Jesse Shannon
Golf Club Superintendent
j.shannon@mwgconline.com
Jesse Shannon
Golf Club Superintendent
j.shannon@mwgconline.com
Jesse, Superintendent of Manhattan Woods Golf Club, is a New York State native. He grew up on a golf course in upstate New York, where his father has been the superintendent for 37 years. Jesse’s respect for turf management was planted in early childhood. He started working on neighborhood lawns at age 11 and then at his father’s golf course at 14. Jesse credits his passion and dedication to the profession to witnessing those traits in his father as a child growing up. After high school, Jesse became interested in the installation of a new system at his father’s course and decided to pursue irrigation construction. He spent the next few years constructing and maintaining large scale irrigation systems on golf courses, and various other sports fields, throughout Colorado and Wyoming. After some years abroad he returned to his home town and accepted a position as his father’s assistant on the golf course.
That led him to begin the professional turf management program at Rutgers University. He then accepted a position as Second Assistant Superintendent at Winged Foot Golf Club. During this time, he had the opportunity to help prepare the course for the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, Jesse was involved with the “West Course” Open restoration and large scale renovation of the “East Course” projects.
Throughout his professional career, Jesse has had the opportunity to work with some of the most credited superintendents in the business. He has also been able to take part in the preparation of various professional PGA tournaments throughout the country, including the 2008 Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club, the 2009 Barclays Open at Liberty National Golf Club, and the 2010-2011 LPGA Sybase at Hamilton Farms Golf Club. After four years at Winged Foot, where he honed his agronomic and leadership skills, Jesse graduated with honors from the Rutgers University professional turf management program.
In 2008 he accepted the assistant to superintendent position at MWGC and transitioned to Superintendent in 2009. Jesse maintains the passion and appreciation for the course, layout, environment, and culture he has had since his start at MWGC. He continually strives to bring exceptional value through a core agronomic background developed while working under tremendously talented and recognized golf course superintendents. Jesse believes a great course begins with a balance between great conditioning and detail and that his dedication and commitment to these goals will provide each member and guest with a world class experience here at Manhattan Woods.
Jesse’s continued efforts have earned him the 2014 Metropolitan Golf Association Arthur P. Weber Environmental Award for environmental conservation efforts throughout the golf course. He continues to carry on the course vision and culture, maintaining the golf course in a way that enhances the playability and the habitat without disturbing the natural beauty and wildlife.
Jesse and his wife Alicia have two children, Isla and Bodhi. As parents they strive to instill the values and appreciation that have been a foundation in their lives.