Rising Star of Turf: Carlton Henry

Carlton Henry was well prepared when he earned his first head superintendent position three years ago at Dedham Country and Polo Club just outside Boston.

A native of New York, Henry first prepped at golf courses in his home state, home to the nation’s strictest pesticide regulations. A graduate of the Rutgers turf program, he eventually spent several years working for another Rutgers product, John Zimmers, at both Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh and later the Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

As an AIT at Oakmont, Henry was part of a team that oversaw the 2016 U.S. Open and completed many changes and upgrades to the historic Henry Fownes design that is a regular USGA stop. 

While at Inverness, the historic Donald Ross design underwent significant changes, including an Andrew Green-led restoration and a major tree-management project. During the Covid plagued 2020 golf season, the team at Inverness held an LPGA Tour event with barely a month’s notice.

Listen as Carlton discusses how his well-rounded past helped prepare him for his role at Dedham as he ushers the course into the future.