Director of Golf/Head Golf Professional: Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club

In our 106th year of operation, the Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club (“SGC”) is seeking to fill the position of Director of Golf/ Head Golf Professional (“DG”). After 25 years, Head Golf Professional Jeff Hamilton will be retiring after the 2025 golf season. The classic 18-hole championship golf club, designed by Stanley Thompson, also boasts year-round dining at our historic clubhouse, built in 1919, overlooking the St. Mary’s river. A recent addition of 2 golf simulators allows our Members and Guests to practice and play year-round.

The SGC is a semi-private Member owned and operated non-profit, with 520 members and annual revenues of approximately $2.5M. Staffing levels peak at roughly 75 during the summer season. Our vision is to be an inclusive and affordable member, guest and community oriented walkable golf club with a golf course of the highest possible quality, providing a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all ages and abilities.

The DG will bring a unique combination of visionary leadership, strong business acumen and golf professionalism to lead us into the next hundred years. In addition to running day-to-day Club operations, the DG will also serve as the Head Golf Professional and lead all aspects pertaining to leagues, tournaments, golf instruction and Pro Shop services.

Location

Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club

Posted

2025-03-07

Deadline

2025-03-31

Job Summary

The successful candidate will be a trustworthy, ethical, and inspiring leader with excellent communication skills and an understanding of Member-owned, non-profit Semi-Private Club dynamics. The DG will be responsible for all facets of Club Operations, reporting directly to the Board of Directors through the President, in accordance with the strategic, financial, and operational direction from the Board. The DG is dedicated to the Club’s Mission Statement, Vision and Values administered through the Bylaws and Policies and the Long-Range Strategic Plan of the Club. Direct reports include Golf Course Superintendent, Restaurant Manager, Administration Manager and Pro Shop staff including a to be hired Assistant Professional.

Responsibilities

1. Leadership Capabilities a. Strong Business Acumen:

a. The DG must have a solid understanding of financial management, budgeting, and data-driven decision-making. This includes ensuring the Club's financial health, meeting annual budget targets, aligning operational goals with long-term objectives, and managing costs effectively.

b. Interpersonal & Communication Skills: The DG should be capable of building strong and positive relationships with Members, staff, and stakeholders (municipality, immediate neighbours, associations, suppliers, consultants, and contractors). Clear communication is vital for maintaining smooth operations and fostering a positive atmosphere.

c. Working with the Board of Directors: The DG will work closely with the Board, ensuring alignment on strategic direction, governance, and financial performance. This includes providing updates and ensuring adherence to Board policies.

d. Manager Development: The DG will mentor, coach, and develop the Management team and staff, aligning them to meet Club goals, deliver excellent service, and foster leadership within the team.

e. Conflict Resolution: The DG should manage all reported concerns effectively, handling conflict with tact and diplomacy to ensure a harmonious Club environment.

f. Professional Conduct: Demonstrates the highest level of professionalism with Members and Guests to maintain appropriate boundaries while ensuring a professional leadership presence.

g. Positive Leadership: Inspires staff and Members and Guests with enthusiasm, visibility, and maintains a positive, inclusive culture. Accessibility and emotional intelligence are key to fostering trust and collaboration.

2. Business Knowledge a. Club Operations & Management:

a. Strong knowledge of all aspects of Semi-Private Golf Club operations, including golf course management, food & beverage services, retail sales, inventory management, and Member relations.

b. Golf Knowledge: The DG is a Class A PGA professional with years of experience of understanding Members and Guests needs.

c. Member-Owned Club Expertise: Experience managing or working within a Member-owned Club and navigating its governance and diverse Member interests. The DG must be a highly visible face of the Club, building rapport with Members through in-person interactions, electronic communications and by being present at key Member events.

d. Board Governance: Experience working with a Board of Directors to establish strategic goals and ensuring adherence to governance policies. Attend and present updates at bi-monthly Board meetings and coordinate and serve as a Member on all Board Committees.

e. Incident Management & Problem Solving: The DG must quickly and effectively address challenges, particularly with Member relations or operational issues, to maintain the Club’s status, and ensure the security of the Club’s assets and compliance with all legal and regulatory matters affecting the Club.

3. Functional Excellence

a. Strategic Planning & Operations: Strong ability to develop and execute strategies to drive Club success, ensuring all departments align with overall objectives. In consultation with Member committees, develop short and long-term strategic and operational plans consistent with the guiding Long Range Strategic Plan approved by the Board.

b. Team Development & Goal Alignment: Ability to mentor and empower the Management team, ensuring alignment and high performance.

c. Financial Management & Reporting: Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, and making data-driven decisions to manage costs. In consultation with the Finance Committee and the Board, deliver short and long-term operational and capital results in line with Board approved budgets. Provide the Board with clear and timely financial reporting including key metrics and KPIs.

d. Golf Operations: Ability to execute all aspects of golf operations.

Leagues & Tournaments: Organize, promote and execute internal & external tournaments, leagues and corporate functions.
Growing the Game of Golf: Organize, promote and execute Learn to Golf Programs, Kids Clinics, Golf Lessons & Club Fittings.
Pro Shop Services: Organize, promote and execute club storage, golf carts, Pro Shop staffing, Pro Shop merchandise, tee-booking system, minor golf club repairs and on-course marshalling.
Golf Simulator Operations: Organize, promote and execute usage of the golf simulators, primarily during the months of November-April.

e. Business Operations: The DG is accountable to oversee or execute all other aspects of running the business, including IT Oversight, Communications, Marketing & Sponsorships, Accounting, Facilities Management, Property & Legal, Health & Safety, Human Resources and Membership Coordination.

f. Golf Course Maintenance: A working knowledge of golf club machinery, irrigation systems, maintenance practices and turf management to aid in overseeing golf club maintenance operations.

g. Restaurant and Banquet Facilities: A strong working knowledge to oversee and grow the SGC restaurant and banquet facilities.

h. Health and Safety: An understanding of Health and Safety regulations, and a commitment to ensure the appropriate practices are implemented and maintained in all aspects of SGC operations

Qualifications

Relevant Roles & Experience: Minimum of 3 years experience in a leadership role such as a Head Golf Professional or General Manager.
Education & Certifications: Class A PGA Golf Professional, plus ideally a degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
Trust & Transparency: Proven ability to build and maintain trust with all stakeholders through open, honest communication and transparency.
Exceptional Member Service: A focus on delivering exceptional experiences for Members, ensuring that all services exceed expectations.

Compensation

$95,000-$110,000

Benefits/Perks

In addition to a competitive compensation package, the SGC offers an excellent working environment featuring opportunities for training and development, employee recognition programs, and a Health & Dental Program.

Course Website

http://www.saultgolfclub.ca

Employment Duration

Full-time, permanent. Start date between July 1- October 31, 2025.

Contact Information

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your resume and cover letter to the email noted below by March 31st, 2025.

Important: In your cover letter, please clearly indicate why you are the right person for the job. References to be made available upon request.

Contact Information: Sault Golf Club Board of Directors secretary@saultgolfclub.ca