Tag: Toronto private club

Executive Search: General Manager/COO, The Thornhill Club

Date:

General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
The Thornhill Club
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

CLUB OVERVIEW

The Thornhill Club was established as a golf club in 1922. It became an all-season club with the opening of the curling rink in 1963. As one of Canada’s most historic and renowned private golf clubs, the Club is conveniently located near the heart of Toronto and takes pride in offering its members an innovative approach to cuisine and protection of the environment. With golf, tennis, curling, fitness, yoga and more, families make The Thornhill Club their home away from home.

The Club is home to a championship 18-hole golf course, an executive 9-hole course, state-of-the-art Har-Tru clay tennis courts, six sheets of curling ice, an outdoor swimming pool, a new fitness centre, and a vast array of social offerings.

Renowned golf course architect Stanley Thompson designed the 18-hole golf course, which has hosted the PGA Canadian Open. The present course retains the classic golf course design and features of a Thompson course, with strategic bunkering, the illusion of distance, dramatic variations in hole length and fairway width, intricate mounding, subtly breaking greens, and elevated tees. The clubhouse, amid well-landscaped gardens and walkways, is situated to provide a scenic vista overlooking the golf course.

ABOUT THE CLUB

  • Member-Owned Private Club
  • Total Member Count: 1200
  • Gross Revenue: $10.4 million

THE OPPORTUNITY

The General Manager / Chief Operating Officer is the leader of Thornhill’s management team and is responsible for all facets of the Club’s operations. The GM / COO manages and directs the Club’s employees subject to and in accordance with the direction of the Board of Directors.

Direct reports include the Head Golf Professional, Greens Superintendent, Controller, Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Manager, Sports & Activities Manager, Facilities Manager, Marketing & Communications Manager.

View Full Position Description & Requirements

Apply for the Position

SEARCH EXECUTIVE TEAM

 

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

 

 

 

Peter Holt
Director
peter.holt@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Executive Search: Chief Financial Officer, Haig Point

Date:

Chief Financial Officer
Haig Point
Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

CLUB OVERVIEW

Haig Point (the Club) is a private, member‑owned club and coastal community located on Daufuskie Island in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, just across the water from Hilton Head Island. Accessible exclusively by boat, the Club operates within a distinctive, bridgeless island setting that shapes both the member experience and the organization’s day‑to‑day operations. A dedicated mainland embarkation center and ferry system connects members, staff, and guests to the island, creating a self‑contained environment defined by privacy and a strong sense of community.

At its core, the Club is built around a nationally recognized 29‑hole Rees Jones‑designed golf offering, supported by practice facilities and a full‑service golf operation. The Club’s lifestyle extends well beyond golf, with multiple dining venues ranging from the Clubhouse to the beachfront Calibogue Club, complemented by resort‑style pools, a fitness center, and a racquets program. Additional assets include the historic Strachan Mansion, ferry and transportation operations, docks and boating facilities, and an equestrian center. Together, these elements create a multifaceted club and community with a broad operational scope, an engaged membership, and a reputation as one of the Southeast’s most compelling private destinations.

Further information can be found at https://haigpoint.com

AMENITIES

29-Holes of Golf | Resort Style Pools | Practice Facilities | Ferry Operations | Beachfront Club | Boating Facilities | Fitness Center | Equestrian Center | Racquets Facility

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Club is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its senior leadership team. The person in this role will support the Club in advancing disciplined financial stewardship, informed strategic decision‑making, and the long‑term financial sustainability of a complex, member‑owned private club and community. This is a community that values excellence, embraces innovation, and is fully committed to continually enhancing the overall experience for members and their guests.

The CFO at the Club is the senior financial executive and is responsible for the overall financial management, strategy, and integrity of the Club. The CFO serves as a key advisor to the General Manager/COO and the Board of Directors, providing disciplined financial leadership aligned with the Club’s mission, fiduciary obligations, and long-term sustainability.

This position requires demonstrated experience in a strategic financial leadership role with an ability to motivate high-performing teams and a passion for continuous learning. The CFO oversees all financial operations, ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations, supports capital planning, and provides clear, accurate, and timely financial reporting.

View Full Position Description & Requirements

 

SEARCH EXECUTIVE TEAM

 

Stephen Johnston
Partner 
stephen.johnson@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Glen Dowbiggin
Director
glen.dowbiggin@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Brad Chambers
Manager
bradley.chambers@ggapartners.com

 

Executive Search: General Manager, Golf Club du Domaine Impérial

Date:

General Manager
Golf Club de Domaine Impérial
Gland, Switzerland

CLUB OVERVIEW
Located on the magnificent shores of Lake Geneva, the Golf Club du Domaine Impérial is widely regarded as one of the premier private members’ clubs in Switzerland and among the finest in Europe.

