Tag: certification

Executive Search: Director of Golf Course at Cherokee Country Club

Date:

DIRECTOR OF GOLF COURSE
CHEROKEE COUNTRY CLUB
Knoxville, TN

 

The Club

Founded in 1907, Cherokee Country Club is a private, member-owned country club which has a long tradition dedicated to enriching the lives of its members and their families by providing the finest in dining, social, and recreational interests in a private club environment.

Cherokee Country Club is recognized as one of Knoxville’s greatest assets, featuring a classic, elegant Clubhouse, top-quality athletic and social activities, and a golf course designed by the legendary Donald Ross.

The Club’s goal is to promote and elevate golf so that the pursuit of the game is an important part of members’ lifestyle and recreational pleasure. Cherokee offers golf at its finest and is truly an exceptional golf experience for all levels of players. A classic 18-hole Donald Ross links-style course opened in 1907 and is supported by golf facilities that include an extensive golf shop, practice range, practice putting and chipping green.

Members are afforded access to the most prestigious tennis facilities in East Tennessee. The Club is home to nine outdoor and four indoor courts in addition to an outstanding pro-shop and each court is accentuated by a beautiful east Tennessee Valley view.

Recognizing the growing emphasis of a healthy lifestyle, Cherokee strives to provide the ultimate fitness and wellness experience through its fitness center and health program, which is operated by Performance Training, Inc. (PTI). Members enjoy a comprehensive health and fitness experience through a variety of services which include personalized training, group exercise classes, nutrition coaching, physical therapy and rehabilitation, as well as fitness assessments and consultations.

The Cherokee Aquatic Center and Overlook Bar and Grill offer a fun and safe gathering place for children and adults alike. Featuring both a family and a competition pool, the resort-style facilities were recently renovated to include kids’ entertainment zones and a pool bar. The Family Pool includes zero-entry access, Baja shelves, shade sails, slash fountains, and an adult lounge area. The competition length pool is wonderful for swimming, lap and severs the competitive Cherokee Swim Team.

Cherokee provides a wide selection of dining venues to accommodate members’ dining needs and the experienced culinary team is one of the finest in the Southeast. Whether it’s a quick bite to eat in the Pub, or dinner with the family in the Sequoyah Room, the Club’s talented staff are there to make sure all of members’ dining needs are met.

Since its inception, Cherokee has been the recreational home for generations of families and the Club’s story is about more than brick and mortar; about more that golf, swimming, bowling, and tennis; and about more than bridge, music, and social events. Cherokee Country Club’s story is about the hard work and hearts of generations of people, people who stand together, play together and work together.

Cherokee Country Club Overview

 

  • 914 Members
  • Initiation Fee (Resident Member Golf: $40,000)
  • $15M Gross Volume
  • $5.0M Annual Dues
  • $4.70M Gross Payroll
  • Average age of members is 58
  • Greens: Bent Grass
  • Fairways: Bermuda
  • Tee Boxes: Bermuda/Zoysia

The Director of Golf Course Position

The Director of Golf Course reports to the General Manager/COO and coordinates with the Greens Committee Chair on a regular basis. The Director of Golf Course implements the policies established by the Board of Directors and the Club’s bylaws. He/she develops operational policies and is responsible for the creation and implementation of standard operating procedures for all areas.

The Director of Golf Course is the lead catalyst for driving excellence in the golf experience and establishing standards for agronomic practices are critical part of the position. The Director of Golf must facilitate an environment where staff is involved and enthusiastic, with open communication and respect for themselves, members, guests and the property.

The Director of Golf Course should have a strong presence and seek to be highly visible to the membership and staff. They set the tone of pride in setting the course conditions for a first-class golf experience.

Primary Duties

 

  • Responsible for all phases of Golf Course Maintenance and Agronomic operations and related personnel.
  • Works closely with, advises, and coordinates with the Head Golf Professional on any issues related to golf course maintenance.
  • Plans and assists in the direction, construction, and maintenance of the grounds.
  • Plans and assists in the design of landscape plans for facility grounds and implements the plan.
  • Administers and enforces all Club rules, regulations, and policies for staff.
  • Supports and assists with membership seminars and orientations as applicable.
  • Works closely with the General Manager/COO and Board to operate the Golf Course in a fiscally responsible and professional manner.
  • Must be able to work independently and be a self-starting problem solver.
  • Provides technical, operational, and safety training for employees to ensure that staff is working within OSHA, club safety, state and federal guidelines for safe working conditions.
  • Oversees subordinates in proper and safe operation and maintenance of mechanical and power equipment. Plans and budgets for additional or replacement capital equipment.
  • Supervises and participates in the application and recording of chemical applications (fertilizers and pesticides) on the Club’s grounds in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Supervises and controls all maintenance expenses associated with Golf Course Operations, including payroll, supplies, chemicals, and fertilizers.
  • Develops an annual operating budget and plans for maintenance and capital improvement projects.
  • Maintains, records, and completes required reporting which includes ordering parts, supplies, and equipment as needed.
  • Schedules maintenance practices around member play and outings to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption to members.
  • Coordinates snow removal and winter maintenance activities when necessary.

