General Manager/Head Professional, Elmwood Golf Course

About Elmwood Golf Course

Pueblo, CO | Elmwood Golf Course is a public, 27-hole municipal golf facility in Pueblo, Colorado, combining an 18-hole par-70 course with a 9-hole par-30 executive course. Opened in 1932 and formerly known as City Park Golf Course, Elmwood is consistently rated one of the best-conditioned city-owned golf courses in the state.

Elmwood’s 18-hole course plays between 5,343 and 6,624 yards, winding through thousands of mature trees along Thatcher Avenue south of Pueblo City Park. The course’s long municipal history — dating to 1932, with WPA-era construction work in 1937 — has made it a Pueblo institution, and its reputation for excellent conditioning has held up across nearly a century of continuous play. The companion 9-hole executive course gives golfers a shorter, faster option for practice rounds or time-limited play.

• Public, 27-hole municipal facility: 18-hole par-70 course plus 9-hole par-30 executive course
• Opened in 1932; formerly known as City Park Golf Course
• 18-hole course rating 69.6, slope 115, playing 5,343–6,624 yards
• Thousands of mature trees line the layout
• Rated among the best-conditioned city-owned courses in Colorado
• Among the most playable-days-per-year courses in the state
• Comprehensive junior golf program
  
  

The City’s two primary golf facilities, Elmwood and Walking Stick Golf Course, are collectively managed as part of a unique financial structure known as the “Golf Course Enterprise.” This model enables the golf courses to operate independently of the City’s general tax revenues, relying instead on user fees to sustain their daily operations and fund capital improvements.

Elmwood’s near century of history and consistently strong conditioning have made it a point of pride for Pueblo’s municipal golf program. The course offers more playable days per year than almost any other course in Colorado, a testament to both its layout and the city’s maintenance program, and its combination of a full 18-hole course with a shorter executive nine gives Pueblo golfers flexibility that few municipal systems offer.

Amenities Include

• Driving range
• Three putting greens
• Chipping green
• Full-service golf pro shop
• Restaurant, lounge, and patio
• Resident golf professional on staff
  
  

CLUB DETAILS

Facility: Municipal

Course Access: Public

Number of Holes: 27

Total Annual Rounds: 66,000

Number of Carts: 82

Primary Golf Season: March-November

Caddie Program: No

Practice Range: Yes

Short Game Area: Yes

Number of Staff Managed: 33

Position Overview

Title: General Manager/Head Professional

Reports to: Parks and Recreation Director

Supervises: All facility staff

Position Description: The City of Pueblo is searching for a full-time General Manager/Head Professional to operate/manage the Elmwood Golf Course in Pueblo, Colorado. This position oversees and maintains all facets of the golf operation, restaurant operation, provides professional support, direction, management, training, and leadership to golf staff associates, promotes and nurtures customer relations, enhances the quality of the golf experience, and is responsible for day-to-day golf and restaurant operations.

In this contracted role, the selected candidate will be responsible for the entire golf operation and an excellent experience of every guest at Elmwood Golf Course. This includes, but is not limited to, league and tournament scheduling, golf lessons, staff management and training, pro shop and restaurant management, inventory management, golf cart rentals and maintenance, community engagement, annual budget & capital project development, and compliance with City of Pueblo Government policies and procedures.

The candidate will present a professional and positive image of the golf course, the golf course enterprise, and the City of Pueblo while promoting and managing all golf related activities.

