National Links Trust/Troon Golf is seeking a Director of Agronomy with a passion for
managing the golf course agronomic practices and eager to be a part of restoration and
revitalization of East Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course and Rock Creek Golf Park
in Washington, DC. The successful candidate has a unique opportunity over the next 10
years to have a lasting impact on municipal golf in this country. These renovations with the
help of world-renowned architects Tom Doak, Beau Welling and Gil Hanse will garner
national attention and will represent what municipal golf can and should be. Our new leader
should be an exemplary communicator and manager of people who thinks strategically and
understands the value in presenting a high quality product.
The ideal candidate will be an expert agronomist with exceptional leadership skills to foster
a positive and engaged employee culture. This position requires a minimum of 5 years of
golf course management experience. Multi-course oversight and large-scale operations is
preferred. Extensive experience in golf course construction as well as course renovations
and project management is desired.
National Links Trust Background
National Links Trust (NLT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to positively impacting local
communities through protecting and promoting accessible, affordable, and engaging
municipal golf courses across the United States of America. In June 2020, National Links
Trust was awarded a 50-year lease from the National Park Service to manage East
Potomac Golf Links, Langston Golf Course and Rock Creek Golf Course. National Links
Trust then partnered with Troon Golf to manage the day-to-day golf operations of the three
courses. While NLT also executes national initiatives aimed at the betterment of the
municipal golf industry as a whole, the organization’s primary focus is the operation of
Washington, DC’s three publicly accessible golf courses – Rock Creek Park Golf, Langston
Golf Course, and East Potomac Golf Links – and their renovations, dubbed the “Nation’s
Capital Project,” alongside the National Park Service.
The Nation’s Capital Project is a long-term, full scale, capital investment project being
undertaken over the coming years. NLT has collaborated with world-renowned architects Gil
Hanse, Beau Welling, and Tom Doak on the renovated design of the three courses. Beyond
renovation to course architecture and agronomy, the project encompasses major
infrastructure upgrades at all three facilities including construction of clubhouses,
maintenance facilities, and driving ranges. The overarching theme of the project is an
emphasis on community and a core belief that public golf facilities should have immense
positive effects on their local communities.
Golf Course Backgrounds
Rock Creek Park Golf – Originally designed by golden age architect, William Flynn, Rock
Creek Park Golf will be renovated under the direction of Gil Hanse. The finished facility will
be home to a nine-hole course paying homage to Flynn’s design, a Par-3 course, driving
range and clubhouse/restaurant for the entire community.
Langston Golf Course – Opened in 1939 as a course for Black golfers to play in the age of
segregation, National Links Trust’s renovation will honor the history and showcase the
future of Black golf. The finished facility will include an 18-hole course designed by Beau
Welling, a driving range powered by Toptracer and innovative Black golf museum.
East Potomac Golf Links – East Potomac was designed as a “model municipal
playground” by golden age architect, Walter Travis in the early 1900’s. Tom Doak will lead
the restoration project. The finished facility will include a reversible 18-hole course,
executive-length 9-hole course, par-3 course, driving range, restored miniature golf course
and golf academy.
Please visit the websites to learn more: www.nationallinkstrust.org www.playdcgolf.com
Position Summary
The Director of Agronomy is responsible to implement sound agronomic programs in
accordance with Troon Quality Standards while working within the fiscal parameters of the
property. This position is responsible for agronomic oversight of all three properties.
Responsible for leading and inspiring all associates in Agronomy in a manner that is
consistent with the Club’s Mission, Vision and Core Values to foster and engaged employee
culture. Responsible for the management of golf course assets, capital and improvement
projects. Safety training and safe operational practices is a priority to also be managed by
the Director of Agronomy.
Essential Duties
Develops budgeting and capital plans. Manages expenses within the department in
accordance with the Club directive.
Provides timely and accurate reporting of all financial and non-financial information
as directed, requested or required by Troon Golf representatives, or the General
Manager.
Maintains clear understanding of and implements all Troon Golf Agronomy
standards in addition to ensuring compliance with all local, state and federal
regulatory standards/laws.
Stays abreast of current agronomic information.
Ensures proper mixing, calibration, and application of all chemical/fertilizers used on
the course.
Ensures that they and all associates obtain proper training and/or licenses needed to
perform job tasks safely and within city, state, and federal regulations. Addresses
directly all real or perceived environmental concerns.
Maintains ongoing awareness of all agronomic activity on the course and provides
constant feedback and direction to key staff members.
Participates in golf course construction projects.
Ensures both upward and downward communication within the department and
inter-departmentally.
Provides leadership and a positive working environment that fosters teamwork,
communication, ethical behavior, cleanliness and a “can do” attitude.
Develops, trains, coaches, disciplines and mentors managers within the department
providing feedback, direction and leadership so that they may carry out the daily
activities of the department, all while grooming them for upward mobility within the
company.
Responsible for interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work,
evaluating performance, rewarding, and disciplining associates; addressing
complaints and resolving problems.
Manages department members that may include, but is not limited to any
Maintenance staff such as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Environmental
Technical, Mechanic, Foreman, Irrigation Technician, Greenskeeper, and Equipment
Operator.
Assures that effective orientation and training are given to each new associate.
Develops ongoing training programs.
Regular and reliable attendance.
Incorporates safe work practices in job performance.
Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university
in Turfgrass Management or Agronomy and a minimum of 5 years of golf course
management experience.
Additional Required Qualifications
Candidates must also have thorough knowledge and demonstrated prior success with golf
course construction and maintenance projects related to all areas of the golf course. As the
Director of Agronomy will be required to assist the upcoming course renovation projects,
prior experience with golf course construction will be a necessary qualification.
Compensation and Benefits
The Club will offer a competitive compensation plan, including a competitive bonus and
comprehensive benefits package to include but not be limited to medical, dental, vision and
life insurance, 401k Retirement Savings Program, paid time off and other benefit programs.
Relocation support can be available if required.
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and a resume not more than two pages by
email to East Potomac Golf Links, Attention: Tim Krebs, Regional Director of Operations
tim.krebs@troon.com
