Executive Search: Chief Executive, Walton Heath Golf Club

Chief Executive
Walton Health Golf Club
Walton-on-the-Hill, England

 

Introduction and Club Overview

Walton Heath Golf Club, nestled in the scenic heathland of Surrey, is one of England’s most prestigious golf clubs. Established in 1903, the club features two 18-hole courses—the Old and the New—both designed by the renowned architect Herbert Fowler. The Old Course is particularly celebrated for its championship pedigree and has consistently ranked among the top 100 courses globally.

The Club has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the 1981 Ryder Cup, and has been the venue for the European Open, the Senior Open Championship, and the AIG Women’s Open. Since 2005, it has served as the site for the U.S. Open European qualifying rounds.

Position Summary

The Chief Executive serves as Walton Heath’s most senior executive, responsible for the day-to-day management of the Club, its facilities, staff and assets.

GGA consulted with the leadership at Walton Heath (board and staff) to identify the priorities they believe will demand the attention of the Chief Executive over the short to medium term. Their collective insights on these priorities are as follows (not in order);

Communication and Member Engagement
Enhance both internal and external communication to ensure members and staff feel informed, appreciated, heard and actively involved in club affairs.

Team Building and Staff Motivation
Build a high-performing, member-orientated but commercially minded team by restructuring roles, aligning responsibilities and planning for succession.

Financial Management and Commercial Strategy
Balance financial sustainability with member satisfaction, including cost control and revenue growth from non-member sources.

Strategic Planning and Governance
Craft a forward-looking strategy and governance model to guide the club’s evolution, including succession planning and modernisation.

Capital Projects and Infrastructure
Deliver key facility upgrades—such as professional shop expansion, practice facility and course enhancements, and clubhouse improvements—on time and within budget.

Managing Member Relations
Foster unity and constructive progress within the Club by managing disruptive influences, balancing tradition with commercial needs, and building trust through clear communication.

Technology and Operational Efficiency
Use technology to improve club operations, drive efficiency, and support strategic initiatives through automation and digital platforms.

Understanding Golf Industry and Course Standards
Ensure the club maintains excellent course conditions and aligns with professional golf standards to preserve and further enhance its reputation.

 

Candidate Briefing Document

LEAD ADVISOR

 

Rob Hill
Managing Director & Partner EMEA
rob.hill@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

ADVISORY SUPPORT
Kit Taylor
Managing Director, Hospitality, Leisure & Sport
Psd Group
kit.taylor@psdgroup.com

 

 

 

Executive Search: HR Director, Grove XXIII

Human Resources Director
Grove XXIII
Hobe Sound, Florida

ABOUT THE CLUB

Grove XXIII, a private 18-hole golf club (Club) located in Hobe Sound, FL, seeks an experienced Human Resources Director (HR Director) to join a team of 100+ staff. The Club is world-renowned and has quickly established itself as one of the premier golf experiences globally.

Situated in the heart of Southeast Florida’s golf mecca, the Club prides itself on its member-centric experience, which is made possible by a dedicated team committed to prestige, respect, service excellence, integrity, sustainability, and continuous improvement. The HR Director will be an essential partner in cultivating a safe, welcoming, and productive work environment, enhancing employee development, and advancing operational innovation.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Human Resources Director will be a key member of the Club’s leadership team, responsible for overseeing and executing all human resource functions. As a one-person department, this position is both strategic and hands-on. It manages day-to-day HR operations while shaping long-term HR policies and practices that support the Club’s values, member experience, and employee culture. The position will ensure compliance with all employee-related legal requirements.

The Director of Human Resources is a highly visible, strategic partner responsible for championing the Club’s people and unique culture across ~150 employees. The ideal candidate is an approachable, bilingual (English/Spanish) leader experienced in tailoring human capital strategies to fit multi-entity elite-level hospitality environments. Leveraging expertise in compliance, communication, and HR technology, this individual actively builds trust and relationships across all levels, fosters cross-departmental collaboration, and supports an exceptional employee and member experience. The Director will work closely with the Club’s General Manager, Director of Golf, Chief Financial Officer, department heads, and outside General Counsel to develop and implement operational strategies, while ensuring compliance with all employee-related legal standards and club policies.

 

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

 

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Kelly Simons
Director
kelly.simons@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Dr. Eric Hutchison
Director
eric.hutchison@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

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