Essential Job Functions

• Plan, promote, and direct all golf facility programs and activities.
• Deliver a high standard of care and maintenance to the course and facility.
• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of golf operations; manage the day-to-day personnel function; carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the policies and applicable laws governing the City of Pueblo/Parks and Recreation Department.
• Prepare monthly and annual budget and operating plan for golf operations; identify and present other options that will increase revenue or reduce operating expenses while maintaining the highest quality programs and services possible for the members/customers; take corrective actions as necessary to help assure that budget goals are attained.
• Consult with the Parks and Recreation Department on golf course and practice range operation, maintenance, and updates.
• Administer, interpret, and enforce all course rules and policies that govern the use of the course, golf carts, and other related facilities.
• Cooperate with Golf Course Maintenance Superintendent on maintenance issues that affect the playability of the golf course.
• Create and enforce in a consistent manner all of the course rules and regulations.
• Be open and interested in stakeholder’s suggestions, revolving issues as they arise, including presentation of more difficult issues and possible solutions.
• Operate and maintain a reputable golf shop and practice facility that features a range of quality merchandise and services reflective of members’ needs; oversee the ordering of and/or may order merchandise for golf shop and provides the best selection possible within the constraints of inventory and quality limits in adherence with course standards.
• Provide competent golf instruction and supervise teaching staff; provide age and skill appropriate golf lessons to league members and guests; design and conduct golf clinics for all skill levels.
• Supervise the rental and use of golf carts and maintenance of such equipment.
• Attend national and regional conferences, meetings, merchandise shows, educational and professional shows to encourage development and to enhance quality and image of the Club.
• Represent the golf course and the City of Pueblo in professional golf activities in a reputable, professional manner; participate in public relations efforts in and around the community.
• Ensure protection of course assets within areas of responsibility.
• Ensure the maintenance of professional housekeeping standards.
• Uphold the PGA Code of Ethics.
• Support safe work habits and a safe working environment at all times.
• Ensure all services golfers and groups utilizing facilities are conducted in a highly professional and efficient manner.
• Ensure a safe working environment and attitude on the part of all employees in areas of responsibility.
• Attend all staff, management, Golf Enterprise Commission and other applicable meetings.
• Achieve department goals through development and management of an effective budget.
• Oversees golf operations including tournaments, rules, tee sheet activity, merchandise inventory, range operations, player service operations, and cart fleet.
• Oversees food and beverage operations including beverage cart fleet.
• Assists in the development and day-to-day tracking of the budget and business plan and helps control expenses in relation to revenues.
• Create a customer service-oriented atmosphere that promoted the game of golf and meets customer needs while ensuring associated provide a high level of service.
• Works closely with other members of the Golf Enterprise leadership team to ensure timely communication and a strong working relationship.
• Prepares work schedules and assigns associates areas of responsibility.
• Performs payroll tasks, makes adjustments prior to submitting payroll, and monitors hours to maximize productivity and minimize overtime.
• Provides leadership and vision to golf staff and supports career advancement.
• Provides golf instruction through lessons and clinics to guests.
• Interviews, hires, trains, plans, assigns, and directs work; evaluates performance; rewards and disciplines associates; addresses complaints and resolves problems.
• Manage Golf Starters.
• Monitors business volume forecast and plans accordingly for manpower, productivity, costs, and other expenses.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Performs other duties as required.
  
  

Other Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated success leading golf operations in a public, municipal, daily-fee, resort, or private club environment.
• Ability to interact positively with the Parks and Recreation Department, employees, golfers, and the general public to promote a team effort and maintain a positive and professional approach.
• Ability to produce a high volume of work in a timely manner, which is accurate, complete, and of high quality.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents; ability to read and speak English.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to utilize innovative techniques or styles.
• Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to management, public groups, and/or City Council.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building abilities.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in recruiting, training, scheduling, and managing staff.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, inventory, and operational performance.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as required by golf operations.
• Proficiency with golf management software, point-of-sale systems, and standard business applications.
• Advanced working knowledge of various computer software programs, including GHIN.
  
  

Experience And Qualifications

Including, but not limited to, the following:

• PGA/LPGA Class A Member in good standing.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of related experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Golf Course Management, Hospitality Management, or closely related field.
  
  

OR

• Combination of education and an additional four (4) years of relevant, high-level experience.
• Valid driver’s license at time of application; valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of appointment.
• During the course of employment, a valid license must be maintained, and the candidate must notify the City immediately upon changes to the status of their license.
  

