Head Golf Pro in Buford, Georgia at Islands Management Company LLC

Head Golf Professional

Department: Golf
Reports To: General Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)

Position Summary

The Head Golf Professional is responsible for leading the daily golf operations at Legacy Golf Course and supporting the overall success of Lanier Islands' golf offerings, including The Six and the Mike Williams Golf Center. This position is responsible for delivering an exceptional guest experience through outstanding service, professional instruction, efficient golf operations, tournament execution, merchandising, and team leadership. The Head Golf Professional serves as the primary ambassador for the golf operation, ensuring every guest enjoys a premier resort golf experience while driving rounds, retail sales, instruction, tournaments, and repeat visitation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Golf Operations

• Oversee the daily operation of Legacy Golf Course and The Six, ensuring exceptional service standards and efficient operations.
• Manage tee sheet optimization, pace of play, starting procedures, and daily course flow.
• Lead all golf shop operations, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, POS operations, and inventory controls.
• Coordinate daily communication between golf operations, outside services, golf maintenance, and resort departments.
• Ensure golf carts, practice facilities, rental equipment, and guest amenities are maintained to resort standards.
• Assist in the successful operation and programming of The Six and the Mike Williams Golf Center.
• Oversight and management of limited F&B program, including complimentary F&B, clubhouse bar, beverage carts, and Golf Grill
• Conduct daily & weekly walkthroughs to ensure cleanliness and maintenance of facilities are up to standard.

Guest Experience

• Create an exceptional golf experience that exceeds guest expectations.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the golf operation by greeting guests, monitoring service levels, and resolving concerns promptly.
• Build lasting relationships with resort guests, tournament participants, members, and local golfers.
• Promote a culture centered on hospitality, professionalism, and personalized service.

Tournament & Event Management

• Plan, organize, and execute golf tournaments, charity events, corporate outings, leagues, and resort golf programming.
• Coordinate tournament logistics including scoring, pairings, registration, contests, prize administration, and event setup.
• Partner with Resort Sales, Catering, and Conference Services to enhance golf-related group business.
• Ensure tournaments are professionally managed and provide an outstanding guest experience.

Golf Instruction & Player Development

• Provide individual and group golf instruction for players of all skill levels.
• Develop instructional programs, clinics, junior golf initiatives, and player development opportunities.
• Promote lessons, club fitting, and instructional programming to resort guests and the local community.
• Serve as a PGA Professional representative of Lanier Islands.

Retail & Merchandising

• Oversee golf shop merchandising, inventory levels, pricing, displays, and seasonal product selection.
• Maximize retail sales through effective merchandising and guest engagement.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with purchasing recommendations.
• Ensure the golf shop reflects the quality and image of the Lanier Islands brand.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and supervise golf operations staff, outside services, and golf shop associates.
• Foster a positive, service-focused culture through coaching and professional development.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels while supporting labor efficiency goals.

Revenue Generation & Business Development

• Support initiatives to increase rounds played, maximize average rate per round, lesson revenue, tournaments, merchandise sales, and golf programming.
• Promote memberships, instructional programs, and resort golf experiences.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Resort Sales to drive golf participation and revenue.
• Build relationships with local businesses, community organizations, PGA professionals, and tournament organizers.

Golf Course Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Golf Course Superintendent to ensure excellent playing conditions.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules around tournaments, outings, and special events.
• Communicate daily course conditions and operational needs to staff and guests.

Qualifications

• PGA Member in good standing (Class A).
• Bachelor's degree in Golf Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in golf operations with leadership responsibilities, preferably in a resort environment.
• Demonstrated success in tournament operations, golf instruction, merchandising, and guest service.
• Experience with golf management software, tee sheet systems, POS platforms, and retail inventory management.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as operational needs require.
• Strong financial acumen with ability to drive revenues, explore operational efficiencies, analyze profit and loss statement, forecasting, and budgeting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional guest service and hospitality skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development abilities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of golf operations and PGA best practices.
• Tournament planning and event execution.
• Golf instruction and player development.
• Retail merchandising and inventory management.
• Revenue generation and business development.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Conflict resolution and sound decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and golf management software.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to operate golf carts and golf-related equipment.

Work Environment

This position works in both indoor and outdoor environments and requires flexibility to support golf operations during weekends, holidays, tournaments, and special events. The Head Golf Professional is expected to maintain a highly visible presence throughout the golf facility, representing Lanier Islands with professionalism while ensuring an exceptional resort golf experience for every guest.