Walpole Country Club
Walpole, MA
Head Golf Professional
ABOUT WALPOLE COUNTRY CLUB
WALPOLE, MA | Founded in 1927, Walpole Country Club is one of the finest private clubs in the Greater Boston and Greater Providence area attracting new and retaining long-term members by consistently providing high-quality golf, dining, and social experiences.
The Mission is to maintain and continuously improve the golf course and clubhouse facilities for present and future members. To deliver a rewarding membership experience both on and off the course, by ensuring that services and facilities are of the highest possible standard while maintaining our financial stability and providing our members with excellent value for their money.
Walpole Country Club has 550 Members and averages approximately 26,500 rounds over the last 5 years. The Golf Calendar consists of 12 outside events, and 10 Major Men’s and Ladies' Events with weekly member leagues during the peak season.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Title: Head Golf Professional
Reports To: General Manager
Manages: Professional Shop staff members including but not limited to Assistant Golf Professional(s), PGA Associates, Outside Operations Staff, and Golf Course Starter within the established payroll budget.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Head Professional, as the department head of the golf operation, is responsible for the training, evaluation, and supervision of all golf, retail, and outside golf operation employees. Adequate staffing levels are the responsibility of the Head Professional with communication to the General Manager and developing an understanding of staffing levels. The Head Professional shall be acutely aware of any staffing shortages or vacancies in coverage on a daily basis and is expected to react accordingly to ensure a smooth operation in the Golf department and with the pace of play on the golf course.
The Professional shall be responsible for all selection and purchasing for the pro shop and for the supervision of the accurate collection of all merchandise and equipment sales as well as inventory control and valuation.
The Professional shall be responsible for supervision and scheduling of the Golf course Starters, merchandise staff and outside operations employees.
The Professional shall be responsible for the planning and execution of all tournaments in conjunction with the General Manager, Golf Course Superintendent and Golf Committee.
The Professional shall act as a liaison with Club rules and policies, golf etiquette, tournament operations dialogue with participants, rules questions and possible disputes regarding the same.
Successful mentorship of the staff, onboarding of new club members and continued guidance of existing members as it pertains to the golf operation, is an essential element of the position.
A level-minded, timely and accurate delivery of information and dialogue is paramount.
The Professional is responsible to provide oversight and assist in the sales of golf equipment to the Members of the Golf Club, utilizing his or her expertise.
The Professional facilitates attendance at Pro-Ams and local golf association events for members and Professionals on staff as time activity demand permits.
The Professional shall act as a point person and work closely with golf association committees, officials and the Walpole Country Club management team to facilitate the hosting of occasional golf association events.
The Professional on occasion, and as time permits, makes efforts to play golf with members of all abilities and skill sets.
SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Staff Development
o Shop Assistants
o Outside Services
o Starters
Merchandising
Caddie Program
Tournament Operations
o Member Events
o Weekly Member League
o Outside Events
Handicap System
Jonas Point of Sale System
Fore Tees Tee-Time System
Player Development Program
Golf Instructional Offerings
Junior Golf
Club Repair / Club Fitting
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
The successful candidate for the position of Head Professional at Walpole Country Club:
The Head Professional is a team player who proactively seeks solutions and involves team members in the decision-making process while working closely with the General Manager and Superintendent as a collaborator and communicator.
He or she follows through on requests and questions from members and team members in a timely manner. The Head Professional believes and practices a role of leadership and positive growth in his or her department.
Sees themselves as a true ambassador to the Walpole Country Club culture and experience.
Communicate with management and the front office in the development of efficient communications to the membership. Communications to include; updates to the club website and calendar, flyers and invitations for Pro Shop events, Golf instructional programs, demo days and other emailed notifications for members pertaining to the golf operation.
Leads website management for the golf department to promote events and policies, ease of use and enhancements.
Interacts positively and professionally, and politely with all staff, vendors, and the community to promote a team effort and culture.
Places significant importance on staff communications and interaction; both within the department and with other departments. He or she conducts regular staff meetings and pre-and post-event meetings to ensure understanding of the expectations and quality of outcomes for every member's experience. Specifically, post-event follow-up for enhancements.
Keeps the General Manager, Club President and Golf committee chair informed of all significant or potentially significant operating matters, problem areas, achievements, or other matters of importance. He or she provides proactive, accurate, timely and meaningful reports and analyses of the golf operation.
