Rio Verde Country Club, located just east of Scottsdale in Rio Verde, Arizona, recently welcomed John Hardin as the club’s new director of agronomy. Hardin will oversee the maintenance of the private club’s two 18-hole championship golf courses, Quail Run and White Wing, plus its golf practice area.
Hardin has more than 20 years of experience in the golf industry, including multiple years as an assistant golf professional. After receiving certification in turf management from Mount San Jacinto Community College in San Jacinto, Calif. in 2008, he served as an assistant superintendent at Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Club in Moreno Valley, California, for two years. In 2010, he became head superintendent at Moreno Valley Ranch. In 2018, he moved to Arizona to become superintendent at Oro Valley Country Club in Tucson. He most recently served as the golf course superintendent at Omni Tucson National, former home of the PGA Tour Champions’ Cologuard Classic.
“We’re excited to welcome director of agronomy John Hardin to the leadership team,” Rio Verde general manager and COO Anthony Paino said. “John’s background is a great fit for Rio Verde, and his skillset is the right mix of leadership, agronomy and technical proficiency. The board of directors and I are confident in his ability to succeed in his endeavors to increase the quality and presentation of the White Wing and Quail Run golf courses while taking care of his substantial golf course maintenance team, facility, and assets.”
Born in Redlands, California, Hardin grew up in Yucaipa, California and started playing golf at age 12 – he has been hooked ever since. He currently has a two index and enjoys playing whenever he can. When not playing golf or maintaining golf courses, Hardin enjoys boating on Arizona’s waterways and spending time with his wife, Danielle, and his three boys.
“I look forward to serving in my new role as director of agronomy at Rio Verde Country Club,” Hardin said. “This is a lifetime opportunity for me and my family and I am thrilled to offer my professionalism and expertise to the club. I get to take care of what I get to play on.”
