Ross Johnson
Pomona
Summary
Dynamic Golf Course Superintendent with a proven track record at Glendora Country Club, excelling in course renovations and irrigation systems. Expert in team leadership and performance accountability, driving elevated course conditions and playability. Recognized for strategic project management and effective communication, enhancing member experiences at premier private clubs.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Golf Course Superintendent
Glendora Country Club
Glendora
01.2021 - Current
- Led irrigation system renovation, enhancing water efficiency and course sustainability, completed February 2026
- Coordinated driving range renovation and short game area construction alongside irrigation project to optimize practice facilities
- Directed staff of 18 to maintain elevated course conditions and playability with improved agronomic programs to become one of the premier private clubs in the San Gabriel Valley
- Directed multiple bunker renovations, strategic tree removal, and aggressive thinning to enhance turf conditions and playability
- Private 18-hole golf club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in greater Los Angeles area
First Assistant Superintendent
THE PRESERVE GOLF CLUB
Carmel
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Oversaw operations at exclusive 18-hole private golf club designed by Tom Fazio with limited membership of 300
- Managed staff of 23 to maintain Golf Digest’s Top 100 ranking for private golf club
- Collaborated with Superintendent on yearly maintenance/project scheduling and oversight of $2.4 mil budget
Assistant Superintendent
THE LINKS AT SPANISH BAY
Pebble Beach
08.2015 - 01.2018
- Led team of 15 to achieve world-class standards at Pebble Beach Company, enhancing operational excellence
- Coordinated construction and renovation projects for tees, bunkers, and green surround complexes, improving course quality
- Directed staff in preparation and execution of Taylor Made Pebble Beach Invitational at Spanish Bay, contributing to event success
- Spanish Bay is ranked among the best public courses in the country, and annually hosts the pros during the TaylorMade Pebble Beach Invitational.
Assistant Superintendent
QUAIL LODGE & GOLF CLUB
Carmel
03.2014 - 08.2015
- Coordinated comprehensive course renovation, integrating Rainbird IC system, bunkers, tees, fairway features, drought-tolerant landscaping, and ponds to enhance playability and aesthetics.
- Managed 18-hole private club renovation, preserving original design by Robert Muir Graves while implementing updates from Todd Eckenrode – Origins Golf Design to modernize facilities.
- Oversaw daily maintenance tasks for golf course and facilities to ensure optimal conditions.
- Supported management of staff schedules and workflow to enhance operational efficiency.
- Established safety protocols to guarantee team adherence and promote workplace well-being.
Assistant-In-Training
PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS
Pebble Beach
08.2012 - 03.2014
- Maintained championship conditions for 2 AT&T Pro Ams, 2 First Tee Opens, and 2 Pebble Beach Invitationals, ensuring optimal playing experience for participants.
- Earned recognition as No. 1 public course in country; hosted sixth U.S. Open in 2019 and attracted PGA TOUR every February for AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am since 1947.
- Assisted in daily operations and customer service at renowned golf resort.
- Coordinated logistics for events and tournaments at premier golf destination.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure smooth operation of facilities.
Golf Course Construction
FRONTIER GOLF
Pebble Beach
04.2013 - 10.2013
- Executed Poppy Hills Golf renovation, enhancing course layout, optimizing drainage systems, and re-grassing for improved playability.
- Led Poppy Hills renovation from March 2013, prioritizing water conservation through advanced irrigation and drainage solutions.
Assistant Superintendent
CORNERSTONE CLUB
Montrose
03.2012 - 08.2012
- Positioned Cornerstone Club as a premier high-altitude golf destination.
Irrigation Technician/Second Assistant Superintendent
CORNERSTONE CLUB
Montrose
05.2011 - 02.2012
- According to Golf Magazine, Cornerstone Club is “…easily the best high-altitude course in the nation, and quite possibly the world.”
Intern
CORNERSTONE CLUB
Montrose
05.2008 - 08.2010
- According to Golf Magazine, Cornerstone Club is “…easily the best high-altitude course in the nation, and quite possibly the world.”
Golf Course Construction
WEITZ GOLF INTERNATIONAL
Montrose
06.2007 - 08.2007
- Oversaw construction of Cornerstone Golf Course, ensuring project met design specifications and quality standards
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Horticulture, Turfgrass Science
University of Minnesota
Skills
- Irrigation expertise
- Course renovation planning
- Project management
- Team leadership and coaching
- Performance accountability
- Engagement strategies
- Effective communication skills
Affiliations
• Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)
• Golf Course Superintendents of Southern California (GCSASC)-Current Board Member
• Golf Course Superintendents of Southern California (GCSASC)-Current Board Member
Certification
- Bachelor of Science, Environmental Horticulture, Turfgrass Science, University of Minnesota
- California Qualified Applicator License (CAL), 2013
References
- Art Barajas, COO, Glendora Country Club, (626) 335-6653
- Adam Kloster, Area Director, Brightview Golf Maintenance, (626) 252-9124
- Kyle Butler, The Preserve Golf Club, (831) 238-6147
- Tom Huesgen, Director of Agronomy, Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, (425) 395-6510
- Jeff Steen, Director of Agronomy, Big Cedar Lodge, (831) 277-7820
- Chris Dalhamer, Director of Agronomy, Monterey Peninsula Country Club, (831) 277-7850
Tournament Experience
- 2019 US Open at Pebble Beach
- 2017 US Open at Erin Hills
- Taylor Made Pebble Beach Invitational at Spanish Bay
- 2016 Taylor Made Pebble Beach Invitational at Spanish Bay
- Women's PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club
- 2015 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am
- 2014 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am
- 2013 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am
- Nature Valley First Tee Open
- Callaway Pebble Beach Invitational at Pebble Beach
- 2012 Nature Valley First Tee Open
Industry Skills
- Extensive construction and irrigation experience from smaller but significant, to large renovations at Glendora CC, Cornerstone, Pebble Beach, Spanish Bay, Quail Lodge, and Frontier Construction
- Worthwhile tournament experience, having worked two US Opens and over 10 PGA and LPGA tournaments throughout the years; enhanced ability to produce tournament conditions
Timeline
Golf Course Superintendent
Glendora Country Club
01.2021 - Current
First Assistant Superintendent
THE PRESERVE GOLF CLUB
01.2018 - 01.2021
Assistant Superintendent
THE LINKS AT SPANISH BAY
08.2015 - 01.2018
Assistant Superintendent
QUAIL LODGE & GOLF CLUB
03.2014 - 08.2015
Golf Course Construction
FRONTIER GOLF
04.2013 - 10.2013
Assistant-In-Training
PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS
08.2012 - 03.2014
Assistant Superintendent
CORNERSTONE CLUB
03.2012 - 08.2012
Irrigation Technician/Second Assistant Superintendent
CORNERSTONE CLUB
05.2011 - 02.2012
Intern
CORNERSTONE CLUB
05.2008 - 08.2010
Golf Course Construction
WEITZ GOLF INTERNATIONAL
06.2007 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Horticulture, Turfgrass Science
University of Minnesota