Knowledge & Skills Required

 

  • Knowledge of management and maintenance of greens, fairways, and roughs.
  • Knowledge of use and operating standards of equipment and tools used in golf course construction and maintenance work.
  • Skill in recruiting, supervising, training, monitoring, evaluating, and motivating personnel.
  • Interpersonal skills to resolve conflict resolution professionally.
  • Knowledge of safe use, mixing, and application of chemicals and commercial products.
  • Knowledge of the game of golf, golf rules, and methods of play.
  • Ability to anticipate personnel, equipment, and material requirements related to golf course maintenance and repair assignments.
  • Ability and knowledge to lay out irrigation patterns, drainage patterns, construct tees and/or greens.

Candidate Qualifications

  • 5-7 years’ experience as a Golf Superintendent or 1st Assistant
  • 2-year Degree or Certificate in Turf Management (or related field, like agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science).
  • Advanced computer skills required for financial reporting and control of operations, including use of Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Valid Driver’s License.
  • Certification by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America is preferred.

Note: A pre-employment drug screen and background check will be required. The position is available February 3, 2021.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.

Inquiries

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit résumés along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Wednesday, February 3, 2021.

Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Cherokee DOGC Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Cherokee DOGC Resume”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com. Please e-mail résumé with references.

For more information about Cherokee Country Club, please visit cherokeecountryclub.com.

Executive Search: Director of Golf at Druid Hills Golf Club

Date:

DIRECTOR OF GOLF
DRUID HILLS GOLF CLUB
Atlanta, GA

 

The Club:

Tucked away in the historic Druid Hills neighborhood, our members consider their club a sanctuary just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta. Established in 1912, Druid Hills has a rich tradition while offering the full array of services one would expect from a modern private club. Druid Hills Golf Club serves as an in-town haven for its members and their families by providing timeless golf and contemporary club experiences.

Famed course architect Bob Cupp redesigned Druid Hills to the “golden age of golf.” The course is both playable and challenging. Perfectly blended with the natural surroundings of Druid Hills, each round is an enjoyable experience. There is a complete and newly renovated practice facility with a driving range and a short game practice area.

A day at Druid Hills offers a chance to golf, play tennis, swim, or workout in our first-class fitness center. For dinner, the Club’s dining rooms offer the opportunity to sample unique dishes that focus on seasonal, fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. Druid Hills Golf Club – so much more than an exceptional golf experience.

Druid Hills Golf Club Overview

 

  • 1,030 members (Golf: 580, Other: 450)
  • Initiation Fee (Resident Member Golf: $85,000)
  • Annual Dues (Golf: $7,500)
  • $14.3M Gross Volume
  • 33,000 Annual Golf Rounds
  • $4.70M Gross Golf Shop Payroll
  • Average age of members is 53

The Director of Golf Position:

The Director of Golf reports to the General Manager/COO and coordinates with the Golf Committee Chair on a regular basis. The Director of Golf implements the policies established by the Board of Directors and the Club’s bylaws. He/she develops operational policies and is responsible for the creation and implementation of standard operating procedures for all areas.

The Director of Golf is the lead coordinator of programming and development of synergy among all golf programming, amenities, and services. Driving excellence in the golf experience through training is a critical part of the position.

The Director of Golf should have a strong presence and seek to be highly visible to the membership and staff. They set the tone for consistently treating members with a first-class golf experience and communicate this expectation to the entire staff as well.

Important Individual Characteristics:

 

  • A naturally enthusiastic personality and passion for the golf industry.
  • A natural leadership style which promotes staff and membership engagement.
  • The ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Disciplined accountability to ensure that the training and standards of the Golf department are consistently met.
  • Ability to cultivate a high-level of member services and satisfaction.
  • Possess a strong understanding of top-notch golf experiences for Club members and guests.
  • Effective fiscal management through delivery of actual operational and capital results in alignment with approved budgets.
  • Maintain a high level of visibility to members and staff as the face of the golf operation at the Club.
  • Ability to cater to various interests and the playing ability of the entire membership demographic.
  • Ability to develop a dedicated team with a shared vision.

Candidate Qualifications:

 

  • A minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership and management experience in the golf industry. Current Head Professionals or Assistant Golf Professionals at well-recognized clubs, with verifiable records of achievement will also be considered.
  • Educational credentials in hospitality or golf. A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Hospitality Management or Business is an advantage for applicants.
  • Professional Golf Association (PGA) Certification designation preferred.

Note: A pre-employment drug screen and background check will be required. The position is available November 25, 2020.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary is open and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Club offers an excellent bonus and benefit package.

