Course Superintendent

West Links at North Berwick offers an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced Course Superintendent to take overall responsibility for the leadership, performance and long-term development of this historic and world-renowned links course. Working closely with the Joint Greens Committee, the successful candidate will set the agronomic direction, lead and develop the greenkeeping team, oversee budgets and investment, and drive significant initiatives, including coastal erosion projects and Gil Hanse’s proposals. Supported by the Course Manager, who will lead daily operations, the Superintendent will bring together the people, planning and resources needed to deliver exceptional playing conditions and preserve the course’s distinctive character for future generations.

Click here to view a brief video about this opportunity.

ABOUT WEST LINKS AT NORTH BERWICK

Set along the shores of the Firth of Forth in East Lothian, the West Links has been home to golf since the 17th century and remains one of the most distinctive courses in the world. Its 18 holes weave through coastal terrain, tidal beaches and historic stone walls, with the sea in play on six holes. Shared by The North Berwick Golf Club, Tantallon Golf Club and Bass Rock Golf Club, it brings together a proud golfing heritage and a welcoming community with a deep connection to the course.

The next chapter for the West Links centres on protecting its character while planning thoughtfully for its future. Coastal erosion projects and Gil Hanse’s proposals form part of this work, alongside continued investment in course quality and the greenkeeping team. Guided by the Joint Greens Committee, representing the three clubs, the ambition is to sustain exceptional playing conditions and ensure this much-loved links continues to be enjoyed by members and visitors for generations to come.

NORTH BERWICK GOLF CLUB WEBSITE: www.northberwickgolfclub.com

COURSE SUPERINTENDENT - POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting directly to the Joint Greens Committee and working closely with the General Manager, the Course Superintendent leads the strategic management of the West Links, with overall accountability for agronomy, course conditioning, capital projects, budgets and environmental stewardship. Direct reports include the Course Manager and retained Agronomist. The Course Manager directs daily maintenance and the greenkeeping team, while the Superintendent sets standards, establishes priorities and monitors delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES 

• Take overall responsibility for the leadership, performance and long-term development of the West Links, balancing exceptional playing conditions with the preservation of its distinctive character.
• Set the long-term agronomic strategy and course presentation standards in consultation with the Joint Greens Committee, overseeing turf health, soil management, irrigation and sustainable maintenance practices.
• Provide strong, supportive leadership to the Course Manager and greenkeeping team, setting clear objectives, promoting accountability and encouraging a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Guide recruitment, training, professional development and succession planning, ensuring the team has the skills, resources and structure to meet current and future needs.
• Build effective relationships with members, the three clubs and key stakeholders, communicating clearly on course conditions, priorities and planned works, and responding constructively to feedback.
• Manage the annual maintenance budget, monitor expenditure and provide regular financial forecasts and reporting, supported by clear business cases for additional investment.
• Develop long-term capital, machinery and equipment replacement plans, aligning investment with operational needs, course priorities and value for money.
• Lead capital and course improvement projects, including coastal erosion initiatives and Gil Hanse’s proposals, from planning and approval through to delivery, managing budgets, timelines, risks, contractors and external specialists.
• Provide clear, timely reports and recommendations to the Joint Greens Committee on course performance, staffing, finances and projects, coordinating maintenance windows and winter works to minimise disruption.
• Oversee health and safety, chemical use and storage, water management and environmental compliance, embedding responsible practices that protect the team, golfers and the coastal landscape.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant leadership experience in golf course management, including direct management and mentoring of a Course Manager or equivalent.
• Strong agronomic judgement and a proven record of maintaining high course standards across varied conditions.
• Demonstrated success delivering capital projects, with control of budgets, timelines, contractors and project risks.
• Effective people leadership, with a record of developing staff, strengthening teams and holding direct reports accountable.
• Sound financial management skills, including annual budgeting, capital planning and expenditure control.
• Experience working within a members’ club and committee governance structure, with the confidence and communication skills to present clear recommendations to committees and members.
• Working knowledge of golf course design and architectural principles.

EDUCATIONAL AND CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS

• A recognised qualification in golf course management, sports turf management or agronomy, such as an HNC, HND, foundation degree, degree or equivalent, is required.
• A commitment to ongoing education and professional development, keeping knowledge and skills current with best practice in golf course management.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

A highly competitive salary and attractive benefits package.

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO APPLY

Please upload your CV and cover letter, in that order, using the link below. You should have your documents fully prepared to be attached when prompted for them during the online application process. Please be sure your image is not present on your CV or cover letter; that should be used on your LinkedIn Profile.

Prepare a thoughtful cover letter addressed to Stuart Bayne, General Manager and clearly articulate your alignment with this role and why you want to be considered for this position at this stage of your career, and why West Links at North Berwick and the East Lothian, Scotland area will be beneficial to you, your family, your career, and the Club if selected.

Applications close: Monday 16th November 2026. Candidate selections are in late-November and First Stage Interviews on Monday 7th December 2026.

IMPORTANT: Save your resume and letter in the following manner:

“Last Name, First Name - Resume” & “Last Name, First Name - Cover Letter – North Berwick - CS”

(These documents should be in Word or PDF format)

Note: Once you complete the application process for this search, you are not able to go back in and add additional documents.

Click here to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you have any questions, please email Zak Kuebler: [email protected]