Head Golf Professional River Course by Kiawah Island

Career Opportunity

Head Golf Professional River Course

Head Golf Professional - River Course

Position Title: Head Golf Professional Reports To: Director of Golf

Location: Kiawah Island, SC

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000 + Annual Key Performance Indicator Bonus, Christmas Holiday Fund, Golf Lessons Income, and Retail Commission Bonus.

Total Compensation: Estimated at $110,000 to $120,000

WHAT IS THE KIAWAH ISLAND CLUB?

Kiawah Island Club is an exclusive private Membership club for property owners with an unmatched collection of amenities and distinctive venues. Whether dining, golfing, socializing, or just relaxing, Members create lifetime memories with family and friends.

Kiawah Island Club was created to bring Island residents of similar pursuits and passions together— introducing Members to Members and launching generation-spanning friendships. To further curate individual tastes, we offer three levels of Club Membership, each tailored to foster camaraderie and communion across the very best amenities that Kiawah has to offer.

The Kiawah Island Club offers two world-class private golf courses, Cassique and River Course, each providing an exceptional experience for members. These courses, designed by renowned architects, blend seamlessly with the Island’s natural beauty while offering challenging play for golfers of all levels.

GOLF OPERATIONS AT A GLANCE

• Kiawah Island Club: 36 holes, and Golf Learning Center

• River Course Annual Rounds - 28649 (2024)

• Operational Revenue - $3.3 M

• River Course Golf Team Members - 16 Full Time & 10 Part Time

• Three Assistant Golf Professionals & Four Golf Shop Associates

• River Course Total Merchandise Revenue - $1.2 M

• Summer PGA Junior League Program, and Seasonal Women’s Operation 36 Program

• River Course Total Lesson Fee Commissions$41,000

• 14 Major Club events annually

RIVER COURSE

Designed by Tom Fazio, River Course was the first private golf course on Kiawah Island and is known for its scenic beauty along the Kiawah River. The course incorporates majestic oak trees, tidal marshes, and open waterways, creating a visually stunning and challenging layout. Fazio designed the course to harmonize with the natural surroundings, featuring wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens.

CASSIQUE

Designed by Tom Watson, Cassique is a linksstyle course inspired by the classic courses of Scotland and Ireland. The course follows the Island’s marshlands and maritime forests, featuring rolling fairways, deep pot bunkers, and fast greens that demand strategic shot-making. The layout is designed to accommodate coastal winds, rewarding creativity and adaptability.

COMING SOON: ORANGE HILL

Beau Welling is the lead course architect behind designing our third course. His vision will add yet another uniquely orchestrated golfing experience to the Kiawah Island Club Membership.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:

• Total - 2200

• Golf – 1110

• Sports - 500

• Social – 590

GOLF SHOP OPERATIONS:

POSITION: HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF GOLF

Position Overview: As Head Golf Professional at our premier private golf facility, you will lead the golf operation and elevate the overall Member experience. Reporting to the Director of Golf, you will oversee the golf operations with an all-encompassing perspective focused on delivering an unparalleled experience. This role requires a strong background in private club operations, as well as the ability to effectively measure and manage the performance of a dynamic operations team. The Head Golf Professional is responsible for managing all golf and golf-related activities and business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP:

• Serve as the face of the golf operation, hosting and engaging Members to create an exceptional, welcoming atmosphere.

• Build lasting relationships with Members through personalized service and consistent communication.

• Maintain a strong, visible presence on the course, practice facility and in the golf shop, enhancing the overall experience.

• Actively participate in quarterly Women’s and Men’s Golf Committee meetings.

TOURNAMENT OVERSIGHT:

• Oversee all tournament operations, ensuring flawless execution.

• Collaborate with the tournament directors to customize events based on Member preferences.

• Manage setup, scoring, and post-event activities to ensure a smooth experience for participants.

• Supervise associates to maintain high customer service standards.

• Manage inventory, merchandising, and assist in purchasing decisions.

• Work with the Director of Retail to enhance the shop’s visual appeal and overall experience.

TEAM DEVELOPMENT & PROFESSIONAL GROWTH:

• Implement training programs and mentorship initiatives to promote team advancement.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning, supporting career growth both internally and externally.

• Identify potential leaders and actively nurture their development.

INTERDEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION:

• Cultivate strong working relationships with other departments to enhance the Member experience.

• Collaborate with maintenance, hospitality, and event planning teams for seamless operations.

• Establish systems to improve golf operations through feedback from other departments.

GOLF INSTRUCTION & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:

• Conduct and oversee private/group lessons, clinics, and junior programs tailored to improve Members’ skills.

• Develop and implement instructional programs, offering continuous feedback and support for game improvement.

CAROLINAS PGA INVOLVEMENT:

• Represent the Club within the Carolinas PGA Section, compete in tournaments and maintain a strong professional presence.

• Engage with industry events and initiatives to stay current on trends and best practices.

• Foster relationships with fellow PGA professionals to strengthen the Club’s standing.

GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE PARTNERSHIP:

• Work closely with the Golf Course Superintendent to ensure optimal playing conditions.

• Collaborate on course improvement initiatives and incorporate Member feedback.

• Develop ongoing strategies for course enhancements.

DAILY OPERATIONS & COURSE MANAGEMENT:

• Oversee tee time reservations, touch points, pace of play, and player assistance.

• Ensure Member satisfaction by addressing inquiries and providing top-tier on-course experience.

• Produce and monitor a Club Calendar which accurately represents the best strategies for maximizing on-course availability.

• Nurture a community environment through friendly interactions with both Member and guests.

BUDGETING & FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT:

• Develop and manage the golf department’s annual budget, ensuring financial goals are met.

• Provide regular reports and insights to inform decisionmaking and improve financial outcomes.

• Accurately manage payroll, with effective recruitment and retention.

CAPITAL REQUESTS & FUTURE INVESTMENTS:

• Assess opportunities for capital investments in facilities, equipment, or programs.

• Prepare proposals for proposed projects, highlighting potential return on investment.

• Collaborate with the management team to secure approval for expenditures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven leadership and communication skills focused on Member satisfaction.

• Experience managing golf operations, programming, and tournaments.

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Proficient in golf-related software, POS systems, and Microsoft Office.

ATTRIBUTES:

• Passion for golf and a commitment to delivering an exceptional experience.

• Thrives in a busy environment and enjoys working alongside a large team.

• Professional appearance with a strong attention to aesthetics.

• Excellent organizational, problem solving and multitasking abilities.

• High level verbal and written communication skills.

• Collaborative team player with a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Join us in delivering an unmatched golf experience at Kiawah Island Club, where your leadership, financial insight, and passion for the game will leave a lasting impact on our exclusive community.

Please send career inquiries and resumes to Dylan Thew at dthew@kiawah.com

LOCATION:

Kiawah Island is a coastal barrier island located just 25 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina. Originally inhabited by the Kiawah Indians and later settled by European colonists in the 17th century, the Island has a rich history steeped in Lowcountry tradition. Once a quiet retreat for plantation owners and sportsmen, Kiawah was thoughtfully developed in the 1970s into a premier residential and resort community, carefully preserving its natural beauty and pristine landscape.

The Island boasts 10 miles of unspoiled beaches, abundant wildlife, and over 100 miles of trails and waterways, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. With a commitment to environmental conservation and luxury living, Kiawah Island provides a unique balance of tranquility and sophistication, making it one of the most sought-after destinations on the East Coast.

CORE VALUES: