Tag: GGA Executive Search

Executive Search: Chief Executive, Walton Heath Golf Club

Date:

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, Private Golf Club

Date:

Human Resources Director
Private Golf Club
Martin County, Florida

ABOUT THE CLUB

A private, 18-hole golf club (Club) located in Martin County, 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.

CONFIDENTIAL APPLICATION PROCESS

To respect the privacy and exclusivity of the Club’s community, and in keeping with the Club’s values, detailed information about the Club, including its name, will be shared with candidates who advance to the second round of interviews. We ask for your understanding of this approach, which is designed to protect the experience of members and staff while providing candidates with an authentic introduction to the Club’s culture at the appropriate stage of the process.

 

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

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Kelly Simons
Director
kelly.simons@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Apply Here

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager, Devil’s Glen Country Club

Date:

General Manager
Devil’s Glen Country Club
Duntroon, Ontario

 

Club Overview

Located just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, Devil’s Glen Country Club (the Club) provides an exceptional experience for members and their families. The Club has 24 ski trails and four chairlifts along with 20km of cross-country trails.

The Club is proud of its traditions, dating back to 1964 when the Beehive Race down Waterfall helped launch the Club. The Glen’s racing program, which is rooted deep in the Club’s culture and purpose, along with snow programs and a state-of-the-art terrain park, provides a family-focused environment where all athletes are encouraged to grow and develop from their experience.

With close to 750 senior members and just over 1,900 active skiers, the Club provides an exceptional on-hill experience within an intimate club community.

To learn more about the Club, visit Home – Devil’s Glen Country Club

Position Summary

The General Manager (“GM”) is responsible to continue to build the Club’s standard for excellence and provide strategic direction while embracing opportunities for new initiatives. The General Manager will work with a volunteer member Board of Directors, ensuring that “important things get done”, including an industry-leading on- and off-hill “Devil’s Glen Experience” and the cost-effective management and development of the organization’s current and future assets.

Direct Reports

  • Operations Manager
  • Finance Manager
  • Director of Alpine Programs
  • Membership and Administration Manager
  • Communications Manager
  • Marketing and Events Manager
  • People and Culture Coordinator
  • Oversight of Independent Contractors: Squire Johns and Food & Beverage Partner

 

Position Description/Requirements

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

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

 

 

 

Liz McDowell
Director
liz.mcdowell@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

John Hanrahan
Manager
john.hanrahan@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Apply Here

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager/COO, Brentwood Country Club

Date:

General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
Brentwood Country Club
Brentwood, Tennessee

Brentwood Country Club, located in Brentwood, Tennessee, is a private, member-centric club renowned for its rich history, Southern hospitality, and vibrant community. The Club features an 18-hole championship golf course, a historic clubhouse (the Midway Mansion, built in 1847), a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, a fitness center, and multiple dining venues. BCC is dedicated to providing a welcoming, family-friendly environment and an exceptional experience for its 705 members.

The Club is currently seeking a General Manager/Chief Operating Officer to uphold and advance its tradition of excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The General Manager (GM) is the Chief Operating Officer of Brentwood Country Club, responsible for all day-to-day operations and the realization of the Club’s strategic objectives. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the GM leads a diverse team to deliver an outstanding golf, social, and hospitality experience for members and their guests. The GM is expected to be a highly visible, approachable, and engaged leader who is present throughout the Club, fostering open communication, and building strong relationships with members, staff, and the Board. Direct reports include the Director of Finance, Chef, Food & Beverage Director, Club House Manager, Facilities Director, Director of Golf, Golf Superintendent, and the Events Director.

 

Position Description/Requirements

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
905.475.4030

 

 

Dr. Eric Hutchison
Director
eric.hutchison@ggapartners.com
614.271.9355

 

 

Apply Here

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager, Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club

Date:

 

General Manager
Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club
Vancouver, British Columbia

 

Welcome to a Private Oasis of Calm on the West Side of Vancouver, B.C.

Founded in 1897, the Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club is home to Vancouver’s most passionate racquet sports enthusiasts and is renowned for delivering exceptional service and a superior club experience to members, their families, and guests.

Nestled in the prestigious Shaughnessy neighbourhood just minutes from downtown Vancouver, the Club is recognized as the city’s first and finest racquets and athletics club, serving over 4,000 members in an exclusive, private setting within the city. Being a part of the Club means being part of a prestigious and welcoming community in one of the world’s top ten most livable cities in 2025.

With 16 tennis courts, 6 badminton courts, 5 squash courts, a 20-metre swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness rooms, and more, the Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club offers an exceptional range of recreational facilities and programming for all ages and skill levels. Members are passionate about racquet sports—enjoying competition in a social and welcoming environment.