The Clubhouse, with origins dating back to 1860, provides a historic and elegant centrepiece for the property. It anchors a beautifully crafted 18 hole championship course designed by renowned architect Pete Dye and inaugurated in 1987.

The Club operates exclusively for its community of 1,000 members and their guests, with the exception of 10 sponsor events hosted annually. Membership consists of 750 full playing members and 250 social members who enjoy the Club’s exceptional hospitality.

The golf course is fully open from March to mid-December, with partial or full closure during the winter season. It welcomes approximately 30,000 rounds each year. The Club is currently undertaking significant course renovations, with further capital investment planned for the Clubhouse and supporting facilities.

Governance is provided by a seven member Association Committee elected by the membership. The General Manager reports to the Committee through the President, which is supported by a series of sub committees supporting the Club’s operational performance, long term development, and member interests.

Further information can be found at https://www.golfdomaineimperial.com

AMENITIES

  • Championship Golf: 18-hole Pete Dye design.
  • Clubhouse: An elegant space offering stunning views of lake Geneva and fine dining.
  • Practice Facilities: A driving range, putting greens, and short-game areas.
  • Lake Amenities: A private beach and jetty for member pleasure craft.

THE OPPORTUNITY
This is an ideal opportunity for a General Manager to make a meaningful and lasting impact on a club with significant ambition, exemplified by a multi-million investment approved by the members in 2025 currently underway. The role combines stewardship of an outstanding club with the lifestyle benefits of living in the Geneva region.

The successful candidate will step into an environment shaped by a highly supportive committee and a talented, committed team, all aligned in their pursuit of excellence. They will follow a GM who, after three years of dedicated service, is retiring having delivered stability, strengthened standards, and established a strong platform for the next chapter.

This is a community that values excellence, embraces innovation, and is fully committed to continually enhancing the overall experience for members and their guests.

ENQUIRIES
Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a detailed cover letter which addresses the qualifications and describes your alignment/experience with the prescribed position by 17th April 2026 to execsearchemea@ggapartners.com. Those documents must be submitted in Word or PDF format (save as “Last Name, First Name, Domaine Impérial, Resume” and “Last Name, First Name, Domaine Impérial, Cover Letter”) when applying.

Further Information – English

Informations supplémentaires – Français

 

SEARCH EXECUTIVE

 

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

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager, Els Club Vilamoura

Date:

General Manager
The Els Club
Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal

CLUB OVERVIEW
The Els Club Vilamoura stands as a landmark achievement – Europe’s first Els Club and the Algarve’s first private golf club. Born from the rich legacy of the historic Victoria Golf Course, which proudly hosted the Portugal Masters for eight consecutive years until 2022, it represents both heritage and renewal.

Following its acquisition by Arrow Global, the property underwent an extensive transformation, culminating in its grand reopening in 2025. Reimagined under the guidance of four time major champion Ernie Els, the course has been meticulously redesigned to deliver true championship conditions throughout the year. Every element reflects Els’ design philosophy: an elegant balance of natural beauty, strategic complexity, and inviting playability. With refined water features, sculpted bunkering, and a layout harmoniously woven into the Algarve landscape, The Els Club Vilamoura offers an environment worthy of the world’s finest competitions.

In 2026, the club will reach an inspiring new milestone as Portugal welcomes the PGA Tour Champions to its shores for the very first time. The Portugal Invitational, scheduled from 31 July to 2 August, will not only stage some of the greatest players of a generation, but it will also cement The Els Club Vilamoura’s place on the global golf stage.

Available by invitation only, and having opened in Autumn 2024, the Club currently has in excess of 125 members and operates a waiting list. Membership is expected to mature at 400 members, although the priority is the protection of member access and exclusivity. Guest play is highly restricted to protect the member experience and available on a limited basis to residents of Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.

AMENITIES
Championship Golf: 18-hole Ernie Els Designed Golf Course
Clubhouse: A modern, elegant space offering stunning views of the course, fine dining, and relaxing lounges.
Practice Facilities: A driving range, putting greens, and short-game areas.
Golf Academy: Professional coaching from expert instructors.

