Head Golf Professional

Head Golf Professional – Highland Country Club

Location: Fort Thomas, Kentucky
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: General Manager / Board of Directors
Application Deadline: Monday, December 29, 2025

About Highland Country Club

Founded in 1915, Highland Country Club is a private, member-owned club committed to exceptional golf, hospitality, and community. The club features an 18-hole golf course, practice green, a golf shop, dining operations, and comprehensive club programming. The Head Golf Professional will uphold the Club’s traditions while elevating the member golf experience.

Position Summary

The Head Golf Professional is responsible for overseeing all golf operations and delivering an exceptional, service-driven experience to members and guests. This role leads and develops the golf professional staff, manages tournament programming, directs daily play, and works collaboratively with club leadership in pursuit of operational excellence and strategic growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Member Experience

• Provide a welcoming presence and pro-active engagement with members and guests.
• Foster a culture of hospitality, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary ambassador for the golf operation and club brand.

Golf Operations Management

• Manage and supervise all aspects of daily golf operations, including pace of play, golf cart fleet, and practice facilities.
• Oversee compliance with club policies, rules, and safety guidelines.
• Ensure accurate and efficient POS operations, billing, reporting, and merchandise controls.
• Collaborate with the Golf Course Superintendent to coordinate play, tournaments, maintenance schedules, and course setup.

Tournament & Event Management

• Plan, organize, and execute a comprehensive annual tournament schedule, including championships, member-guest events, leagues, juniors, and special outings.
• Utilize appropriate tournament software to administer scoring, pairings, and event communications.
• Deliver high-quality event experiences that reflect club standards.

Merchandising & Golf Shop Operations

• Purchase, price, and manage inventory in alignment with member preferences and club budget goals.
• Develop vendor relationships, negotiate pricing, and maintain a curated, member-focused product mix.
• Maintain an attractive, organized, and financially sound golf shop environment.

Instruction & Player Development

• Provide private lessons, clinics, and group instruction for players of all ages and skill levels.
• Develop and oversee junior golf programs, women’s programs, and member development initiatives.
• Maintain up-to-date certifications and instructional best practices.

Staff Management & Professional Development

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise assistant professionals, shop staff, starters, and outside service personnel.
• Create staffing schedules and performance evaluations.
• Serve as a mentor and leader in the PGA.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for the golf operation.
• Ensure sound financial controls and accuracy in inventory, reporting, and payroll.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior management and the Board.

Marketing & Communication

• Produce regular communications including newsletters, event invitations, results summaries, and instructional content.
• Maintain accurate and engaging digital presence (website, app, and social platforms, if applicable).
• Promote club programming in ways that support retention, satisfaction, and member engagement.

Qualifications

Required

• Class A PGA Membership or PGA Associate in good standing.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience within a private club or high-end golf environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated success in tournament operations, merchandising, and instruction.
• Proven ability to develop professional staff and foster member relationships.
• Excellent organizational and financial management abilities.
• High proficiency with relevant golf technology platforms (GHIN, Golf Genius, POS systems).

Preferred

• Prior Head Professional or First Assistant experience at a private club.
• Experience with junior golf development and women’s golf programs.
• Track record of elevating operational standards and member experience.
• Knowledge of club governance and working with boards/committees.

Compensation & Benefits

Highland Country Club offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

• Base salary range of ($80,000 - $90,000) incentive opportunities
• Lesson income
• Golf Shop income
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Retirement benefits
• PGA dues and continuing education support
• Staff privileges and meals
• Other benefits as approved by the Board of Directors

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Professional Résumé
• PGA Work History & References

Please send materials to:
David Shearer, General Manager
David.shearer@hcc-ky.com

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $90,000