Shackamaxon CC names superintendent

With a commitment to provide a superb golf experience for its members and guests,  the new owners of the private, A.W. Tillinghast-designed  Shackamaxon Country Club in Union County, N.J., proudly announce the hiring of Mr. Richard Tacconelli as Course Superintendent.  Tacconelli will be responsible for maintaining and preserving Shackamaxon’s renowned and historic north-Jersey golf course; a nearly-century old, par-71 layout that boasts Tillinghast’s first island green. Shackamaxon was purchased by an affiliate of RDC Golf Group in late December of 2011.

Tacconelli comes to “Shack” with a great resume including experience and agronomic leadership at numerous first-class country clubs, including the world-renowned #1 Pine Valley GC.  For example, Tacconelli served as golf course superintendent for five years at the Charles B. MacDonald and Seth Raynor designed North Shore Country Club in Glen Head, N.Y. His stellar credentials also include a three-year stint as assistant golf course superintendent at the legendary Pine Valley Golf Club in Pine Valley, N.J., and on the agronomic staff of Merion Golf Club, site of great national championships, including the 2013 U.S. Open.

At Shackamaxon, Tacconelli will oversee the course’s bunker restoration plan (to be completed in April), as well as manage and train maintenance team members, oversee annual operating budgets, and supervise clubhous landscaping.

“Not only does Rich have the seasoned wisdom that comes from three-plus decades in the business, but also the best quality experiences for overseeing the classic Tillinghast course at Shackamaxon Country Club,” said Shackamaxon co-owner and RDC Golf Group President Christopher Schiavone. “With time at Merion and as an assistant at Pine Valley, along with his role as head superintendent at North Shore Country Club, Rich’s experience with the turf and climate conditions of our region is ideal.”

Tacconelli is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University -- which is known for its agronomic program -- and received his certification in Turfgrass Management from Penn State University.