Special Conditions of Service

This position will be exposed to moderate noise levels, chemicals, and extreme weather conditions. This position must be able to workday, evening, and night hours, including weekends and holidays. This position may be required to perform heavy lifting and climbing stairs.

Selected candidate will be expected to fulfill a seven (7) year management agreement with the City of Pueblo followed automatic renewals that will be determined at time of contract negotiations.

All required licenses and certifications listed above must be maintained throughout the term of contract. Failure to obtain or maintain licenses and certifications will result in termination of contract.

Due to Federal and State Criminal Justice System access requirements, classifications that access and maintain criminal justice information may also be required, as a condition of employment, to not have been convicted of and/or have pending charges of a felony or misdemeanor crime that would deny or otherwise restrict access to criminal justice information. This requirement applies to all external candidates seeking to fill positions that meet the given criteria. Must pass background check.

Compensation And Benefits

The club will provide a compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. This includes, but is not limited to:

The City Shall Pay To The General Manager/Head Professional

• Per Management Agreement that will be negotiated at start up, an annual management fee, payable in twelve (12) equal monthly installments.
• Management fee used to cover employee expenses required to maintain and operate the golf course facility as the contract responsibility of the appointed General Manager/Head Professional. Golf Starters are not included in the management fee and will be hired by the City.
• Amount to be determined and approved by City Council before entering into a contract.
• Management fee to be determined and could range from $65,000 to $80,000.
• An amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the gross revenue collected for motorized cart rentals.
• An amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the gross revenue collected for driving range fees.
  

Incentive compensation based on percentage of gross profit generated from:

• Food and beverage operations (100%)
• Food and beverage sales (100%) less all fees and permits associated with operating food and beverage facility.
• Expectation to pay monthly rent to the Golf Course Enterprise for restaurant rental. To be determined at time of contract negotiation. (Currently at $3,939.27/month)
• Golf Shop operation
• Merchandise sales (100% less all fees and permits associated with operating business within golf course facility). Pro Shop annually grosses $150,000.
• Club fitting, club repair, etc. (100%) less all fees and permits associated with operating business within golf course facility).
• All employees used in the Pro Shop will be responsibility of the management and will not be compensated with Golf Course Enterprise funds.
• Golf Instruction/clinics – youth, adult, and group (100%).
  

If agreed to during contract negotiations, the City may consider providing limited start-up financial support to assist with initial Pro Shop inventory and early operational expenses. Any potential amount, structure, and repayment terms would be determined solely through the contract-negotiation process and are not guaranteed. If so negotiated, such support would be subject to available Golf Course Enterprise resources as well as budgetary approval from City Council. No commitment is being made at this time.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

All applications MUST be submitted through the PGA of America’s Career Services Department as described below.

Resume deadline is October 30th, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time

PGA ExecuSearch is conducting this process on behalf of the City of Pueblo to identify qualified individuals and/or organizations interested in operating Elmwood Golf Course.

Candidates must submit a complete Request for Proposal (RFP) as part of their application. A resume, cover letter, or statement of interest alone will not constitute a complete submission.

The RFP should include the standard elements expected in a professional operating proposal, including:

• Executive Summary
• Respondent Background, Qualifications, and Relevant Experience
• Proposed Operating and Management Approach
• Organizational Structure and Key Personnel
• Golf Course Operations and Maintenance Plan
• Customer Service, Programming, and Community Engagement Approach
• Marketing and Revenue Development Strategy
• Financial Proposal, including proposed management/operating terms and any requested compensation or revenue-sharing structure
• Proposed Budget and/or Financial Projections, as applicable
• Transition and Implementation Plan
• References
• Any assumptions, exceptions, or additional terms associated with the proposal
  
  

Applicants should provide sufficient detail for the City of Pueblo to evaluate both the respondent’s qualifications and the proposed approach to operating Elmwood Golf Course.

Please address all correspondence to the City of Pueblo Elmwood Golf Course.

Keith Soriano, PGA, MBA is the lead consultant for this search, please contact him with any questions.

Email: ksoriano@pgahq.com

The employer does not wish to be contacted at this time