36-hole Coachella Valley resort hires new director of agronomy

Indian Wells Golf Resort, a 36-hole facility in California’s Coachella Valley, has hired Nicholas Leitner as its new director of agronomy. Leitner will direct a team of dedicated golf course maintenance staff responsible for the continual elite conditions of the Celebrity and Players Courses.

Prior to joining Indian Wells Golf Resort, Leitner was head golf course superintendent and director of grounds at the Ted Robinson-designed Marrakesh Country Club in Palm Desert, California. He managed the daily operations and course maintenance in addition to landscape and turf operations for the club’s homeowners association.

Leitner previously worked at Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells and as sports turf specialist with the University of Arizona athletics arounds crew. He is a member of the GCSAA and SFMA. Leitner is a graduate of the University of Arizona.

“I am honored to be named director of agronomy at such an outstanding destination and can’t wait to work closely with the dedicated staff as we head into a busy fall and winter season,” Leitner said. “Indian Wells Golf Resort is situated beautifully in the Coachella Valley, and our ongoing quest is to make sure the playing conditions and course aesthetics match the stunning vistas throughout the property.”

Celebrating its 36th anniversary, the resort features courses designed by Clive Clark and John Fought.

“Nicholas has a proven track record of producing a high-caliber agronomic results here in the Coachella Valley, and we are ecstatic for him to join our team,” Indian Wells Golf Resort general manager Sven Wiedenhaupt said. “His leadership and commitment will be instrumental in ensuring our guests continue to enjoy phenomenal course conditions on our two celebrated courses.”