Seasonal Intern

About the role

Grandfather Golf & Country Club is seeking motivated, hardworking, and passionate Turfgrass students to join our Agronomy Internship Program. This immersive, hands-on experience is designed to prepare interns for successful careers as Assistant Superintendents while working alongside an experienced management team at one of the finest private clubs in the Southeast.

Grandfather Golf & Country Club is a private 36-hole facility located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The club is open from May through October and hosts approximately 12,000 rounds annually. Interns will have the opportunity to help maintain the #2 ranked golf course in North Carolina while gaining experience on Creeping Bentgrass/Poa greens, tees, and fairways, along with Kentucky Bluegrass/Mountain Mix rough.

Responsibilities

Our internship is built around developing future leaders in the golf course industry. Interns gain practical experience in every aspect of golf course management, including:

• Irrigation management and troubleshooting
• Chemical applications and sprayer calibration
• Fertility programs
• Disease identification and prevention
• Cultural practices
• Small crew leadership and management
• Tournament preparation and course setup
• Equipment operation
• Daily course setup and maintenance
• Golf course planning and decision-making

Interns are encouraged to participate in management meetings and contribute ideas, providing valuable exposure to the leadership side of golf course operations.

Development

Our goal is simple: when you complete this internship, you will have the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience to excel as an Assistant Superintendent. This is not an internship where you'll spend the season performing the same tasks every day. We believe in teaching the "why" behind every management decision while providing meaningful responsibilities throughout the season. You'll work closely with the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents in a structured environment that emphasizes professionalism, attention to detail, integrity, and continuous learning.

Benefits

• $17.00 per hour plus overtime
• Daily one-on-one mentoring with the Superintendent
• Housing provided
• Lunch provided
• Uniforms provided
• Golf and tennis privileges
• Tournament preparation experience
• Scholarship opportunities
• Access to hiking, biking, fishing, and all the outdoor recreation the High Country has to offer
• Located just 30 minutes from Boone, NC, and one hour from Johnson City, TN

Schedule

March – November annually (flexible start and end dates to accommodate academic schedules).

Qualifications

Education

• Currently enrolled in a 2- or 4-year Turfgrass Management program or related field at an accredited college or university
• Passion for the turfgrass industry
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Willingness to learn and grow
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Experience

• Golf course maintenance experience preferred
• Landscape maintenance experience is beneficial but not required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions