Deerfield Country Club, a private, 18-hole regulation course near Canton, Mississippi, has recently embarked on a major transformation under new ownership.
New Ownership and Vision (Starting February 2026)
The club was purchased by Rusty Rayborn and Carter Callaway in February 2026, with a vision of transforming the property into a premier country club experience for members and their families. This new chapter is reflected in a fresh, modern logo and the fact that ownership has already welcomed more than 60 new members since the acquisition.
Course Details and Improvements
The course was originally designed by Byron Nelson and opened in 1979. The 18-hole course spans 6900 yards with a par of 72, featuring a challenging course rating of 73.1 and a slope of 131. Amenities include a driving range, power carts, and walking is allowed.
Immediate investments in the golf experience include:
A complete greenside bunker renovation utilizing the renowned Better Billy Bunker system, enhancing both playability and course conditions.
The removal of approximately 200 trees to improve turf health by addressing hard pan and root issues.
A full cart path renovation is scheduled to begin soon.
Future Amenities
Beyond the golf course, several exciting new amenities are on the way to create a premier club experience:
An 18,000-square-foot putting course is currently under construction and expected to open in late July.
The first phase of the existing clubhouse renovation is scheduled for completion this summer, with additional upgrades planned for the future.
Additional amenities coming soon include a resort-style swimming pool, pickleball and tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Prestige and Management
Deerfield has a history of hosting professional events, including the Sanderson Farms Championship Pre-Qualifier and Open Qualifier (scheduled for September 2024). The club is led by a General Manager and Board, with an emphasis on a strong working relationship between the Head Golf Professional and the Golf Course Superintendent to serve the membership. PGA Career Services is currently assisting the club in a search for a Head Golf Professional.
Facility: Private Owned
Course Access: Private
Number of Holes: 18
Total Annual Rounds: 20,000
Number of Carts: 60
Members: 275, recently purchased, so growing
Primary Golf Season: 12 months
Caddie Program: No
Practice Range: Yes
Short Game Area: Yes
Number of Staff Managed: 15
Title: Head Golf Professional
Reports to: General Manager
Supervises:
Position Description: The Head Golf Professional will manage all aspects of the golf operations, including the golf shop, the golf staff, and tournament operations. He/She will engage with the members, offer golf instruction to all skill levels, create player development programs, oversee the practice facility, and perform other related functions. Additionally, the Head Golf Professional's peer relationships with the Golf Course Superintendent and the rest of the country club staff are considered by the Board to be critical as the team acts in concert with the General Manager to serve the membership.
The Head Golf Professional will report to the General Manager and will engage directly with other key management employees, including the Golf Course Superintendent. The ability to actively engage all segments of the membership of Deerfield Country Club is paramount to the success of this position. The Head Golf Professional acts as the Club’s ambassador of golf and must be fully engaged in all areas of golf operations management, administration, strong player with the membership, and business and financial activities.
Golf Administration:
Recruit, train, and supervise the golf staff
Maintain appropriate payroll records and data
Marketing and promotions
Business and Financial Operations:
Prepare the golf operating budget
Optimize financial and operational performance
Maintain accurate inventory and other financial records
Initial Areas of Focus:
High level of engagement with members
Hire, develop, and train the pro shop staff
Develop and administer a quality women’s and junior golf program
Good playing ability, play with members and PGA Section events
Develop improved tournament programs and increase member participation
Personal Traits:
Strong personal and professional values
Conscientious and detail-oriented
Outstanding work ethic with high enthusiasm
Interpersonal attributes that exhibit a genuine interest in all levels of membership
Sophisticated with a sense of style and taste
The ideal candidate will be a Head Golf Professional or a seasoned Assistant Golf Professional at a renowned, well-respected club with a minimum of three years of experience.
Proven experience with creative golf programming
Possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Proven track record for successful member and guest participation in events
Experience developing women’s and junior golf programs
Confident leader, mentor, and team builder
Proven experience running successful, well organized events and solid golf shop operations
Ability to relate to both serious and less experienced golfers
Accomplished teaching experience
Attention to detail and follow through
Educational and Certification Qualifications
A Class-A PGA of America member.
Preferably a college graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Golf Management.
The club will provide an attractive compensation package which includes a base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus 100% of income from lessons, and a bonus plan based on operational and financial performance. Benefits include:
Family health and dental insurance(per club plan)
Life and short-term disability insurance
Matching 401(k) plan
PGA dues
Allowance for PGA meetings
Continuing education
PGA Merchandise Show
Staff clothing allowance
Family use of club facilities
Paid vacation
Relocation allowance
All applications MUST be submitted through the PGA of America's Career Services Department as described below.
Resume deadline: June 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time
Start Date: July 15, 2026 (or soon thereafter)
Combine your cover letter, resume, references, and any supporting documents into one (1) PDF document with the following file naming convention: Last Name, First Name, Deerfield Country Club, Head Golf Professional
Please address all correspondence to - Mr. Carter Callaway | Owner | Deerfield Country Club
Kevin Walls, PGA is the lead consultant for this search, please contact him with any questions.
Email: kwalls@pgahq.com
The employer does not wish to be contacted at this time
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