Club Board Perspectives

Club Board Perspectives

Boardroom Insights:
Capital, Dining, Governance, and Membership Strategies Are Shaping the Future of Private Clubs

Board members in private clubs influence decisions that shape the member experience and establish the strategic direction for long-term success. From funding the next generation of facilities to managing food and beverage expectations, controlling access, and ensuring effective governance, today’s boards face a complex and interconnected set of priorities.

The 2025 Club Board Perspectives Study, conducted in partnership with the National Club Association, captures the insights of board members from private clubs across the United States and North America. The research highlights how boards are approaching four key areas: capital planning and funding, food and beverage philosophy and performance, governance best practices, and membership access strategies.

Results show that while board members share a clear vision for flexibility, strategic alignment, and long-term sustainability, gaps remain in planning integration, philosophy alignment, and data-driven decision-making. These perspectives offer a unique look at what boards consider most important today—and where they see the biggest opportunities to strengthen their clubs for the future.

CAPITAL CONFIDENCE

Capital planning is how clubs write the next chapter in their story—preserving their legacy while preparing for what’s ahead. This article examines how club leaders are handling long-term planning, funding strategies, and member engagement to maintain their clubs’ relevance, resilience, and preparedness for the future.

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FOOD & BEVERAGE IN PRIVATE CLUBS

Private club boards are reevaluating their food and beverage (F&B) strategies to address rising costs and evolving member expectations. Results reveal key differences in philosophy and preferences, highlighting opportunities to transition from assumptions to alignment through data-driven strategy.

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WHERE EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE BEGINS

Decisions made about the Nominating Committee may be among the most important governance decisions your board makes. Our latest research reveals how structure, independence, and strategy can shape everything from board alignment to long-term club performance.

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RETHINKING MEMBER ACCESS

As demand for club access continues to grow, boards are rethinking traditional membership limits in favor of more flexible, data-driven models. They are adopting a more sophisticated approach to re-evaluate their membership structures to better align with evolving demand and usage.

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The Authors

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner

Neil Brown
Executive Director

Dr. Eric Brey
Director

Ben Hopkinson
Director

Matt Clarfield
Director

 

Evan Van Eerd
Director

 

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Executive Search: Controller, Bigwin Island Golf Club

 

Controller
Bigwin Island Golf Club
Baysville, Ontario

 

CLUB OVERVIEW
Bigwin Island, first known as Bigwin Inn, opened in 1920 as a 9-hole Stanley Thompson course and become an 18-hole golf course by 1930. Bigwin Island was once billed as North America’s largest and most luxurious summer destinations, hosting numerous extravagant galas and events. More than 100 years after Bigwin Inn first opened, Bigwin Island’s glory days are back again.

Nestled within a private island paradise on Lake of Bays, Bigwin Island Golf Club (“Bigwin Island” or the “Club”) is an exceptional golf experience in a spectacular setting that provides a top private club atmosphere for its members. Members and guests to the island can play a round on a sensational golf course… savor a fine meal in the restaurant-clubhouse housed in Bigwin Inn’s historic original dining room or enjoy a meal lakeside at the newly renovated Dockside… and take advantage of an opportunity to make Bigwin Island their summer home.

Today, Bigwin Island is an exclusive equity membership club, with a limited number of 260 equity members (490 total members) and an estimated 6-to-8-year waitlist for membership. On the 520-acre island paradise, members enjoy glorious lake vistas and utmost privacy, complemented by world-class golf and top tier amenities.

Bigwin Island is currently seeking a Controller to join its elite team and support the Club in driving forward its vision and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Club.

ABOUT THE CLUB

  • Member-Owned Private Club
  • Member Count: 260 Equity Members; 490 Total Members
  • Gross Revenue: $7.6 million
  • Annual Dues Revenue: $3.9 million
  • Employee Count: 130 Total Employees (in-season)

AMENITIES
Golf
Tennis
Outdoor Dining
Indoor Dining
Basketball

POSITION SUMMARY
The Controller serves as a key member of the Club’s management team, responsible for overseeing all financial activities, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls. This position ensures the integrity of financial information and provides leadership in strategic financial planning. The Controller works closely with the general manager, board of directors, and finance committee to support the Club’s financial goals and long-term stability. Additional responsibilities may include overseeing information technology and insurance programs and assisting with membership coordination.

Position Description/Requirements

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

 

 

Glen Dowbiggin
Director
glen.dowbiggin@ggapartners.com

 

 

Apply Here

 

Executive Search: Golf Superintendent, Richmond Country Club

Golf Superintendent
Richmond Country Club
Richmond, British Columbia

Richmond Country Club, located in the heart of Richmond, BC, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, a meticulously maintained parkland-style golf course, and full-service country club amenities. Known for its scenic views and challenging layout, the course provides a fair test for golfers of all skill levels. With multiple tee options, the course is designed to accommodate both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

The natural surroundings of the club are home to local wildlife, and the tranquil environment enhances the golfing experience. The course maintenance team, led by the Golf Course Superintendent, ensures top-tier playing conditions and a welcoming atmosphere for members and guests.

MISSION STATEMENT
To provide our members with a family-friendly experience that exceeds expectations while building life-long memories and relationships.

VISION STATEMENT
To be one of Western Canada’s most dynamic, engaging family country clubs while respecting and maintaining our core values and Jewish heritage.

ABOUT THE CLUB
Member-Owned Private Club with a Parkland Course
Total Members: 700 golf members
Gross Revenue: $10M
Employees: 150 (in-season)
Course Overview: 6,800-yard, par 72 A.V. Macan designed course.
Rounds Played: 54,000 (year round play)
Greens Maintenance Budget: $2.1.M (including labour)
Amenities: Golf, Tennis (8 courts), Fitness and Pool, Dining & Event Spaces

POSITION SUMMARY
The Golf Course Superintendent is responsible for the overall maintenance and management of the entire 110-acre property at Richmond Country Club. This includes the golf course, practice facility, clubhouse landscape areas, vegetable patch and all other outdoor spaces. The role involves oversight of turfgrass management, irrigation systems, landscaping, equipment and facility maintenance, and personnel. The Superintendent will work closely with the GM/COO and the leadership team to deliver an exceptional golf and outdoor experience to members and guests.

The Superintendent will also play a key role in preparing the course for signature events such as the Annual RCC Member Guest Tournament, ensuring tournament-level conditions. Additionally, the Superintendent supports inclusive and social programs helping foster a welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere through thoughtful course presentation and accessibility.

Direct reports include the Assistant Superintendent, 1st, and 2nd assistant.

COMPENSATION

Richmond Country Club will offer an attractive year-round compensation package, commensurate with experience. The salary range is $150,000+ which includes a competitive base salary, extended healthcare and RRSP benefits, and a performance bonus.

Position Description/Requirements

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Peter Holt
Director
peter.holt@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Apply Here

 

 

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