Lutherville, Md. – Julian Lutz currently serves as a co-assistant superintendent at Rolling Road Golf Club, located in Catonsville, Md. She started in this position in March of this year.
Her father, who is also a golf superintendent, introduced her to the game. She had practically grown up on the golf course, and with a newly found passion, Lutz shared, “I fell in love with it about three months in.” Lutz has always possessed a profound appreciation for the outdoors and the game of golf.
Her career in the golf industry has included stops as a Turfgrass Intern at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Md., a Spray Technician at Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles, Calif., and an Assistant in Training at Pasatiempo Golf Club in Santa Cruz, Calif.
Early Challenges
Early in her golf journey, she encountered financial challenges while pursuing her education and living in California simultaneously. Much of this was due to the financial pressures of the high cost of living in California. This led to concerns regarding her ability to finance her education going forward.
As a result, Lutz applied for an MSGA scholarship, which her father had encouraged her to do. The scholarship would turn out to be a pivotal point in her career. Lutz was selected as one of the recipients of an MSGA Scholarship.
“My initial reaction when I received the MSGA scholarship was relief,” Lutz said. Receiving this scholarship provided her with much-needed financial relief and a sense of accomplishment. “Writing an essay, putting the work in, and then being approved for something…it just makes you feel a little good about yourself,” Lutz recalled.
The scholarship helped her complete her education at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Not long after, she secured the position at Pasatiempo Golf Club, where she gained invaluable experience helping develop new greens.
Julian Lutz checks the moisture on a putting green at Rolling Road Golf Club
Professional Growth
Lutz’s role in golf course maintenance at Rolling Road Golf Club encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities. “My day consists of course check-up, managing crew, managing greens, and moisture,” she said. “It kind of changes day to day, which I really enjoy.” Holding the position of co-assistant superintendent requires Lutz to have attention to detail and effective collaboration with her team.
Chris Fernandes, Superintendent of Rolling Road Golf Club, commends her contributions to the golf course maintenance team. Fernandes mentioned that Lutz’s ability to maintain an even temperament and a focus on quality inspires her colleagues. “Her desire to want to get stuff done throughout the day has been excellent, a breath of fresh air if you will,” Fernandes said.
“One of Julian’s best qualities is her demeanor and her desire to be on the golf course every day,” Fernandes added. “It rubs off on everybody, including myself.”
Overcoming Barriers
Lutz is well aware that she is stepping into a male-dominated industry, which she understood would present its own set of challenges. However, she still approaches her role with confidence and determination. “Being a woman in this field can be intimidating, but I honestly love it,” she stated. “I’ve worked places where I’ve been the only [woman], and they don’t treat you any differently. We’re all here to work, and we all love what we do.”
She encourages other women to pursue careers in the golf industry. “My advice for young women interested in going into either the golf side or the maintenance side is to follow your gut,” she recommended. “Get out on a golf course, see what you like, pick up a summer job [because] there are many in the industry where you can work six months. You don’t have to work full-time.” Lutz believes that “before you make any concrete decisions, you should figure out what you like, but also be sure to have fun.”
Julian Lutz walks off the tee markers in preparation for daily play at Rolling Road Golf Club
Future Aspirations
Lutz has aspirations to achieve the position of superintendent or director of agronomy in the near future. She credits the MSGA scholarship with helping her pursue that goal. “This scholarship pushed me to be a better student, a better career professional, and it’s inspired me to continue to grow and learn in this industry,” Lutz stated.
Lutz’s career in the golf industry is underscored by the importance of support systems, such as MSGA scholarships, in shaping successful careers in the golf industry. Lutz hopes her journey can serve as an inspiration for future professionals as they look to pursue careers in the industry.
Interested in applying for an MSGA Scholarship?
The MSGA offers several scholarships, including the Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation scholarship, Country Club of Maryland scholarship, David King scholarship, Hinkey-Benson STEM scholarship, Andy Tignanelli scholarship, Frank Emmet scholarship, and MSGA scholarships.
To learn more about the MSGA’s scholarship offerings, click here or download an application today!
MSGA Mission
To serve, grow, and advance the game of golf in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
