Ridgewood Country Club | Danbury, Connecticut
Director of Agronomy 

About the Club
Founded in 1920, Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury, Connecticut, blends classic design with a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. Members enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, world-class dining, and elegant event spaces.

Designed by renowned architect Devereux Emmet, Ridgewood’s course showcases rolling terrain, meadows, and natural elevation changes that create a rewarding challenge for players of every level. Later enhancements by Geoffrey Cornish (1966) and Roger Rulewich (2002) preserved the original character while improving playability and infrastructure.

Ridgewood is known for its exceptional course conditions, personalized service, and a welcoming community that values camaraderie, family, and tradition.

At a Glance

• Course Architect: Devereux Emmet; redesigned by Geoffrey Cornish (1966); renovated by Roger Rulewich (2002)
• Course: 18 holes | 6,900 yards | Slope 138 | Rating 73.5
• Annual Rounds: 17,000
• Total Acreage: 140 (115 maintained)
• Practice Facilities: Driving range with target greens, 75-yard short game area, and putting green
• Greens: Modified push-up with XGD Poa Annua
• Tees & Fairways: Bentgrass/Poa Annua
• Bunkers: 49 on course + 3 at practice area
• Irrigation: Toro Lynx control, PVC piping, double-row fairway sprinklers
• Golf Season: Mid-March through December (weather dependent)
• Maintenance Budget: $1.6 million
• Staff: 7 full-time, 13 seasonal
• Club Revenues: $7.1 million
• Outside Events: 8–9 per season

About the Position
Ridgewood Country Club seeks an experienced and hands-on Director of Agronomy to lead all golf course maintenance and agronomy operations. Reporting to the General Manager, the Superintendent will ensure the Club’s 18-hole Devereux Emmet-designed course delivers superior playing conditions year-round while maintaining the natural character and design integrity of the layout.

The Superintendent reports directly to the General Manager and works closely with the Green Committee Chair and Board of Directors. Ridgewood’s leadership culture emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and respect among all department heads.

This position oversees all turfgrass and landscape management, including perimeter areas, tree programs, composting, and winter maintenance. The Superintendent manages a dedicated team of seven full-time and thirteen seasonal staff, including assistant superintendents, an equipment manager, and grounds employees.

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking leader with strong agronomic expertise, environmental awareness, and a hands-on management style. They will take pride in delivering exceptional course conditions, inspiring their team through mentorship and accountability, and serving as a trusted partner to Club leadership. A visible presence on the course and within the membership community is key to success in this role.

What You’ll Do

• Lead all golf course maintenance, agronomy, and landscape operations, ensuring outstanding daily and tournament conditions.
• Develop and implement annual agronomic and capital plans aligned with Club goals and design intent.
• Hire, train, mentor, and evaluate a high-performing team, building depth and succession within the department.
• Oversee irrigation, drainage, and water management systems for peak efficiency and turf health.
• Implement environmentally responsible practices, including sustainable water use, chemical applications, and wildlife habitat preservation.
• Manage budgets, procurement, and capital investments with strong financial discipline.
• Collaborate with the Head Golf Professional to ensure course setup meets member and tournament standards.
• Communicate clearly with the General Manager, Green Committee, and membership on course conditions, plans, and priorities.
• Lead all golf course-related capital projects, coordinating with architects, contractors, and Club leadership.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, labor, and safety regulations.
• Serve as a visible and approachable ambassador of the golf course operation.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree in agronomy, turfgrass management, or a related field (preferred).
• GCSAA Class A certification; CGCS designation preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of progressive leadership experience in golf course management, ideally at a private club of comparable caliber.
• Proven success in maintaining modified push-up Poa annua greens at tournament-level standards.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Demonstrated ability to hire, train, and motivate high-performing teams.
• Sound business and financial management skills with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Technical proficiency in irrigation systems, equipment maintenance, and agronomic technology.
• Active involvement in GCSAA and regional superintendent associations, staying current with evolving turf and environmental practices.
• A proactive, innovative mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and professional growth.
• A visible, approachable, and professional demeanor with high personal and ethical standards.

Apply for This Position
Interested candidates should complete the online candidate profile form and submit a compelling cover letter and resume for consideration to DENEHY Club Thinking Partners at http://denehyctp.com/apply-for-a-position/. If you have any questions or would like to recommend a candidate, please contact Pat Finlen at 203 319 8228 or by email at patrick@denehyctp.com.