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Stratford, CT
Head Golf Professional
ABOUT MILL RIVER COUNTRY CLUB
ABOUT MILL RIVER COUNTRY CLUB
Stratford, CT | Established in 1923 and nestled alongside the picturesque Housatonic River, Mill River Country Club is a distinguished golf and social club that has been a cornerstone of the community for 100 years. The club has a rich history of esteemed members and is renowned for its warm camaraderie. Its enviable location along the stunning coast of Long Island Sound makes it easily accessible via the nearby railroad that connects New York to Boston.
At the heart of Mill River's storied past lies its exceptional nine-hole course, which quickly gained recognition for its quality and challenge. In 1925, the course was expanded to 18 holes, further enhancing its allure and solidifying Mill River's reputation as a premier golf destination. Over the years, the club has welcomed renowned golfers and hosted prestigious tournaments, showcasing its dedication to the sport.
One of the club's most significant achievements was the honor of hosting the Shoreline Open Championship from 1937 to 1953. This major event on the PGA Tour attracted some of the finest golfers of the time to Mill River's breathtaking fairways. Golf legends such as Gene Sarazen, Harry Cooper, Julius Boros, and many others graced the club, leaving an indelible mark on its history. But the Shoreline Open Championship was not the only prestigious tournament held at Mill River. The club has also hosted two State of Connecticut Opens and the U.S. Ladies Amateur Championship, further cementing its status as a premier golfing destination. These events showcased the club's immaculate course and provided unforgettable moments for players and spectators alike.
Mill River Country Club understands the importance of building a strong community spirit and offers a variety of social events and activities for families. From holiday-themed parties to family barbecues and gatherings, the club's calendar is filled with engaging events that encourage families to connect and create lasting friendships. These events provide the perfect opportunity for both kids and adults to socialize, have fun, and form lifelong memories.
In addition to golf, the club features a family-friendly bowling alley with multiple lanes that is sure to provide hours of year-round entertainment. In the summer months, the pool and oasis area is where families and friends gather and create lifelong memories. With designated areas for children and adults alike, the kids can splash around in a safe and supervised environment while adults can relax in a peaceful setting.
If you seek a culinary experience, Mill River provides exceptional dining options and warm hospitality for the entire family. The club's restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring delicious dishes that cater to all tastes. From casual meals to formal dining, the culinary offerings are sure to please even the most discerning palates. The attentive staff members go above and beyond to provide personalized service, making every visit to the club an enjoyable experience.
When asked what members love the most about Mill River, the following themes were focused on:
Membership: People love the club for its friendly, diverse, and welcoming membership, creating a sense of camaraderie and community. The members are fun and engaging, contributing to a warm atmosphere that feels more like a family.
Golf Course Quality: Members appreciate the top-notch quality of the golf course. Known for being well-maintained and providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience, the course's excellent conditions and unique setup add to its charm.
No Tee Times: The club stands out for its flexibility, allowing members to enjoy the course without the need to book tee times. This convenience enables spontaneous play and enhances the overall golfing experience.
Club Atmosphere and Culture: The club is beloved for its welcoming and non-pretentious atmosphere, complemented by strong leadership and a positive culture. The friendly staff and quality service further elevate the inviting and enjoyable experience for everyone.
CLUB DETAILS
CLUB DETAILS
Facility: Member-Owned, Non-Profit
Course Access: Private
Number of Holes: 18
Total Number of Members: 350
Total Annual Rounds: 22,000
Annual Revenue: $4M
Number of Carts: 72
Primary Golf Season: April - October
Caddie Program: No
Practice Range: Yes
Short Game Area: Yes
Number of Staff Managed: 10
POSITION OVERVIEW
POSITION OVERVIEW
Title: Head Golf Professional
Reports to: Golf Committee Chairman and President
Supervises: Assistant Professionals and Outside Staff
Position Description: The Head Golf Professional plays a pivotal role in ensuring the satisfaction and happiness of club members through a welcoming attitude and innovative ideas that resonate well with the established culture. Successful fulfillment of responsibilities involves ensuring member happiness by maintaining a comfortable atmosphere and garnering positive feedback regarding new initiatives and changes. A smooth transition, characterized by seamless handovers and enhanced yet stable operations, particularly in pro shop management and tournament experiences, is essential. High engagement and strong interaction across all skill levels help maintain the spirit of Mill River's golf culture. Regular daily communication with the superintendent on course set-up, tournament scheduling, starting times, and related operational details further ensures a coordinated and consistent member experience.
Success in this role also involves infusing new energy into the club with fresh ideas, such as fun events and improved merchandising, while planning for future goals and events. Strong leadership and communication skills are crucial, as these foster respect and admiration from members and ensure cohesive operations throughout the club. The head professional's ability to lead with clarity and respect further defines success in this role. With the current Head Golf Professional retiring, the club is proud of its tradition of longevity in this position and looks forward to continuing that legacy with the next professional.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Strong Interpersonal/Communication Skills
Emphasizing the importance of good interaction, friendliness, approachability, and communication with members, the head professional must engage positively with all members. A positive, energetic, and personable attitude, coupled with charisma, is essential for effectively representing the club both internally and externally.
Leadership
Consistency in maintaining professionalism, upholding a proper appearance, and demonstrating strong leadership abilities as a dependable decision-maker. Approaching tasks with consistency and vigor is crucial.
Daily Play & Tournament Operations
Successfully handling the tee sheet, organizing golf tournaments. Effective management of tournament operations and ensuring a functional first tee contribute significantly to the club's seamless operation. The club does not have tee times and finds that to be an enjoyable part of membership when managed appropriately.
Focus on enhancing tournament operations by introducing creative and fun tournament formats, reevaluating the tournament schedule, and leveraging innovative ideas for member engagement.
Teaching / Instructional Programming
Proper management of the Practice Area is important for the overall success of the Golf Operation of Mill River. The practice facility is located across the property from the first tee and requires appropriate oversight and management to ensure proper usage. Appropriate clinic and instructional offerings with respect to the available space would be welcomed for increased member engagement and satisfaction, including but not limited to junior golf.
Merchandising
Maintaining appropriate merchandising offerings within an organized, welcoming environment is important. The Golf Professional will be responsible for owning and operating the merchandise offering at Mill River.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Including, but not limited to, the following:
Class A PGA Member in good standing
Minimum of 5 Years of experience, preferably in a Private Facility setting
A verifiable record of the development of staff and intuitive mentoring is considered a plus.
Proficient in Point of Sale systems, Microsoft Office, and any other appropriate applications that effectively enhance the operation and member golf experience.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The club will provide a compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications MUST be submitted through the PGA of America's Career Services Department as described below.
Resume deadline is September 12, 2025 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time
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, Facility, Head Golf Professional
Please address all correspondence to - Mr. Todd Gallo | Club President | Mill River Country Club
David Wilson, PGA, and Scott Kmiec are leading this search. Please contact them with any questions.
Email: dwilson@pgahq.com
The employer does not wish to be contacted at this time
To serve as the most trusted professional resource for employers seeking experts to lead an organization in the golf and hospitality industry, and support their future success by serving as lifelong partners.
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