2027-2028 Assistant in Training Internship (The Lido & 21 Golf Club)

Position & Program Overview • The Assistant in Training (AIT) is a structured, two-facility internship experience created through a partnership between Sand Valley and 21 Golf Club . This highly selective program is designed for emerging agronomy professionals pursuing long-term leadership careers in golf course management. 

• Through hands-on responsibility and direct mentorship, the AIT supports daily golf course operations while building technical agronomy expertise, leadership capability, and operational judgment across two distinct golf environments.

Program Timeline • Phase 1 - The Lido at Sand Valley | Nekoosa, WI

• Late March or early April through mid-October 2027

 

• Transition Week

• One week off for travel to South Carolina

 

• Phase 2 - 21 Golf Club | Aiken, South Carolina

• Approximately six months, concluding in April 2028

 

• Employment, compensation, and benefits are administered separately for each portion of the program and are subject to the policies of the employing entity.

Phase 1 - The Lido at Sand Valley • The Lido at Sand Valley is a championship links-style golf course inspired by the original Lido Club and maintained at the highest standard within a destination resort environment.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily planning, staffing schedules, and execution of maintenance activities

• Perform course setup, mowing, rolling, bunker care, and irrigation operation

• Train, guide, and supervise seasonal team members with a focus on quality and safety

• Support irrigation, drainage, water management, and turf health programs

• Assist with fertilizer, aeration, and integrated pest management applications

• Participate in course construction, renovation, and specialty maintenance projects

• Assist with equipment operation, maintenance, and preventative care

• Support purchasing, inventory management, and operational recordkeeping

• Serve in the Superintendent’s capacity during absences, as assigned

Phase 2 - 21 Golf Club • 21 Golf Club is a private golf club located in Aiken, South Carolina, offering a distinct agronomic environment and operational approach within a member-focused setting.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist the Director of Agronomy with daily course and facility management

• Support crew scheduling, operational procedures, and daily course setup

• Assist with irrigation scheduling and system adjustments to maximize water efficiency

• Apply best management practices to meet course conditioning and detail standards

• Assist with fertilizer, plant protectant, and aerification programs

• Coordinate with the Equipment Manager on mowing schedules, tournaments, and equipment needs

• Assist with construction projects, renovations, and special initiatives

• Maintain chemical, fertilizer, and application records

• Participate in budgeting discussions and operational planning

• Actively engage in on-the-job learning by asking questions, applying instruction, and demonstrating initiative

Qualifications • High school diploma required

• Certificate, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or current enrollment in an accredited turfgrass or related program preferred

• Previous golf course maintenance experience preferred

• Strong interest in building a long-term career in golf course management

• Working knowledge of agronomy, irrigation, and course maintenance practices, or a strong desire to learn

• Ability to understand and follow instructions, policies, and procedures

• General understanding of motorized golf course equipment

• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and strong work ethic

• Playing knowledge of golf preferred but not required

• Flexible schedule including early mornings, weekends, and holidays

• Willingness to relocate temporarily as part of a two-facility program

Working Conditions • Combination of indoor and outdoor work

• Exposure to extreme heat, humidity, and cold weather

• Overtime as required based on operational needs

• Physical requirements include standing, walking, bending, lifting, and operating equipment