Inquiries:

IMPORTANT: Interested candidates should submit résumés along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by Wednesday, December 16, 2020.

Documents must be saved and emailed in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Druid Hills Director of Golf Cover Letter” and “Last Name, First Name, Druid Hills Director of Golf Resume”) respectively to: execsearch@ggapartners.com. Please e-mail résumé with references.

For more information about Druid Hills Golf Club please visit dhgc.org.

What Does Golf’s Green Future Mean for You?

Date:

As environmental consciousness continues to rise across the world, GGA Partner and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Audubon International, Henry DeLozier, identifies the three starting points for clubs looking to make the shift towards a greener future.

Americans are more concerned about climate change than ever before. According to a recent Pew Research Center Survey, “About two-thirds of U.S. adults (67%) say the federal government is doing too little to reduce the effects of climate change, and similar shares say the same about government efforts to protect air (67%) and water quality (68%)…”

The study also found that concern over the state of the environment is more than a national interest or partisan issue, with the majority indicating that climate change is affecting their daily lives, “Most Americans today (62%) say that climate change is affecting their local community either a great deal or some.”

Does the same sentiment exist in golf?  Since 2017, managers have reported to GGA that their clubs are under the microscope in some areas, receiving provocation from local municipalities and increased pressure to comply with local rules and environmental regulations.  These pressures have led to the need for clubs to increase their ‘green’ efforts in education, labor and training inputs, as well as governmental reporting.

Whether it’s a case of compliance or the desire to develop a greater sense of environmental stewardship and eco-friendly operations, it can often be difficult to know how and where to start. To ease this process, here are three starting points for clubs looking to make the shift towards a greener future.

1. Assess current levels of resource utilization

Understanding how much your club is using, in what areas, from which sources, and at what price is an essential first step.

This will allow you to develop a baseline for evaluation, and measure these against performance goals.

In need of a helping hand to get started? A number of associations and organizations have developed intuitive and informed tools to enable clubs to conduct these evaluations in-house.

  • GCSAA’s BMP Planning Guide and Template is an online resource that provides for the development of golf course BMP programs at the state level. Based on a high-potential impact on operation of your facility and its bottom line, GCSAA recommends attention to performance goals in four distinct areas: water conservation, water quality protection, pollution prevention, and energy conservation.
  • Audubon International, which promotes sustainability for businesses, recreational properties and communities, has developed Standard Environmental Management Practices that are generally applicable to all golf courses. These standards form the basis for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for golf certification guidelines which include habitat planning and management guidance, while increasing the understanding of best management practices for pesticide use.

2. Develop an environmental policy.

“Putting your golf course, community or resort on the path to sustainability may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be,” Audubon International CEO Christine Kane says. “We suggest starting by establishing an environmental policy that will guide your operations. This will bring your employees and members onboard and pave the way for incorporating topics such as water conservation, IPM or wildlife management into your budget, marketing and maintenance processes.”

3. Seek a certification program and pursue recognition.

Establishing a reputation for environmental stewardship in the public eye – that is, from the viewpoint of your current and potential future members – is a valuable business marketing tool for clubs to wield.  Pursuing formal recognition and certification for the club’s commitment to “green” operating practices can grow its market share and build loyalty among the power-spending generations of the future.

If your club is looking to bolster its environmental credentials, here are some awards and programs to consider:

  • Audubon launched its Water & Sustainability Innovation Award this year to recognize landscape companies, organizations, and municipalities for sustainable, water-efficient projects. Corica Park South Course of Alameda, California, and its management firm, Greenway Golf, was the first recipient.
  • ACSP for Golf provides a tangible form of recognition for clubs and courses committed to protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of the game.
  • Monarchs in the Rough is a program that partners with golf courses to combat the population decline of the monarch butterfly and to restore pollinator habitat in out-of-play areas.
  • The Green Restaurant Association is an international nonprofit organization encouraging restaurants to ‘green’ their operations using science-based certification standards in order to become more sustainable in energy, water, waste, food, chemicals, disposables, and building.

Golf facilities and clubs also benefit from sustainability’s halo effect.  Many members today expect greater levels of environmental stewardship from businesses and other organizations with which they are associated.  In addition to its environmental impacts, sound resource management and recognition through certification has taken on a good-for-business shine as well.

Research points out that sound environmental stewardship matters to women and millennials especially.  While sentiments diverge along lines of on geographic location and political affiliation, it is apparent in the Pew Research study that women and young adults (e.g. Millennials and Generation Z) exhibit a higher propensity to regard climate change as a serious issue which affects them personally.

The bottom line is that that these groups represent the next generation of members and they are both concerned about sound environmental practices and are receptive to learning how club managers are caring for Mother Earth. Clubs and courses seeking to attract younger members would do well to take a responsible approach to environmentalism.

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