2027 Golf Course Maintenance Internship

Vanderbilt Country Club is a private, member-owned country club located in Naples, Florida. Established in 1999, the Club features an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course originally designed by Gordon Lewis and later redesigned by Kipp Schulties. The property features a variety of warm-season turfgrasses, including TifEagle bermudagrass greens, Celebration bermudagrass, and Seashore Paspalum, providing an excellent environment to gain experience managing turfgrass in South Florida.

Vanderbilt Country Club is currently seeking a motivated individual to join our Golf Course Maintenance team for a 2027 internship. We are looking for someone with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, team-first mentality, and a desire to develop a career in the golf course management industry.

The intern will work closely with the Director of Agronomy, Assistant Superintendent, and Golf Course Maintenance team and will be involved in all aspects of golf course maintenance and agronomic operations. Our goal is to provide meaningful hands-on experience while exposing the intern to the management practices and decision-making required to consistently produce high-quality playing conditions at a private country club in South Florida.

Individuals will have the opportunity to gain experience in:

• TifEagle bermudagrass greens management
• Celebration bermudagrass and Seashore Paspalum management
• Daily golf course setup and preparation
• Water management and hand watering
• Rain Bird irrigation system operation, troubleshooting, and repair
• Calibration and application of liquid and granular fertilizers and plant protectants
• Boom spraying and other application techniques
• Greens aerification, topdressing, verticutting, and other cultural practices
• Fairway, tee, and approach cultural practices
• Mowing and operation of golf course maintenance equipment
• Fertility, plant growth regulator, wetting agent, and plant protectant programs
• Identification and management of turfgrass diseases, insects, weeds, and nematodes
• Exposure to the planning, organization, and daily decision-making involved in golf course management
• Leadership and crew-management experience alongside the Golf Course Maintenance management team

Educational Requirements

Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a 2- or 4-year turfgrass management, agronomy, horticulture, or related program. Students enrolled in a turfgrass certificate program are also encouraged to apply.

Experience Requirements

Previous golf course maintenance experience is preferred but not required. More importantly, we are looking for an individual who is willing to learn, work hard, and become part of our team.

Compensation & Benefits

• $20.00 per hour
• Paid overtime with plenty of overtime opportunities
• Free on-site housing
• Lunch provided
• Golf privileges
• Uniforms provided

Internship Dates

May-August

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a résumé and brief introduction to:

Spencer Snell Director of Agronomy Vanderbilt Country Club spencers@vccnaples.com - or click 'Apply Now' to start your email.