INITIAL HEAD PROFESSIONAL PRIORITIES
Work closely with the Board, Committees, and senior management to ensure a full understanding of the Walpole Country Club, its history, culture, and traditions before initiating any significant changes to the golf operation.
Establish effective and meaningful relationships with each of the multiple constituencies, including the Membership, Board, Committees, departmental peers, and staff.
Delegates appropriate responsibility to the Assistant Professional(s), Pro Shop Staff, and outside operations staff while remaining ultimately responsible for those operations; giving credit to the team and taking responsibility for any shortcomings.
Take ownership of the entire membership experience in the golf department with a focus on the golf and tournament operations which is very robust and ever-evolving.
Clearly understand and demonstrate as a role model, how to manage a professional yet friendly operation amongst a very diverse membership.
Ensure departmental cleanliness, overall appearance, and employee, member, and guest safety.
Continually assess the team to ensure a well-developed, energized, and cohesive team which is critical.
Focus on driving organizational consistency through process and procedure development.
Maintain fiscal responsibility for the scheduling of departmental staff by continually reviewing the staffing levels and identify needed revisions to their work schedules.
Understand the financial model, its history of operational results, and clearly understand how the Walpole Country Club operates to a very active membership of over 550 members on 18 holes that averages 26,500 rounds.
Develop, promote, and foster an all-encompassing instructional program at Walpole Country Club. Share the vision and responsibility amongst the professional staff.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate:
Has at least three years of golf management experience in a private club environment.
Is skilled in recruiting, hiring, evaluating, supervising, managing, mentoring, and developing high-achieving employees in the golf department. Perpetual training, supervising, mentoring, and coaching is essential.
Is a passionate and highly motivated professional who enjoys member engagement and making each visit to the club special and memorable for members and their guests.
Has a fundamental understanding of what constitutes a “positive club experience,” and the proven ability to execute to that level.
Has a professional appearance and demeanor and expects the same from his or her staff.
Remains calm under pressure and maintains the expedient execution of events as well as the prompt resolution of conflicts or complaints. Someone who acts with urgency yet maintains a calming presence. He or she must also have a proven track record of accountability and integrity.
Is organized, predictable, consistent, and detail-oriented. He or she has strong organizational and time management skills; identifying the details necessary to consistently achieve high levels of quality, satisfaction, and positive member experiences.
Possesses effective verbal and written communication skills, while demonstrating respect and achieving the respect of the membership, staff, and the management team.
Has a patient, friendly, outgoing personality, and a positive attitude. Is personable and friendly with members and guests, while maintaining respectful professionalism.
Has strong listening skills and has a prominent level of emotional intelligence.
Is a professional with a verifiable, positive career track, Is confident in his or her abilities yet humble and gracious in his or her interactions.
Has technology skills including the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, POS systems, and time management systems. Knowledge of tournament management software is also essential.
Coordinates development of golf and outside operations operating and capital budgets according to the budget calendar; monitors monthly and other financial statements for the club; takes effective corrective action as required.
Coordinates annual amendments to the tournament handbooks as required.
Displays a working knowledge of financial acumen, fiscal responsibility, and supports HR policies.
Has an appreciation for, and a high level of understanding of the rules and traditions of the game of golf.
Maintains professional association memberships and attends professional educational offerings that benefit both the club and his or her personal career growth.
Experience / Qualifications / Education / Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year university or college is preferred.
Class A PGA Membership is a prerequisite
Evidence of continued professional education and development path
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
COMPENSATION:
The club will work with and be flexible in the structure of compensation for the right candidate. The total compensation package will include the following;
Salary Commensurate with Experience
100% Ownership of Professional Shop
Lesson Income
Programming Income
Annual Performance Bonus
BENEFITS:
Vacation and Sick Time – As Per Club Policy
Medical, Dental and Life Insurance – As per Club Policy
Other Benefits as per Club Policy
401K
PGA Dues
Tournament Expenses
Total compensation package for this position is expected to be $135-$150K commensurate with experience. Interested candidates with specific compensation questions can contact the Career Services team.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications MUST be submitted through the PGA of America's Career Services Department as described below.
Resume deadline is September 15, 2022 at 5:00pm 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, Walpole CC Head Golf Professional
Please address all correspondence to - Mr. Sean Sweeney, Club President
Please contact Mr. David Wilson, PGA or Mr. Michael Higgins with additional questions.
Email: dwilson@pgahq.com
The employer does not wish to be contacted at this time.
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