POSITION SUMMARY
Having opened in 2025, this will be the first General Manager (GM) appointment for the Club. The GM will serve as the senior executive leader of Els Club Vilamoura reporting directly to the Co-CEO of Details while working as a member of the wider Details executive management team.

Direct reports include a Head of Golf Operations; Golf Course Superintendent, F&B Manager and Membership Administration. Shared services from the Details organisation will include Finance, HR and Communications.

This role is responsible for the holistic management of all club operations with a primary focus on delivering Hospitality and Service Excellence across all club amenities. The GM must be a visible, high-EQ leader who excels in Interpersonal Leadership, building trusted relationships with members and staff while fostering a culture of professional accountability.

Ultimately, the GM ensures that every facet of the Els Club experience is executed with the highest degree of sophistication and professional integrity.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVE

 

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

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager, Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto

Date:

General Manager
Ladies’s Golf Club of Toronto
Thornhill, Ontario

 

A Century of Leadership, Vision, and Community
Ladies’ Golf Club of Toronto is one of the most distinctive private clubs in North America—founded in 1924 by PGA Pro and champion golfer Ada Mackenzie and created by women, for women. Built on the belief that remarkable things happen when women gather to play, learn and enjoy golf, the Club has spent a century cultivating a warm, welcoming, and empowering community.

The celebrated Stanley Thompson course winds along the East Don River, offering a beautifully natural and strategic layout just under 6,000 yards. Its rolling fairways, challenging greens, and thoughtful design make it a cherished home for both competitive and social golfers.

This is a club with history, heart, and purpose.

A Club in Renewal
The Club is in the midst of a transformational period. A strategic land sale in 2021 enabled significant reinvestment, enhancing the member experience while strengthening the Club’s long term position. Key milestones include:

– A modernized clubhouse blending heritage with contemporary sophistication
– A strong balance sheet and forward-looking financial outlook
– Sustained membership growth
– A strategic plan with broad member support
– Ongoing course renewal and a state-of-the-art practice facility

The Club is poised for continued success in a golf landscape where women now represent 25% of golfers, younger demographics are emerging, and expectations for exceptional experiences continue to rise.

The Opportunity: General Manager
The General Manager is the Club’s chief executive and the steward of its culture, operations, and member experience. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the GM leads all aspects of the Club’s operations, including:

– Golf services
– Food and beverage
– Facilities and capital projects
– Finance and budgeting
– Human resources
– Member relations
– Marketing and community engagement

This is a role for a seasoned, people-focused leader who thrives in a dynamic membership environment. While familiarity with golf operations is valuable, this is not necessarily a golf professional role. The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership excellence, emotional intelligence, and operational discipline while championing service excellence.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVE

 

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

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager/COO, Frenchman’s Creek

Date:

General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
Frenchman’s Creek
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

CLUB OVERVIEW
Founded in 1985, Frenchman’s Creek Beach & Country Club (“Frenchman’s Creek” or the “Club”) is one of South Florida’s most prestigious private club communities, offering a rare combination of championship golf, private beach access, and a full-service country club lifestyle. Known for its understated elegance, strong service culture, and engaged membership, the Club delivers a high-quality, year-round experience for members and guests.

Located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Frenchman’s Creek is uniquely defined by its dual-campus model, combining a premier inland country club with an exclusive, members-only beach club on the Atlantic Ocean. The Club features thirty-six holes of championship golf, extensive practice facilities, and a comprehensive suite of racquet, wellness, dining, and social amenities that support an active, multigenerational membership.

Today, Frenchman’s Creek is recognized as a benchmark for private club living in South Florida, balancing tradition with thoughtful evolution and operational excellence. With a clear vision for the future and continued investment in its facilities, people, and culture, the Club is seeking a Chief Operating Officer / General Manager to lead day-to-day operations, execute strategic priorities, and guide the Club through its next chapter of sustainable success.

AMENITIES
Golf: Thirty-six holes of championship golf across two distinct courses, supported by extensive practice facilities.

