Denville, NJ | Rockaway River Country Club was founded in 1915 and designed by renowned golf course architect Devereaux Emmett. It has been a family-oriented club since its inception. The membership are golf enthusiasts who have great respect for the game of golf, its traditions, history, and protocols. Rockaway River Country Club is a long-standing member of the Metropolitan Golf Association and the New Jersey State Golf Association and takes its responsibility in the golf community seriously. Over the years, RRCC has hosted numerous local and regional championships and qualifiers, notably the NJSGA Amateur 2007 & 2022, NJSGA Open Championship 2015, MGA IKE Championship Qualifier, 2021. Rockaway River was also the long-time host of the New Jersey PGA Charity Clambake (50 years).
Rockaway River Country Club has invested many resources in recent years with renovations to the clubhouse, golf course projects to include a new irrigation system, new bunker complexes, and green surrounds, as well as several new teeing ground options that stretch the championship tees back to over 6900 yards. In the Spring of 2026, the practice tee will be enlarged, and Trackman Range will be installed.
Facility Ownership: Member-Equity
Course Access: Private
Annual Revenue: $10 Million
Golf Members: 325 (plus additional classifications)
Number of Holes: 18 (Devereaux Emmet - 1915)
Total Annual Rounds: 18,500
Primary Golf Season: April-October
Club Lesson Revenue: $130,000+
Golf Shop Size: 500sq ft.
Number of Carts: 60
Golf Outings: Yes, 6-10 annually
Caddie Program: Yes
Practice Range: Yes
Short Game Area: Yes
Indoor Teaching Facility: Yes, 2-bay indoor/outdoor facility with Trackman (2)
Title: Head Golf Professional
Reports to: General Manager
Supervises: Assistant Golf Professionals, Teaching Professional, Golf Shop Staff, Director of Outsider Operations, Outside Operations staff, Golf Interns
Position Description: Rockaway River Country Club is in search of its next Head Golf Professional to play a critical role in guiding our Club and our outstanding Devereaux Emmett-designed 18-hole golf course. This individual will be following a Golf Professional with a 30-year history at RRCC as he transitions to retirement. The next Head Professional will be only the 4th at RRCC since 1955.
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to lead a club rich in golfing tradition and supported by a membership that truly values the game and the profession. We are seeking a visionary leader who is passionate about delivering an exceptional experience for members, their families, and guests. The next Head Golf Professional will be empowered to bring a fresh perspective and innovation to our operations, elevating RRCC’s golf program and overall member experience to stand among the finest clubs in the country.
The ideal candidate will have a high golf IQ but must also enjoy interacting with all members and guests. Visibility, member engagement, and a desire to build and maintain member relationships will be important in this role. Additionally, the ability to work with the General Manager, fellow department heads, committees, and the Board of Governors respectfully and diplomatically is a must. He/she is expected to demonstrate a passion to grow the game and advocate for continuous improvement of the Club’s golf programs, facilities, and the golf course/practice areas to maximize the member experience. He/she will also ensure a golf staff that is highly trained and motivated, and a best-in-class operation, focused on ensuring that the Club’s goals are achieved in line with its mission.
This position requires a creative professional who embraces the golf experience and culture at RRCC and who, with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment, generates support from the club leadership and members.
Responsible for all daily Golf Operations and play on the course, practice facilities, and the Golf Shop
Create an outstanding, hospitality-centric service experience for members and guests by promoting a positive, interactive, and team-oriented service culture for all Golf employees
Deliver high-functioning, enjoyable, creative, and professional club tournaments
Ensure the delivery of outstanding golf instruction, clinics, and golf development programs, and empower the golf staff to continue to educate themselves in the skill of golf instruction and technology
Responsible for Golf Shop retail concessions with a goal to provide the highest level of service, presentation, and product variety in the shop. This includes but is not limited to the management of staff, supporting the purchase of all retail goods, and maintaining a strong relationship with manufacturers and vendors
Utilize the latest technology in lessons, tournaments, club fitting, and communication
Consult with the General Manager on overseeing hiring, compensation, and budgeting for the staff that fall under Golf Operations
Work closely with the Golf Committee Chair, attend all Golf Committee meetings, and assistthe committee with tournament development, supervision, handicap monitoring, and all other areas the committee requires
Lead, motivate, train, and supervise all employees within the Golf Operations department, including Assistant Professionals, Golf Shop attendants, Director of Outside Operations, Bag Room staff, and Cart Maintenance staff
Work closely with the Golf Course Superintendent daily, to ensure the best course/playing conditions
Develop and coordinate a strong junior golf program
Further enhance ladies' participation and programming through enjoyable golf-related activities
Assist the General Manager and Chair of Golf Committee in managing all fiscal performance for the golf operations, including planning, budgeting, forecasting, monitoring, and corrective management
Report financial results regularly through the Golf Chair and GM (or his designee) to the Club Treasurer
Execute weekly schedules and annual tournament assignments in conjunction with our Golf Committee and Director of Outside Operations, as well as act on the rules committee for Club events
Build strong, working relationships with fellow Department Heads
Responsible for all corporate and charitable outings, as well as the administration of the Club's tournament program
Where appropriate, represent Rockaway River Country Club in local and regional golf tournaments and maintain and promote a superlative professional image within the local community and industry
Stay engaged with the NJPGA, NJSGA, MGA, and other local associations and find opportunities to volunteer and give back to the game
Understand RRCC’s rules and be proficient at conflict resolution
Including, but not limited to, the following:
Strong experience at a high-end private facility as either a Head Golf Professional or Lead Assistant Golf Professional
Ability to create an outstanding Member Experience and embrace the unique Rockaway River culture
Top-notch merchandising ability for members and their guests
Ability to provide mentorship to all golf staff members
Have a creative mind to enhance all tournament programs
Utilization of technology and social media to promote the Golf Operation
High-level communication and interpersonal skills
Experience with Trackman Launch Monitors (Club owns two), Indoor Golf Simulator bays available year-round
Willingness to engage in the PGA Section and beyond
Class “A” PGA Professional
Well-versed in the USGA Rules of Golf
The Club provides a high-level competitive salary to the next Head Golf Professional commensurate with experience and qualifications. This includes, but is not limited to:
Base Salary
Golf Shop ownership negotiable (January 2027)
100% of Lessons
Benefits package includes:
Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K available
Additional Benefits:
PGA Dues Reimbursement
Continuing Education Reimbursement
PGA Show Attendance Reimbursement
Tournament Participation Reimbursement
All applications MUST be submitted through the PGA of America's Career Services Department as described below.
Resume deadline is March 11, 2026 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, Rockaway River Country Club, Head Golf Professional
Please address all correspondence to - Mr. Michael Frodella | General Manager | Rockaway River Country Club
Joe Doughty, PGA, and Chris Bauer are leading this search. Please contact them with any questions.
Email: jdoughty@pgahq.com
The employer does not wish to be contacted at this time
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