The Club also features vibrant dining venues—including the Players’ Lounge, Players’ Bistro, Pub, and Poolside Dining—and a lively calendar of social events, making it a true hub of community. Looking ahead, the Club is investing $15–$20 million over the next decade to enhance and modernize its facilities, making this an exciting time to be part of the team.

The Club is currently seeking a General Manager to lead its tradition of excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The General Manager (GM) is the Chief Operating Officer of Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club, responsible for all day-to-day operations and the realization of the Club’s strategic objectives. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the GM leads a diverse team to deliver an outstanding sporting, social, and hospitality experience for over 4,000 members and their guests. The GM is expected to be a highly visible, approachable, and engaged leader who is present throughout the Club, fostering open communication, and building strong relationships with members, staff, and the Board. Direct reports include: Controller, Membership & Marketing Director, Facilities Director, Member Services Manager, HR Manager, Food & Beverage Director and Athletics Director.

Position Description/Requirements

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
905.475.4030

 

 

Liz McDowell
Director
liz.mcdowell@ggapartners.com
647.285.5549

 

Apply Here

 

 

Executive Search: Golf Course Superintendent, Oklahoma

Date:

 

Golf Course Superintendent
Oklahoma

ABOUT THE PROJECT
A confidential new 18-hole golf course development, located 40 minutes south of Oklahoma City, seeks a visionary Golf Course Superintendent to join at the pivotal construction phase and lead the grow-in and long-term agronomic excellence of the premier new golf course to National recognition.

Designed by a renowned architect, this exclusive course aspires to be recognized among the Top 100 golf courses in the country. The Superintendent will be an essential partner in bringing this vision to life, establishing exceptional agronomic standards from the ground up, building a team, shaping the culture, and creating a playing experience that is second to none.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a world-class playing experience from the ground up, starting with irrigation installation and construction oversight, grow-in planning, equipment selection, turf establishment, and progressing into full-scale golf course operations.

POSITION SUMMARY
This Golf Course Superintendent is responsible for the overall maintenance and turf grass agronomy of the golf course. This position involves oversight of all aspects of turfgrass management, irrigation, landscaping, equipment maintenance, and personnel. The person in this role will work closely with the ownership team, construction team, and the rest of the leadership team to create and deliver an exceptional golf and outdoor experience to players and their guests. The individual will lead, educate, and foster an environment for continuous learning and improvement.

Position Description/Requirements

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Kelly Simons
Director
kelly.simons@ggapartners.com
435.655.1509

 

 

Apply Here

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager/Chief Operating Officer, Derrick Golf & Winter Club

Date:

General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
Derrick Golf & Winter Club
Edmonton, Alberta

 

The Derrick Golf & Winter Club (The Derrick) is more than just a club; it’s a community. A place where tradition meets innovation, and where members come together to create lasting memories. As the General Manager & Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO) of The Derrick, you will oversee all aspects of club operations and world-class facilities, which include a championship golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center, racket sports including badminton, tennis, pickleball, an extremely popular swimming facility, and a variety of social spaces.  You will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team and shape the future of this iconic institution.

The Derrick is currently moving through a process to create a Master Plan to ensure the club continues to provide the value and activities relevant to its membership.  Currently this plan is in its final stages of development and will result in a five-to-ten-year program of large capital projects aimed at modernizing and expanding facilities, programming and social spaces throughout the club.  This is a very exciting time for the Derrick Club and its membership, and the new GM/COO is expected to play a significant role in the execution of the club’s Master Plan.

THE POSITION

Note: This opportunity is available as the current GM/COO Jim Hope has announced his retirement effective in early May 2025. 

The GM/COO is the most senior member of the Club’s management team reporting to the Board of Directors through the Board President. The GM/COO is responsible for delivering on the Member Experience at the Club and on its strategic and operational management. Direct reports include the Head Golf Professional, Golf Course Superintendent, Facility Manager, Director of Food and Beverage, Athletic Director, Director of Finance, and Executive Assistant/Membership Director. 

Position Description/Requirements

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
905.475.4030

 

 

George Pinches
Director
george.pinches@ggapartners.com

 

 

Apply Here

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager, Birmingham Country Club

Date:

General Manager
Birmingham Country Club
Birmingham, Michigan

 

Birmingham Country Club: Where Tradition Meets Membership.

Birmingham Country Club is a premier, full-service family club rich in history. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Birmingham, the Club is an ideal place for members to unwind and charge up. The Club features a scenic 18-hole championship golf course, racquet and paddle courts, a competition-sized pool and diving area, fitness facilities, fine and casual dining, and a full calendar of events.