Private Beach Club: Members-only oceanfront Beach Club on the Atlantic Ocean, offering beachfront access, dining, pool, and beach services

New Clubhouse & Dining: Expansive main clubhouse with multiple dining venues, event spaces, and golf and racquet professional shops

Racquet Sports: Comprehensive racquet facilities supporting tennis and related programming, with future plans for pickleball

Wellness & Fitness: Full-service fitness center, group classes, wellness programming, and spa services

Social & Lifestyle Programming: Year-round calendar of golf, racquet, wellness, dining, and social events serving a multigenerational membership

Real Estate: 605 homes within the residential community / POA

POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Operating Officer/General Manager (COO/GM) serves as the senior executive leader of Frenchman’s Creek Beach & Country Club reporting directly to the Board of Directors. This role is responsible for the holistic management of all club operations with a primary focus on delivering Hospitality and Service Excellence across the golf, beach, and social amenities. The COO/GM must be a visible, high-EQ leader who excels in Interpersonal Leadership, building trusted relationships with members and staff while fostering a culture of professional accountability.

As the architect of the Club’s future, the COO/GM leads change and supports innovation, guiding the community through its continued evolution with a forward-thinking mindset. This executive is responsible for Strategic Management, translating the Board’s vision into Operational Success, and ensuring sound Club Governance by serving as a principal advisor to the Board. Ultimately, the COO/GM ensures that every facet of the Frenchman’s Creek experience is executed with the highest degree of sophistication and professional integrity.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

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

 

 

Executive Search: General Manager/COO, The National Club

Date:

 

General Manager/Chief Operating Officer
The National Club
Toronto, Ontario

 

CLUB OVERVIEW

The National Club, located at 303 Bay Street in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District, is one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished private city clubs. Founded in 1874, the Club combines a rich heritage with modern facilities, providing an elegant environment that supports both business and social engagement. Members value the Club for its exceptional hospitality, high service standards, and warm, welcoming culture, which together create a trusted setting for connection, professional activity, and leisure.

The Club serves a diverse membership of professionals from across the business, professional, and innovation communities, including finance, law, technology, consulting, and other major sectors. It is widely recognized for its outstanding culinary program, its extensive wine culture including a 30,000-bottle cellar, and its popular rooftop patio, which is a unique feature among downtown Toronto private clubs. Members consistently highlight the Club’s personalized service, refined dining experiences, and strong sense of community. These qualities contribute to the Club’s reputation as a home away from home for those who value tradition, comfort, and meaningful relationships.

The Club’s operations reflect the complexity of a modern hospitality business, combining refined dining, professional services, private events, and member‑centric programming within a highly relationship‑driven environment.

As the Club looks ahead to its next chapter, it is seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager / Chief Operating Officer who will uphold its longstanding traditions, strengthen its culture of service excellence, and guide the continued evolution of its amenities, operations, and member experience.

AMENITIES

  • Multiple dining rooms and outlets
  • A rooftop patio and lounge, offering the only outdoor dining terrace on Bay Street
  • Private dining
  • Vibrant wine club with 30,000-bottle wine cellar
  • A fully equipped Business Centre, with ongoing improvements planned
  • Concierge support and service-focused staff
  • Private meeting and function rooms for professional and social needs
  • Updated overnight guest rooms available to members and their guests
  • Reciprocal privileges with select private clubs around the world, supporting member travel and network connectivity

POSITION SUMMARY

The National Club is seeking an experienced General Manager / Chief Operating Officer to lead all day-to-day operations and uphold the Club’s long-standing commitment to exceptional service. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the General Manager / Chief Operating Officer will ensure that the Club remains a distinguished destination for both business and social engagement, thoughtfully guiding the Club’s ongoing evolution – ensuring it remains relevant to current and future members while respecting its heritage, traditions, and values.

The successful candidate will be a visible and approachable leader who builds strong relationships with members, staff, and the Board. This individual will guide all departments, oversee financial and operational performance, support good governance practices, and champion a consistent and elevated member experience.

The General Manager / Chief Operating Officer will play a key role in advancing the Club’s strategic priorities, enhancing amenities and services, and fostering a welcoming culture that reflects the heritage and values of The National Club.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

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

 

 

 

Liz McDowell
Director
liz.mcdowell@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Peter Holt
Director
peter.holt@ggapartners.com

 

Executive Search: General Manager, Cedar Brae Golf Club

Date:

 

General Manager
Cedar Brae Golf Club
Scarborough, Ontario

CLUB OVERVIEW
Cedar Brae Golf Club, nestled in the scenic Rouge Valley in northeast Toronto, is a member-owned private club with a rich history spanning over 100 years. The Club features a challenging, award-winning 18-hole course designed by renowned architect CE (Robbie) Robinson, a disciple of Stanley Thompson. The course is a picturesque parkland course featuring numerous elevation changes, large, fast greens, and multiple tees, providing a wide range of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. The club’s primary mission is to provide its members and guests with a truly exceptional golfing experience through a premier golf course layout, practice areas, clubhouse, and dining facilities. The members and the club’s leadership team strive to deliver these high-quality services and operate the club in a financially prudent, forward-looking manner. In 2025, Cedar Brae Golf Club stewarded a new Strategic Plan, confirming the priorities for the Club, and solidifying a new Purpose Statement: Cedar Brae Golf Club – where golf is our focus. Our members. Our strength.

