Stephen Stortz

Resume

Experience

18+ Years of Expertise in Golf Course Management, Renovation, and Team Leadership
Stephen has led numerous high-profile renovations and managed top-ranked golf courses, delivering exceptional results through effective team management and innovative course strategies.

West Bay Club, Estero FL, September 2020-Present

Head Golf Course Superintendent

Course Designed by: Pete & P.B. Dye

Course Renovation: Jason Straka 2018

  • Accountable to deliver a premier golf experience for members and guests on a daily basis.
  • Oversee the overall maintenance, operation and management of the golf course and grounds including construction, renovation, personnel management, equipment repairs and maintenance, wildlife and habitat management, purchasing, budgeting and all record keeping associated with the golf course
  • Course is currently ranked #142 in Golf Week’s Top 200 Residential Clubs
  • Manage a staff of 20+ and budget of over 2 million.
  • Restored all greens surfaces back to tournament conditioning.
  • Tee renovation project in summer of 2022 to eliminate contamination, reshape and realign the tee boxes, as well as enlarge several teeing grounds on the course.
  • Tee renovation project in summer of 2022 to eliminate contamination, reshape and realign the tee boxes, as well as enlarge several teeing grounds on the course.

Palm Beach Country Club, Palm Beach, FL     March 2013 - March 2016

1st Assistant Course Superintendent

Course Re-designed by: Brian Silva (2010)

  • Directly led a 20+ person crew year-round.
  • Planned and scheduled all maintenance practices and duties to provide elite playing conditions for members daily.
  • Involved in the record-keeping process for both fertilizer and pesticide applications.
  • Responsible for the development of 2nd Assistants and Interns.
  • Worked closely with MacCurrach Golf Construction on the reshaping and complete reconstruction of two greens and green surrounds (Holes 10 and 13).
  • Assisted the superintendent in planning and scheduling all fertilizer and chemical applications.
  • Experienced in the operation and maintenance of a Reverse Osmosis system.
  • Oversaw the operation, repair, and additions to the irrigation system (RainBird Nimbus II).
  • Gained familiarity with the operation, installation, and repair of turf siphon drainage systems.

Shadow Wood Country Club, Bonita Springs, FL     March 2016 - September 2020

Golf Course Superintendent (South Course)

Course Designed by: Bob Cupp (1998)

Course Renovation: Rees Jones (2018)

  • Directly led a total department staff of over 60 employees.
  • Successfully completed a $7 million renovation on the North and South golf courses (re-designed by Rees Jones).
  • Worked closely with Glase Golf Construction and Rees Jones Design on the North and South Course renovation project, which included ‘Tif-Eagle’ greens and new bunkers with Bunker Solution Liner.

Palm Beach Country Club, Palm Beach, FL     March 2011 - March 2013

2nd Assistant Course Superintendent

  • Performed the majority of mixing, loading, and spraying of all chemical and fertilizer applications to the golf course and common grounds.
  • ‘Champion’ No-Till greens renovation experience.
  • Managed a crew of 20+ employees.

Calusa Pines Golf Club, Naples, FL     September 2010 - March 2011

Assistant-in-Training

Course Designers: Dr. Michael Hurdzan, Dana Fry (2001)

  • Gained familiarity with Toro OSMAC and SitePro irrigation systems.
  • Conducted safety meetings for 25+ employees.
  • Assisted in calibrating, mixing, and applying fertilizers and pesticides (liquid and granular).
  • Participated in irrigation operation, installation, and repair (Toro OSMAC).