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Matauri Bay, Northland, New Zealand
First Assistant Golf Professional
ABOUT KAURI CLIFFS
ABOUT KAURI CLIFFS
Matauri Bay, Northland, New Zealand | Kauri Cliffs is set on 6,000 acres of pristine farmland. The facility features 22 guest suites, a two-bedroom Owner’s Cottage, and three four-bedroom Residences. The accommodation offerings are nestled amongst native forests overlooking the golf course and the Pacific Ocean. The main lodge features breathtaking 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, the offshore Cavalli Islands, and Cape Brett.
Facilities include the 18-hole championship golf course, two tennis courts, two swimming pools (one indoor lap pool and one outdoor infinity pool), a luxury spa, and a fully equipped fitness center. The property also features three beaches, a natural waterfall, and one of the largest kauri trees, located on privately held land, in the country.
The lodge is part of the prestigious Rosewood Hotel Group and is ranked as one of the top hotels in the World.
GOLF COURSE
The centerpiece of the property is the golf course, featuring eighteen holes of golf designed by David Harman. Fifteen holes have spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs that plunge to the sea. The facility also boasts a beautiful practice facility with two putting greens, a short game area, and a full range tee. Kauri Cliffs offers world-class service, a superb golf retail shop, and amenities expected at a facility of this caliber. Men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers are available, as is a selection of premium rental equipment.
The course has undertaken a full greens renovation, in which a new type of creeping bentgrass, Pure Distinction, has been grown in on all green’s surfaces. This is certainly an exciting time, and we have received amazing feedback since reopening in February of 2022.
To suit the needs of an international clientele, walking is allowed, and push carts, motorized golf carts, and caddies are available. The facility does not have a membership but caters to members of the finest club in the world, who make up the Lodge’s clientele. The golf course is open to the public, with most rounds played by international guests.
The course played host to the 2003 “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf” match between Fred Couples and Michael Campbell and the Kiwi Challenge in 2008. It has received numerous accolades and awards, including being ranked among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World by many international publications.
SEASON/LOCAL AREA
Kauri Cliffs’ location in the sub-tropical Bay of Islands provides for a year-round golf environment. Summer temperatures (December - March) average around 22-26 C, with winter temperatures (June - September) averaging around 14-18 C. The majority of the course’s 5,000 annual rounds are played during the summer months, and staffing is determined accordingly.
The area is known for its water sports, being one of the premier destinations in New Zealand for deep sea and land-based fishing, diving, sailing, and beaches. Additionally, the Bay of Islands plays a significant role in New Zealand’s agricultural production.
The nearest regional center, Kerikeri, is home to approximately 7,000 residents, with higher numbers during the summer months. It boasts delightful cafes, shopping, a movie theatre, and several historical sites within a short drive.
POSITION OVERVIEW
POSITION OVERVIEW
Title: First Assistant Golf Professional
Reports to: Head Professional
Position Description: Kauri Cliffs is currently seeking the employment of a First Assistant Golf Professional who will work to maintain the world-class operation that Kauri Cliffs is known for. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual with excellent communication skills (both written and spoken).
The First Assistant Golf Professional is responsible for all aspects of the golf operation at Kauri Cliffs. The position reports to and works closely with the Head Professional and takes direction from ownership. The position will work alongside the Golf Course Superintendent and Lodge Manager to ensure a seamless guest experience across the wider property.
The position demands a significant amount of independence, and the successful candidate must show an ability to make sound decisions using technical discretion, sound judgment, and familiarity with the company’s policies and golf industry standards. The First Assistant works closely with the golf course superintendent to ensure that the golf experience remains world-class. Additionally, interaction with other department heads on the lodging side of our business is critical to the success of the facility.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Responsibilities include training and supervising full-time/part-time/casual staff, revenue/expense management, supervising and maintaining the golf cart fleet, caddie program management, managing the practice facility, managing retail inventory, merchandising, overseeing clubhouse operations, and golf sales/promotion on a domestic level. Responsibility is also required in assisting in establishing the budget and monitoring expenditures to ensure efficient operations.
Ensures completion of daily reports of transactions and ensures funds are collected accurately and precisely
Supervises the merchandising and maintenance of the pro shop inventory, which carries golf apparel/supplies
Extensive knowledge of apparel, industry trends, fashion, and consumer behaviour is required
Monitors the quantity of goods and materials in stock through an automated central inventory control system and establishes reorder standards
Hires, schedules, evaluates, and trains staff on policies, procedures, and responsibilities
General oversight of the Golf Shop, Cart Storage Facility, and Locker Rooms
Develops/executes written operational procedures and is exceptionally detail-oriented
Works closely with golf organizations, golfers, suppliers, agents, and industry representatives
Schedules golf cart usage and manages the golf cart fleet appropriately
Authorizes payments to suppliers; verifies bank reconciliation statements and marketing and management accounts
Meets the public, schedules tee times, and answers questions regarding the use of golf facilities
Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality, seamless customer service
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Our ideal candidate will be a Class “A” Member of an internationally recognized PGA organization and have a minimum of 2 years of experience working in a high service operation. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted. We expect the individual to have an undergraduate degree and a working knowledge of superior customer service.
The vision for this individual is to become a vital part of the operation and move through the different leadership positions as part of their career growth. Recent success in the position has yielded to individuals being promoted within either Kauri Cliffs or Cape Kidnappers before ultimately leaving for opportunities that demonstrate growth outside of the company at facilities such as Crystal Downs, Roaring Fork, TrackMan Golf, and Hole-In-The-Wall Golf Club, to name a few.
Additionally, the successful applicant should be well-versed in:
Service standards and training
Principles and practices of supervision/leadership
Cash handling procedures and internal control
Golf operation organisation and management
Merchandise marketing and inventory control
And should have the ability to:
Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others
Work cooperatively with other staff, guests, and the public
Uphold all relevant Health & Safety requirements and procedures
Provide a professional service to our guests by teaching golf according to PGA teaching standards
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The club will provide compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. This includes but is not limited to:
Competitive Base salary commensurate with experience
End of FY bonus potential of up to 10% of Salary
Holiday Pay of Time and ½
Minimal Lesson income
Annual International Flight – Economy
Clothing Allowance
Relocation assistance, flight, extra luggage, etc., depending on the candidate
NZPGA or USPGA Dues Paid
70% of Lessons Taught ($180 per hour)
Staff Uniforms Provided
Playing and Practicing Privileges (Immediate Family Included)
Normal Annual/Alternative/Sick Leave entitlements as required by law
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications MUST be submitted through the PGA of America's Career Services Department as described below.
Resume deadline is April 25, 2025 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time
Target Start Date: July 1, 2025
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, Kauri Cliffs, First Assistant Golf Professional
Please address all correspondence to - Mr. Mitchell McMurty, PGA | Head Professional | Kauri Cliffs
David Wilson, PGA is the lead consultant for this search, please contact him with any questions.
Email: dwilson@pgahq.com
The employer does not wish to be contacted at this time
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