JOHN MORRIS
Summary
Accomplished golf course superintendent with a distinguished record at elite private clubs. Expertise in achieving championship-level playability and aesthetics through innovative agronomic practices, multimillion-dollar capital projects, and sustainable course improvements. Acknowledged for guiding and mentoring teams of up to 45 employees, enhancing irrigation and maintenance programs, and executing cost-saving initiatives that bolster long-term performance.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Golf Course Superintendent/ Account Manager
Ocean Hills Country Club O'Connell Landscape
Oceanside
01.2025 - Current
- Directed all golf course operations, delivering championship-level playability and aesthetics.
- Hired, trained, and mentored staff; delegated assignments, and managed performance to optimize efficiency and accountability.
- Oversaw budgets, vendor negotiations, and capital projects, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and aligning with long-term strategic goals.
- Implemented HR practices, including onboarding, safety training, and reviews, cultivating a professional, high-performance culture.
- Designed and executed agronomic and irrigation programs using advanced, data-driven techniques to improve turf health and sustainability.
- Enforced safety standards and proactively monitored turfgrass health, mitigating risks from pests, diseases, and environmental stressors.
Assistant Superintendent
Shady Canyon Golf Club
Irvine
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Supervised and scheduled a 45-person crew, delegating responsibilities and empowering team leads to deliver daily operations.
- Trained staff on technical skills and safety standards, supporting onboarding, performance reviews, and consistent course quality.
- Coordinated labor, equipment, and contractors for renovations, irrigation programming, and capital projects.
- Supported the Director of Agronomy with agronomic strategies, daily turf inspections, and cost-effective problem-solving to maintain nationally ranked conditions.
- Optimized irrigation across 350 acres utilizing weather-based data system, boosting efficiency, and increasing turf health.
2nd Assistant Superintendent
Birmingham Country Club
Birmingham
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Executed daily turf operations including mowing, course setup, spot watering, and disease scouting.
- Utilized TDR 300 to monitor moisture levels, ensuring consistent agronomic performance.
- Trained and supervised new staff on equipment and conditioning practices.
- Repaired and maintained Toro irrigation systems, including Lynx mapping, VP satellites, and pump house operations.
- Supported the superintendent in managing a crew of 25+, overseeing chemical applications and field operations.
Assistant in Training
Country Club of Detroit
Gross Pointe
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Coordinated daily crew assignments, equipment setup, and training of new employees.
- Participated in management and greens committee meetings, contributing to long-term planning.
- Executed bunker renovations, irrigation repairs, and cart path regrading.
- Managed fertilizer and chemical applications to optimize turf performance.
- Performed cultural practices and precise watering techniques to sustain greens.
Assistant in Training
The University of Texas Golf Club
Austin
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Assisted with course setup, pin placements, and equipment operations.
- Conducted irrigation repairs and routine turf maintenance.
- Supported weekly management meetings and staff coordination.
- Assisted upper management in forming a prioritized job board, increasing efficiency, resulting in new job responsibilities.
Grounds Assistant
The University of Texas
Austin
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Maintained 9 acres of athletic fields and landscapes to NCAA standards.
- Assisted the Director of Groundskeeping in turf and landscape management.
- Scheduled and performed irrigation repairs and cultural practices.
- Prepared fields for NCAA events, including surface painting and logo application.
Internship
Georgia Tech University
Atlanta
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Maintained natural grass and synthetic fields, ensuring NCAA compliance and safe playability.
- Managed turfgrass cultural practices to sustain optimal surfaces.
- Coordinated event prep and daily field maintenance with coaching staff.
Education
Turfgrass Management -
Michigan State University
01.2018
Associate of General Business -
Macomb Community College
01.2016
Skills
- Budget management and cost control
- Leadership and staff development
- Capital project oversight
- Vendor and contractor coordination
- Strategic planning and board communication
- Irrigation management and water conservation
- Turf health management
- Pest and environmental stress management
- Labor planning and workforce efficiency
- Safety and regulatory compliance
- Event preparation and execution
Technical proficiency in software
- Microsoft Office applications
- Irrigation systems expertise
- Weather monitoring systems
Accomplishments
- Delivered a $800K drainage/sod project on time and under budget, improving course conditions, ensuring quality workmanship.
- Secured funding and approval for enhancements, including a $10K tree-planting plan.
- Led infrastructure upgrades executing a 2000 ft drainage installation, solving $7-10K in estimated annual storm damage repairs.
- Implemented a $160K spray program under budget, reducing chemical usage by 5% with a cost savings of $8K.
- Currently working with contractors managing the scope of a retention pond project, reducing irrigation costs, enhancing the architectural design of the course and providing long-term cost savings and sustainability.
- Partnered on multimillion-dollar budgets, supporting financial planning, vendor selection, and agronomic design.
Tournament Experience
- 2021, Rocket Mortgage Classic
- 2021, U.S. Senior Amateur Golf Championship
Timeline
Golf Course Superintendent/ Account Manager
Ocean Hills Country Club O'Connell Landscape
01.2025 - Current
Assistant Superintendent
Shady Canyon Golf Club
01.2023 - 01.2025
2nd Assistant Superintendent
Birmingham Country Club
01.2022 - 01.2023
Assistant in Training
Country Club of Detroit
01.2020 - 01.2022
Assistant in Training
The University of Texas Golf Club
01.2019 - 01.2020
Grounds Assistant
The University of Texas
01.2018 - 01.2019
Internship
Georgia Tech University
01.2018 - 12.2018
Turfgrass Management -
Michigan State University
Associate of General Business -
Macomb Community College