Huskins named Director of Agronomy for Vineyards Country Club

Billy Huskins

Naples, Fla. — Vineyards Country Club today announced the promotion of Billy Huskins, CGCS to the position of director of agronomy.

In this position, Huskins is responsible for all day-to-day agronomic maintenance, plans, programs and budgets for the community’s two 18-hole golf courses, practice areas, clubhouse grounds, and maintenance equipment. He is responsible for creating outstanding playing conditions, developing and leading a high-performing agronomy team, providing outstanding club and grounds conditions, and maintaining a strong culture of responsibility, accountability and teamwork among related staff.

Due to the essential nature of this position, an extensive recruitment search was conducted through the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America. More than 100 qualified applicants applied. Of the five finalists, two currently serve as director of agronomy for PGA Tour golf courses. Two candidates were from southeast Florida, one was from Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX and one was from Las Vegas, NV.

“As Director of Agronomy, Billy is an integral member of the executive team,” said Vineyards Country Club Chief Operating Officer Paul Malonson. “He is working closely with our Director of Golf and his team to continue providing exceptional golf experiences for all Vineyards members and guests as our golf courses are undergoing transformational renovations.”

Huskins joined Vineyards Country Club in November 2022 as project manager and interim director of agronomy, responsible for overseeing the first redesign and renovation of the country club’s golf courses since their initial construction more than 30 years ago. Vineyards Country Club has hosted several high-profile golf events, including the PGA Tour Champions Aetna Championship.

A Certified Golf Course Superintendent by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, he is an experienced director of golf with a demonstrated tenure in the hospitality industry. Huskins previously served as Director of Golf and Grounds at Highland Woods Golf and Country Club in Bonita Springs for nearly 16 years. His experience also includes serving as vice president of agronomy for Escalante Golf, in addition to positions as director of golf and grounds, director of golf operations, and golf course superintendent for country clubs in the Ft. Myers and Greater Atlanta areas. Huskins earned a degree in turfgrass management with a concentration in business management from North Carolina State University. He has served as head superintendent for the Chick fil-A Charity Championship, apprentice superintendent at Augusta National Golf Club and volunteer at Merion Golf Club.

About Vineyards Country Club

Vineyards Country Club is a Blue Zones-certified, 1,400-acre private, non-equity master-planned golf and country club community open to both residents and non-residents for more than 30 years. The family-owned community, founded in 1988 by Michael J. Procacci and Joseph Procacci is located just east of Interstate 75 between Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt Beach roads and includes 2,719 homes in 38 individual gated neighborhoods, a 70,000-square-foot clubhouse, and 450,000 square feet of commercial space. The award-winning Club has been enhanced through three renovations since its original construction, with no member assessments. The Club offers 36 holes of members-only championship golf; a new, 15,000 square-foot Wellness Center & Spa with technologically advanced fitness equipment – including a new, state-of-the-art outdoor gym, five-star spa, salt water lap pool, smoothie café, and salt room; Racquet Center with 12 Har-Tru lite tennis courts; six lit, gel cushioned pickleball courts; three regulation lit bocce courts, and year-round scheduled play; formal and casual indoor and al fresco dining; banquet, reception, meeting and event facilities; and one of Naples’ most active club social calendars. For membership or residential information, call 239-353-1500, visit vineyardscountryclubnaples.com, or visit the community’s Administration Office, 400 Vineyards Blvd., Naples.