Birmingham Country Club, an exclusive family-oriented private club, proudly counts over 600 families as its members, with an impressive 85% residing within a 5-mile radius of the Club. Acknowledged by many as a cherished second home, the Club holds in high esteem the authentic care and camaraderie shared among the members. The devoted staff is unwavering in their pursuit of excellence, exemplified by team members with remarkable tenures of 15, 20, or even 30 years of dedicated service. Embracing communal, family-oriented values, we not only honor our robust history but also forge ahead, building a tradition of excellence that will endure in Birmingham for generations to come. Dining is a popular draw because members have a choice of multiple dining locations. The Club Room offers outstanding a la carte dining (80 seats). A full menu is provided in both the Founders Pub and the Maguire Bar, which is a popular gathering spot because of the panoramic view. Poolside dining includes the Dive Bar and the elevated High Dive Observation Deck, which specializes in custom pizzas.

POSITION SUMMARY

The General Manager reports directly to the Board President and is responsible for leading and inspiring the entire team to consistently provide Members with the best hospitality experience possible. This position oversees all operational functions of the Club. Direct reports include the Controller, Director of Membership, Golf Course Superintendent, Executive Chef, Director of Golf, Director of Operations, and Director of Racquets.

Position Description/Requirements

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
905.475.4030

 

 

Eric Hutchison, MBA, Ph.D.
Director
eric.hutchison@ggapartners.com

 

 

Apply Now

 

Executive Search: General Manager/COO, Peterborough Golf & Country Club

Date:

General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
Peterborough Golf & Country Club

Peterborough Golf and Country Club (PGCC) was established in 1897 and is located along the Trent Canal in the heart of the Kawartha Region. In the late 1920s renowned course architect, Stanley Thompson was engaged to design the 6,472 yard, 18-hole championship layout. The PGCC is proud of its rich tradition and history and provides its more than 1,100 Members with an exceptional year-round experience, offering curling, golf, dining, and meeting facilities. The Club has made important advances in the past years – building a strong year-round member base that is committed to increasing funding for the golf course and other club improvements.

Peterborough Golf and Country Club is seeking an experienced General Manager/Chief Operating Officer to join us in Peterborough – to lead our staff and to work with our Members and our Board of Directors as we build for the future. If you are ready for the next step in your club management career and would value the opportunity to be the leader of this historic club as we continue to make it better, we welcome you to apply for this position.

POSITION SUMMARY

The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (GM/COO) is the most senior member of the Club’s management team reporting to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair. The GM/COO is responsible for delivering on Members’ and guests’ curling, golf, and other experiences at the Club and on its strategic and operational management. Direct reports include Office Manager, Accounting Manager, Executive Chef, Food & Beverage/ Events Manager (includes Banquet/ Events Coordinator), Sports Director, Maintenance Supervisor, Greens Superintendent (includes Assistant Greens Supervisor).

Position Description/Requirements

 

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
905.475.4030

 

 

Jeff Germond, CCM
Director
jeff.germond@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Eric Hutchison, MBA, Ph.D.
Director
eric.hutchison@ggapartners.com

 

 

Apply Now

 

Executive Search: Director of Golf, Credit Valley Golf & Country Club

Date:

Director of Golf
Credit Valley Golf & Country Club

“Building relationships that last a lifetime.”

Golf Course Architect Robbie Robinson once stated that when he first viewed the “raw” property, he thought that he had never seen a more perfect natural setting for a golf course. This is a high praise indeed from a man who has built golf courses all over the world.

Credit Valley Golf and Country Club combines breathtaking scenery with a consistently challenging parkland design that combines tight fairways with large and fast, undulating greens. Incorporated with 5 sets of tees, golfers of all skill levels agree that Credit Valley is a true, fair test of golf.

The course is one with nature as the river winds throughout the valley lands. Red-tail hawks and deer are seen on the course early morning and late evening as golfers begin and end their adventures. The finest course conditions are enjoyed by members and guests as the course superintendent and his staff deliver an exceptional daily golf experience.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Golf reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and is part of the Senior Leadership Team. The person in this position will oversee all aspects of golf operations, including instruction, pro shop management, and member relations. This role requires a strong focus on enhancing the overall membership experience while driving the golf department’s success. The Director of Golf is responsible for developing and executing a retail marketing plan to boost pro-shop revenue and member satisfaction. This includes identifying and recommending amenities to enhance member retention. A key performance indicator will be the management of the retail operation’s profitability while simultaneously growing the golf business through increased usage, tournaments, and exceptional member engagement.

Position Description/Requirements

 

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

Michael Gregory
Managing Director & Partner
michael.gregory@ggapartners.com
905.475.4030

 

 

Jeff Germond
Director
jeff.germond@ggapartners.com

 

 

Apply Now

 

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