Kelly Hopper
Homestead
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Class A Golf Course Superintendent with a proven track record at a Forbes ranked Platinum Country Club. Expert in agronomy and integrated pest management, I excel in enhancing course conditions while fostering team collaboration. Passionate about golf, I leverage my extensive experience to deliver exceptional member satisfaction and maintain tournament-ready standards.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Hammock Course Superintendent
Ocean Reef Club
Key Largo
09.2021 - Current
- I took the lead on expanding and maintaining a thriving internship program.
- I have helped to improve the quality of our TifEagle putting greens while also adhering to our budget.
- Provide tournament conditions daily while using reverse osmosis and effluent irrigation water.
- Maintain tournament conditions of Celebration Bermuda grass in a high shade and low airflow environment.
- Ensure that all quality job standards are practiced by all employees.
- Work directly with the Director of Agronomy to ensure member satisfaction is being met and exceeded.
- Directly involved with the successful re-grassing of the Dolphin Course to Celebration Bermuda in 2022.
- Help to develop and maintain an appropriate integrated pest management program to meet the needs of the Hammock Course while also protecting our unique environment.
- Manage a staff consisting of 22 groundskeepers, 2 interns, and 1 Assistant responsible for mowing, watering, aerifying, topdressing, and fertilizing golf course.
- Collaborate with other departments in order to provide exceptional service and create memorable experiences for guests.
- Supervised tournament set up including tee markers placement, flagsticks installation and pin placements according to USGA standards.
- Assessed existing course conditions and developed strategies to improve playability.
- Developed long-term plans for improving overall condition of the golf course including drainage improvements, tree work and turf renovation projects.
Hammock Assistant Superintendent
Ocean Reef Club Key Largo
Key Largo
12.2020 - 09.2021
- Managed fertilizer and integrated pest management program including all chemical calibration, application, and storage.
- Built exemplary on-the-job expertise from partnering closely with superintendent and other top leadership.
- Conducted regular inspections of the golf course to identify any issues or hazards.
- Organized and implemented daily golf course maintenance operations.
- Developed strategies for improving overall turf health and appearance.
- Maintained safety and security of hazardous chemicals.
- Monitored weather patterns in order to adjust irrigation schedules accordingly.
- Supervised greenskeepers and interns in completing large landscaping projects.
- Monitored project progress to enforce adherence to deadlines and quality standards.
- Performed routine maintenance tasks such as aerifying greens, topdressing fairways.
- Maintained and monitored chemical applications on the golf course.
- Provided guidance to workers on proper techniques for mowing greens, tees, fairways, bunkers.
- Helped manage a staff of 22, including 2 interns.
Assistant Superintendent
Columbia Country Club
Columbia
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Successfully served as Interim Superintendent from August of 2020 until December of 2020.
- Responsible for the training of all new staff.
- Managed fertilizer and integrated pest management program including chemical calibration, application, record keeping, and storage.
- Responsible for all irrigation system maintenance, adjustments, and repairs.
- Responsible for snow removal from parking lots and walkways during the winter months.
- Supervised staff of 12-15 individuals during season to ensure quality golf course conditions.
- Monitored project progress to enforce adherence to deadlines and quality standards.
- Managed winterizing courses, tree and stump removal and landscaping shrubbery.
- Worked closely with the Superintendent to ensure efficiency in daily operations.
- Provided guidance to workers on proper techniques for mowing greens, tees, fairways, bunkers.
Irrigation Technician
Columbia Country Club
Columbia
03.2016 - 11.2019
- Performed regular maintenance and repair on a Rainbird two wire irrigation system to ensure efficient operation.
- Replaced worn out parts such as pipes, fittings, valve seals, solenoids.
- Adjusted nozzles on sprinklers for optimal coverage area and spray direction.
- Sprayed fertilizer and pesticide solutions to control insects, fungus, weed growth and diseases.
- Winterized irrigation systems and restarted systems in spring.
- Organized and implemented daily golf course maintenance operations.
- Supervised day Greenskeepers in completing large golf course projects.
- Played an active role in all cultural practices.
- Along with the Assistant, I was responsible for training all new employees on equipment and best practices for our course.
Education
Associate of Science - Horticulture And Golf Course Management
Danville Area Community College
Danville, IL05-2006
Skills
- Class A Golf Course Superintendent
- Up to date Florida Applicator License
- Experienced Agronomist with a proven record of maintaining excellent course conditions
- A strong love of the game of golf going back to when I was very young
Timeline
Hammock Course Superintendent
Ocean Reef Club
09.2021 - Current
Hammock Assistant Superintendent
Ocean Reef Club Key Largo
12.2020 - 09.2021
Assistant Superintendent
Columbia Country Club
11.2019 - 12.2020
Irrigation Technician
Columbia Country Club
03.2016 - 11.2019
Associate of Science - Horticulture And Golf Course Management
Danville Area Community College
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