Embedded Files
Watchung, NJ
Head Golf Professional
ABOUT WATCHUNG VALLEY GOLF CLUB
ABOUT WATCHUNG VALLEY GOLF CLUB
Watchung, NJ | With roots stretching back to 1890, Watchung Valley Golf Club is a vibrant, thriving golf club in Somerset County, New Jersey, 30 miles west of New York City. Nestled behind the first ridge of the Watchung Mountains, the centerpiece of the Club is its beautifully restored and highly-regarded 18-hole golf course, which was laid out by Seth Raynor and completed after his death by Plainfield C.C. Head Professional Marty O’Loughlin. The sloping terrain of this hill-and-valley course makes it one of the most scenic, strategic, and fun layouts in the entire Metropolitan area. However, stretching to 6,921 yards from the tips, the course can also provide a stern test and the Club enthusiastically hosts prestigious tournaments such as the 2024 Men’s Ivy League Championship and the 2026 NJ Amateur.
In addition to its main course, the Club also boasts a new 6-hole short course designed by Blake Conant, the Club’s current consulting architect. Known as the “Merry-Go-Round”, a tribute to the cheeky nickname given to the Club by its crosstown rivals from Plainfield Country Club, this all short grass pitch and putt tests the types of along-the-ground shots that are prevalent on the big course. In a testament to its architecture, the M-G-R is as popular as an entry point into the game for children as it is for adults to enjoy with a cocktail. Lit for night play and surrounded by firepits and a porch, the M-G-R is a special asset that Club members love to share with family and friends.
Although the Club is almost 135 years old, Watchung Valley embraces in equal measure golf’s history and its new post-pandemic trajectory. The Club’s membership values the core traditions of the game without the overlay of stuffiness that plagues many Northeastern clubs. For example, members clamor for browner, faster, and firmer conditions that highlight the course’s architecture, which, because it features many “template” holes derived from the world’s great links golf courses, is accentuated with firm and bouncy turf. The pace of play is brisk, members are free to carry their clubs anytime, and access to tee times and memberships is equal for men and women. A thorough membership process ensures that new members join because of these quirks, not despite them, reinforcing a strong culture and unique sense of place. Of the Club’s 305 golf members, approximately 200 are under the age of 45, making Watchung Valley almost certainly the youngest club in the Metropolitan area.
Since 1943, the Club has been owned and operated by a single family whose members are actively involved at the highest levels of golf at the state and national level. Guided by a singular vision of being “the great classic golf club alternative to the Top 100 clubs in the area,” ownership has been unafraid to blaze its own path. The club has both a unique sense of place and personality. By emphasizing the “UK model” of reasonable dues, a brisk pace of play, strong camaraderie, and constant investment in an architecturally significant golf course, Watchung Valley has recruited a high “golf IQ” membership every bit as outstanding as its course. The strong financial footing provided by a full membership has allowed ownership to invest over $10M in capital improvements in the last decade with more to come.
CLUB DETAILS
CLUB DETAILS
Facility: Non-equity
Course Access: Private
Number of Holes: 18-holes + 6-hole short course
Total Annual Rounds: 15,000
Members: 336 Total (305 Golf Members)
Primary Golf Season: March-November
Caddie Program: Yes
Practice Range: Yes
Short Game Area: Yes
POSITION OVERVIEW
POSITION OVERVIEW
Title: Head Golf Professional
Position Type: 9 months (March 15th – December 15th)*
*Negotiable for a candidate who desires to work a second seasonal position during the winter months.
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Position Description: The Head Golf Professional position at Watchung Valley Golf Club is highly coveted because it presents the successful applicant with the opportunity to work at a club with a relaxed membership, a sophisticated and knowledgeable ownership group, and an excellent work/life balance - all at a club whose profile continues to rise both within and outside of the state of New Jersey. The successful candidate will be an effective “golf ambassador” for the Club, aiding the Club in that rise and taking responsibility for all aspects of the golf operation at the senior department head level. He or she must embody the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, and diplomacy. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate are a must. The ideal candidate must be active, personable, and able to engage with the membership, ownership, fellow staff members, and other key stakeholders, such as journalists, panelists, and prospective members.
A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Club’s strategic plan and how the golf operation fits into it. Understanding how Watchung Valley is unique, the Head Golf Professional must develop a budget and manage a staff to achieve and maintain a high standard in accordance with the Club’s culture and ownership’s directives (on the bright side, no committees!). He or she must foster a warm, welcoming, and inclusive golf culture that uplifts the Club.
The Head Golf Professional will directly manage all areas of the golf operation and work closely with the golf course superintendent and other department heads while reporting to the CEO. The position will promote an exceptional golf experience and provide creative services and programs for all members, guests, and stakeholders. The Head Golf Professional is expected to be a strategic leader of the golf experience and therefore must demonstrate intelligence, vision, planning, business acumen, knowledge of the golf industry and golf course architecture, and first-class interpersonal skills.
Total Expected Compensation: $120,000 - $170,000
Base salary of $100,000 - $140,000, payable either over 9 or 12 months, together with (i) 80/20 share of lesson revenue; (ii) annual performance bonus, (iii) share of member-donated employee holiday fund, (iv) ability to retain 100% of any revenue generated from member golf trips or golf schools during the 3-month offseason, and (v) employer match to 401(k).