The culture of Cedar Brae is steeped in tradition yet mindful of both the opportunities and challenges the game of golf faces in the future. To that end, they embrace the opportunity to elevate Cedar Brae’s reputation and brand as both a championship-level golf course and as a highly desirable member of the private golf club community in Toronto.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF THE GM ROLE
The General Manager of Cedar Brae Golf Club is solely accountable for the efficient and effective execution of the golf club’s operations. In day-to-day operations, the GM reports directly to the Club’s member-elected President and to an Executive Committee composed of 4 Directors. On matters relating to achieving the Club’s strategic objectives, the GM reports to the full Board, which consists of an additional six Directors, for a total of 10. The annual evaluation of the GM’s performance is the responsibility of the Executive Committee.

The GM leads a full-time Management team comprising the course Superintendent, the Clubhouse Manager, the Executive Chef, the Food and Beverage Manager, the Head Golf professional, the Controller, and a small team of general administrative staff. During the outdoor golf season (~April to October), the Club will have approximately 140 occasional and full-time staff accountable to the 515 golfing members. The Club’s total revenues are just over $5.2m, with annual dues accounting for approximately $3.5m.

OVERVIEW OF SEARCH PROCESS
An ad hoc search committee has been formed to lead the search, and it has full operational responsibility for executing all key elements. The process will end when the search committee provides their recommended candidate(s) to the full Board of Directors for review and final approval.

The search committee, working with the search consultant, has identified several key competencies to be used in identifying, evaluating, and selecting the final candidate to fill the role of General Manager. These competencies reflect the Club’s operational and strategic needs today and tomorrow and have been validated through an intensive analysis conducted by a search firm with proven experience and expertise in the golf sector.

These key competencies relate to practical skills and proven abilities that align with the Club’s current and foreseeable needs. In addition, the search process will seek to identify specific behavioural attributes the Club considers necessary for the selected candidate to succeed in the GM role. The skills and abilities, together with specific behavioural attributes, have been summarized below. The search process will evaluate applications based on their ability to demonstrate a high level of expertise or command of many of these competencies.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

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

 

 

 

Liz McDowell
Director
liz.mcdowell@ggapartners.com

 

 

 

Peter Holt
Director
peter.holt@ggapartners.com

 

Executive Search: Assistant General Manager, Vestavia Country Club

Date:

Assistant General Manager
Vestavia Country Club
Birmingham, Alabama

CLUB OVERVIEW
Vestavia Country Club (VCC or the Club) is a premier private club known for its rich tradition of hospitality, exceptional recreational amenities, and welcoming environment for families of all ages. Over the past five years, the Club has welcomed many new families, with membership shifting to a younger demographic and more active dependents enjoying the Club’s facilities.

VCC also has a proven history of successful reinvestment. Its last major capital project, the 2016 renovation, delivered a significant upgrade to the 18 hole golf course, reinforcing the Club’s commitment to continuous improvement. Earlier, the 2010 renovation revitalized the Par 3 course, Tennis building, and Pool, helping strengthen VCC’s long term capital strategy.

Member sentiment continues to validate this forward momentum. In the 2025 Member Survey, members expressed high satisfaction with the Club’s overall experience while identifying opportunities for enhancements (dining, fitness, and locker rooms) that are being addressed in the next wave of capital improvements.

VCC is in the process of a significant clubhouse transformation, with the dining and fitness areas scheduled to re-open in July 2026. The overall renovation plan includes:

  • A redesigned Grandview Grill with expanded dining and an artisanal pizza kitchen
  • A refreshed Wellington Room with interior and patio enhancements
  • A fully expanded and modernized fitness center
  • Upgrades throughout the Pub, Living Room, Ascot Room, Windsor Room, Corridors, Reception Room, Ballroom, and Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Rooms
  • Improved landscaping and Tennis Pavilion upgrades

To support this next chapter, the Club is seeking an Assistant General Manager (AGM) who will help refine operating procedures, build and onboard a service‑driven team, and ensure elevated and consistent member experiences through the reopening and beyond.

