOT a role for an assistant, or someone who is not currently the top course executive in his or her club.) Preference for proven and verifiable leadership qualities with demonstrated ability to direct, coordinate and control all facets of an active, high expectation golf maintenance operation. A verifiably unblemished career track that demonstrates a record of tenure and commitment to previous employers, where career moves were for enhancement of skills and experiences as opposed to terminations resulting in unplanned career changes. Ability to sustain a culture of quality service and course conditioning in what is generally considered a Top 100 Club Experience. Prior experience in modern design and installation of an irrigation system is preferred. Kopplin & Kuebler, LLC Page 4 www.kopplinandkuebler.com
Excellent financial skills, with the ability to quickly assimilate budgets and reports and knowledgeable regarding typical golf maintenance operations and related capital project issues. Is aware of critical benchmarking and financial metrics that lead to proactive response to trending curves. Exceptionally strong communication and facilitation skills, both written and verbal, with the appropriate personal presence, desire and ability to interact effectively before LaGorce members, guests and other staff. Possessive of a natural and positive ability to interact regularly with members, and to do so with respectful confidence. Having worked under a strong GM/COO organizational culture, and recognizing of reporting structures and performance evaluation definition and expectations. Other Preferences Bi-lingual in Spanish, or with a true ability to effectively communicate in this second language. An Active Member of GCSAA, preferably as a CGCS, and a desire to continually improve upon his/her skills and professional competencies. Possessive of a verifiable record of mentorship and having had a strong internship/training program in place at his/her club. Personally capable and comfortable with technology and incorporates its use, as appropriate in his/her everyday role, while never losing sight of the need for high touch relations with members and staff. Proven follow through skills and a history of responsiveness and proactive leadership. Embracing of a desire to live in the greater Miami Beach area. For more information or inquiries, or to make your interest known to the firm, please present your credentials along with a letter of interest detailing your alignment with the above noted qualifications, as well as why this role and location is of interest to you. IMPORTANT: Please forward your resume and letter in either WORD or PDF format, saved as Last Name, First Name Cover Letter and Last Name, First Name Resume to: Nan Fisher Scottsdale Office 480-443-9102 nan@kopplinandkuebler.com www.kopplinandkuebler.com www.twitter.com/@k2update Kurt D. Kuebler, CCM, is the lead partner on this search and Firm Agronomist Associate Tim Hiers, CGCS is working to assist in the process. Jupiter Office 561-747-5213 kurt@kopplinandkuebler.com Kopplin & Kuebler, LLC Page 5 www.kopplinandkuebler.com