Benefits:
Medical
Dental
Life/Accident/Disability Insurance
FSA
401k (with employer match)
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Manages, supervises, and oversees the club’s entire golf operation to provide the highest standards of excellence for member and guest enjoyment. Plans and coordinates a golf program that is respected and enjoyed by the membership. Manages the Golf Pro Shop and related services to meet the needs of the members in a manner consistent with the Club’s mission and philosophy. Ensures proper communication between departments, maintains excellent relationships with suppliers, and keeps members satisfied and well-informed.
Job Tasks/Duties
Designs, promotes, and directs the Club’s golf program, including all golf activities.
Designs, conducts and, with respect to assistant professionals, supervises golf clinics and training programs, particularly for juniors and new golfers.
Provides golf lessons to members and guests (80/20 revenue split).
Promotes inter-connectivity/cross-promotion and cross-programming among golf and clubhouse.
Plays golf regularly with a varied cross-section of members.
Supports new member recruitment by hosting and playing with prospective members.
Optimizes use of tee times and assures all tee times are properly scheduled.
Appropriately manages the golf car fleet for events and member usage.
Emphatically interprets and enforces the Club’s golf rules and regulations without prejudice and ensures that the Golf Pro Shop staff is well-versed with all club policies.
Maintains visible presence on the course and throughout the operation during peak times.
Supervises golf play of members and guests and maintains starting times according to the Club’s rules and regulations.
Provides for the collection and issuance of all prizes associated with all competitions.
Implements strategy to engage with all new golf members after orientation has been completed.
Ensures proper billing of fees for all golf-related activities.
Is proactive in adopting anything that will enhance the quality and image of the Club.
Plans professional development and training activities for staff.
Takes an active interest in growing the game.
Desires to develop and mentor all golf staff members.
Supervises, trains, and directs club staff in customer service, Golf Pro Shop, golf professionals, and other on-course personnel.
Supervises and schedules the work hours for the inside and outside golf operation staff.
Consults with the CEO about the operations, maintenance, and rules of the golf facilities.
Cooperates with the grounds superintendent about maintenance issues that affect the playability of the golf course.
Collaborates with the Clubhouse Manager about food and beverage needs for events.
Supervises the work of the Assistant Golf Professionals and other staff (inside or outside).
Implements an overall safety program that conforms to OSHA standards for the Golf Dept.
Maintains attractive, orderly appearance in Golf Pro Shop.
Develops, creates, and implements a merchandise strategy for the Golf Shop.
Prepares budgets for golf operations.
Orders supplies associated with golf activities.
Engages with members of the larger golf ecosystem such as USGA/NJSGA/MGA staff, journalists, golf ranking panelists, influencers, and others.
Maintains management reports in WHOOSH with sufficient detail to properly track where revenue is generated along with rounds played.
Provides daily accounting of the entire golf revenue stream and shop expenses.
Ensures accurate and timely closure of daily sales reports.
Supervises, organizes and conducts the planning, promotion, and execution of all club-based and outside golf tournaments.
Handles general administration of any future golf memberships.
Maintains records relating to player and guest rounds and other statistics.
Controls and maintains an adequate inventory of golf merchandise for retail sales from the Golf Pro Shop.
Functions as ownership representative at Men’s Association meetings (c. 4 annually).
Recommends policy changes in the areas of user fee structure, hours of operation, guest privileges, etc.
Consults with, or provides occasional support to, the golf program at the Sugarloaf Field Club, which is managed by the Club (c. 10 hrs per year).
Regularly seeks out playing opportunities with members outside of the Club or in Pro-Am events.
Performs other appropriate tasks assigned by the CEO.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Including, but not limited to, the following:
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and one to two years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of experience and education.
Must have a minimum of five years of experience as a Director of Golf, Head Professional or Lead/First Assistant Golf Professional at a recognized golf club.
Licenses and Special Requirements
Class A member in good standing with the PGA of America.
Has met PGA criteria for Head Professional.
Job Knowledge, Core Competencies, and Expectations
Prior experience in all facets of golf operations, including inventory and financial control; employee motivation and training; golf instruction; tournament and event management; working knowledge of golf course maintenance.
Expertise in the rules of golf rules and ancillary regulations.
Knowledge of marketing, financial management, and retail operations.
Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions; skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards.
Knowledge of and ability to perform required roles during emergency situations.
Knowledge of Golf Genius.
Working knowledge of Jonas and tee time management software (Whoosh) preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.
Frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.
Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; extreme cold; extreme heat; risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Able to meet and perform the physical requirements and to work effectively in an environment that is typical of this position.
Frequent lifting, bending, climbing, stooping, and pulling.
Frequent repetitive motions.
Continuous standing and walking.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications MUST be submitted through the PGA of America's Career Services Department as described below.
Resume deadline is August 23, 2024 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, Watchung Valley Golf Club, Head Golf Professional
All interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to the attention of David B. Cronheim, Chairman of Watchung Valley Golf Club on or before August 23, 2024.
Joe Doughty, PGA will be supporting Watchung Valley Golf Club with this search. He can be contacted at jdoughty@pgahq.com
The Club encourages any questions about the opportunity to be directed to Kristie Sparrey, Director of Membership and Human Resources, at: kristie@watchungvalleygc.com
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.
Page updated
Report abuse