ABOUT THE CLUB
Member-Owned Private Club
Undergoing $15 million renovation project
Member Count: 990 primary members, 3,139 total club users
Fees (2025): $75,000 entrance fee, $10,180 full dues
Gross Revenue: $17+ million

AMENITIES
Golf: 18-hole course plus a 9-hole par 3 course
Tennis Center with 15 tennis courts
Full-Service Fitness Center
3 Extraordinary Resort-Style Pools
Dining & Events
Childcare Center

POSITION SUMMARY
The Assistant General Manager (AGM) is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall operation and coordination of all clubhouse functions at Vestavia Country Club. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the AGM provides hands-on oversight to Food & Beverage operations, service excellence, member communications, events, and clubhouse facilities.

This position will play a leading role in preparing Vestavia’s operations team for the opening of the newly renovated clubhouse in July 2026, establishing new service standards, developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ensuring excellence across all team interactions with members and guests.

The AGM acts as second-in-command of club operations, maintaining a visible, approachable presence throughout the clubhouse and serving as a bridge between the General Manager, department heads, and frontline service teams.

POSITION DETAILS

  • Compensation: Compensation for this role is highly competitive, with a base salary of $150,000–$180,000 plus bonus potential, a comprehensive benefits package, and robust continuing education and professional development support.
  • Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt.
  • Schedule: Variable, including weekends, holidays, and events as required.
  • Target Start Date: Open immediately, with onboarding focused on pre-opening and team development in advance of the 2026 clubhouse launch.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

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

 

 

 

Ben Hopkinson
Director
ben.hopkinson@ggapartners.com

 

Executive Search: Chief Operating Officer, Hamilton Golf & Country Club

Date:

 

Chief Operating Officer
Hamilton Golf & Country Club
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

CLUB OVERVIEW
Founded in 1894, Hamilton Golf & Country Club stands as one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious private clubs, steeped in more than a century of tradition. Renowned for its world-class golf and collegial atmosphere, HGCC continues to deliver a world-class experience for members and guests, blending its storied heritage with modern amenities and a vibrant club culture.

Set on rolling land in Ancaster, Ontario, HGCC’s original 18-hole course, designed by legendary British architect Harry Colt, opened in 1916 and quickly earned a reputation as one of North America’s finest parkland layouts. The Club expanded to 27 holes with the addition of the East nine in 1975, and recently completed a major renovation led by Martin Ebert, modernizing bunkers, greens, and irrigation. Members now enjoy full play across all 27 holes, with the course recognized for its varied topography and championship pedigree. Additionally, the Club has a nine-hole par 27 layout with some replica holes from other Colt designs as well as a full practice facility.

The Club’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its year-round teaching academy, award-winning instructors, robust junior and caddie programs, and an active calendar of men’s and women’s events. As one of the ten founding clubs of the Royal Canadian Golf Association (now Golf Canada), HGCC has hosted the Canadian Open seven times, first in 1919 and as recently as 2023—showcasing the Club to the world’s greatest players. The club is ranked among the top three private clubs in Canada and the top 100 in the world.

The clubhouse, opened in 1929 and renovated in 2009, offers elegant spaces for dining and events, including the Great Hall and Grill Room, complemented by a curated wine program and private wine lockers. HGCC also takes pride in its philanthropic efforts through the HGCC Foundation and annual charity golf tournaments, reinforcing its commitment to the broader Hamilton community.

Today, HGCC has a healthy waitlist and elevated amenities, and a unified vision for the future. The Club is currently seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead the next chapter, supporting HGCC’s standard of excellence, executing its long-term strategic plan, and ensuring the Club continues to set the benchmark for premier golf and country club experiences in Canada.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Hamilton Golf & Country Club is responsible for all day-to-day operations and the realization of the Club’s strategic objectives. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the COO leads a high-performing team to deliver an exceptional golf, social, and hospitality experience for members and guests. The COO is expected to be a highly visible and approachable leader who fosters open communication, builds strong relationships with members, staff, and the Board, and ensures operational excellence across all areas of the Club. The COO will also serve as an ambassador for HGCC within the broader golf industry and local community, reinforcing the Club’s reputation as one of Canada’s premier private clubs.

Direct reports include the Golf Course Superintendent, Head Golf Professional, F&B Manager, Controller, and other administrative departments.

Position Description/Requirements

Apply Here

SEARCH EXECUTIVES

 

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

 

 

 

Liz McDowell
Director
liz.mcdowell@ggapartners.com

 

 

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