Executive Search: Head Golf Professional for Burlington Golf & Country Club
- June 19, 2024
- Placement, Private Clubs, Executive Search
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Head Golf Professional
Burlington Golf & Country Club
Apply Now
Burlington Golf and Country Club (BGCC) is a premier private golf, curling, social, and member dining facility founded in 1922 and located on the shores of Lake Ontario. In 2023, the City of Burlington was ranked first as the most livable city in Ontario and fifth in Canada - BGCC exemplifies why. Our mission is to enrich the lives of our members by providing an exceptional golf, curling and social experience that fosters friendship and fellowship within a safe and secure private setting in a fiscally responsible manner. Our vision is to be the Club of choice by creating a friendly environment, embracing feedback from our members, keeping our facilities and offerings relevant and fresh, caring for our staff and being a good neighbour in our community.
BGCC is a year-round club with a very full and active membership. It is a place where golfers, curlers and social Members can relax among their peers and enjoy the many sport and social activities offered throughout the year. It was recently ranked the 61st best course in Canada by ScoreGolf and currently enjoys a golf waitlist of approximately 115 future Members.
ABOUT THE CLUB
- BGCC’s Facilities Include:
- 18-hole Stanley Thompson golf course – currently ranked 61st in Canada
- 6 curling sheets
- Newly renovated premium clubhouse including:
- Formal dining area
- Expansive casual dining lounge and waterfront patio
- Two Golf simulators
- Banquet Facilities
Club Overview:
- Total members: 1,610
- Total Shareholders (golf): 662
- Initiation fee + shareholder price: $45K
- Annual Shareholder dues: $6,042
- Annual facility improvement fee: $960
- Annual dues revenue: $4.48M
- Golf: $579 M
- Curl $0.464 M
- Social $0.442 M
- Gross revenue: $10.9M
- Operating and Food & Beverage: $9.79 (Includes dues, carts and green fees)
- Capital Levies: $.708M
- Initiation: $.385 M
- F&B revenue: $4.5M
- Average member age: 60.2 y/o
- Rounds of golf annually: 32K
The Position
The role of Head Golf Professional at Burlington G&CC - offers an extremely challenging yet extraordinarily rewarding opportunity for a highly capable, experienced, and respected professional. The Head Golf Professional is looked upon to set the standard for golf operation by providing world-class programs, services, and leadership. The individual will promote an enthusiastic professional atmosphere focused on Member enjoyment and satisfaction through a visible, accessible, and professional management/leadership style. The Head Golf Professional will work with the Professional team to address Members concerns, complaints, and compliments, and with the Membership Coordinator to provide new member orientation in a timely manner.
Competencies:
To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate the following competencies. These same areas will be a focus for your performance evaluation, ensuring clear expectations and ongoing support.
- Leadership: Strong leadership skills to motivate and inspire staff and players to achieve their best. Create a positive and inclusive environment, delegate tasks effectively, and lead by example through professionalism and a strong work ethic.
- Instruction and Golf Programming: Develop and oversee golf instruction and player development programs. Deliver clear and personalized golf instruction, catering to individual needs and learning styles. Develop and manage tournament programs for different customer segments.
- Professional Development: Continuously improve their own skills and coaching techniques. Stay up-to-date on industry trends, technologies, and best practices, actively seeking opportunities to learn through workshops, conferences, and certifications. They may also share knowledge through mentorship or coaching colleagues.
- Golf Operations & Member Experience: Understanding golf course maintenance principles, work collaboratively with the superintendent to ensure course playability and aesthetics. Maintain practice facilities and identify any maintenance concerns promptly. Enforce golf course regulations and Rules of Golf.
- Technology and Innovation: Embracing new technologies that enhance the golfer's experience. This includes launch monitors, swing analysis tools, course management systems, and online platforms.
- Business Management: An understanding of basic business principles and applies them to the pro shop. This involves setting and managing budgets, controlling inventory, analyzing sales data, and developing strategies to increase revenue and profitability.
- Marketing and Communication: Promote the course, pro shop services, and instruction programs. Build strong relationships with members and potential customers, utilize various marketing channels to reach target audiences, and communicate clearly and professionally with everyone they encounter.
- Sustainability: Understand and promote sustainable golf course management practices. This includes water conservation, using environmentally friendly products, educating golfers and staff on sustainability, and minimizing the environmental impact of course operations.
- Financial Management: Exploring alternative revenue streams and optimizing pricing structures.
Targeted Qualities:
- Visibility to Members & Guests: Oversee all golf activities, operations, services, and staff scheduling to ensure smooth operations and a positive experience. Building rapport and fostering a welcoming environment by playing golf with members/patrons of all skill levels as time and duties permit. Collaborate closely with the Golf Course Superintendent to ensure optimal course conditions while contributing to a visually appealing and enjoyable course.
- Develop and oversee golf instruction and player development programs that provide opportunities for members to improve their game, including those for beginners and families. Utilize technology to enhance the member experience (e.g., online booking systems, mobile apps for scorekeeping). Demonstrate diplomacy in enforcing club policies and addressing grievances.
- Staff Management: Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff across various roles while building a strong and motivated team. Implement policies, and procedures, conduct staff meetings and provide clear expectations while fostering effective communication.
- Professional Development & Relationships: Maintain a positive professional image within the golf community and organization. Maintain Professional Membership Status (i.e., PGA, LPGA, CPGA, etc.) while demonstrating expertise and commitment to the profession. Work closely with Golf Committee (Club Governance and collaborating with leadership on club direction). Maintain a close working relationship with other department heads, ensuring seamless collaboration across departments.
- Financial Management: Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and revenue/expense analysis.
- Membership Growth & Inclusivity: Catering to diverse demographics (i.e., the needs and interests of women, juniors, and minority golfers) with the goal of expanding the club's reach and developing programs that attract a wider range of members. Develop and manage tournament programs for different customer segments by creating events that appeal to various interests and skill levels.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Head Professional or Head Golf Professional.
- Class ‘A’ member of the PGA of Canada, PGA of America
- Computer literate: Excel, Word, Golf Genius, P.O.S. programs
- Possess the highest level of understanding in the rules of golf, tournament formatting, scoring, and handicapping.
Compensation:
Burlington will offer a very attractive compensation package, commensurate with experience, which will include a competitive base salary, bonus opportunity and benefits.
Application:
IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should complete an application, including a resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by July 21st, 2024.
The documents must be saved as a PDF (save as “Last Name, First Name, Burlington HP).
Lead Search Consultants:
Michael Gregory
Managing Partner
GGA Partners™
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
Jeff Germond
Director
GGA Partners™
jeff.germond@ggapartners.com