Grounds Staff

Grounds Staff

I am proud to have a great staff that is committed to improving each day! Combined the grounds staff has well over 100 years of experience in the care and maintenance of golf courses.

Stephen Hicks-overlooking historic Oakmont Country Club in 2012

Superintendent- Stephen Hicks

I am entering into my third season as Grounds Superintendent of Vesper-Country Club!

Prior to joining Vesper, I was employed at Oakmont Country Club from 2005-2012, where I worked my way up from Summer Intern to eventually become the First Assistant Superintendent. I am very fortunate to have worked under one of the very best in the business and experience two major championships (2007 US Open, 2010 US Women's Open).

I received an associates degree and bachelors degree from the  Stockbridge School and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. My first college internship was at another historic New England course, The Country Club, in Brookline, Ma. I was born and raised in the small town of Whitefield, located in the North Country of New Hampshire.

Assistant Superintendent- Blaine Doherty

I grew up in Wayland, a small town just west of Boston. My father would always instill the importance of a strong work ethic, attention to detail and to never complain. I got my start in the industry working at Wayland Country Club on the grounds crew in the summer of 2002. I worked seasonally on staff throughout my high school years and shortly after that until 2007, when I enrolled in the turf associates degree program at the Stockbridge School in Amherst, MA.

Throughout my time in Stockbridge and later the University Of Massachusetts to get my Bachelors, I completed internships at Charles River CC in Newton MA, Eastward Ho! CC in Chatham MA, and Merion Golf Club in Ardmore PA. The internship experience exposed me to a wide variety of management styles and how different greens departments completed tasks, while perfecting my skills. Upon graduation, I made my way down to Century Country Club in Purchase, NY as an Assistant-In-Training. I stayed at Century from 2011-2013, with the 2012 and 2013 seasons as the Second Assistant.

My time in Westchester County, NY was invaluable. My role was transitioned into a managerial one and a great working environment and learning experience. Century renovated all 18 tee complexes and surfaces as well as a new maintenance facility during my employment. I was hired as a First Assistant here at Vesper Country Club in Tyngsboro, MA in December of 2013 and we’ve been striving for the best conditions ever since!

Assistant Superintendent- Alex Brooks

Alex began his career working the summers at his father’s local Country Club.  He quickly grew eager to learn more about the industry and decided to go to the Stockbridge School of Agriculture for Turf Management.  Alex thrived in college and enrolled in the four year program at the University of Massachusetts and finished his Bachelor’s degree in Plant, Soil and Insect Science, in three years while being the President of the Turf Club and graduating Cum Laude.  After his internships at The Vineyard Golf Club and The Patterson Club, Alex was offered an assistant in training job at the prestigious Westchester Country Club in Rye, NY.  Alex spent his first year learning the skills that it takes to become an assistant and was quickly promoted to Assistant.  The next three years, he managed a diverse crew of 60 employees to maintain over 400 acres of golf and grounds property.  In the spring of 2014, Alex wanted to get back to his New England roots and decided to take his talents to Vesper Country Club.  Alex has been learning the necessary steps it takes to become a Superintendent and plans on entering the job market in the fall of 2015.  Alex enjoys fly fishing, golfing, and spending time with his family and friends.  

2nd Assistant- Willem Geldenhuys

Head Equipment Manager- Matt Verdon

More coming soon.....!

Members of Grounds Staff during aerification at Vesper CC--TeamWork!