Somerby Golf Club, Byron, Minn

ATTRACTING TALENT

By Brandon Howard, PGA • Head Golf Professional Somerby Golf Club • Byron, Minn.

C+RB: How long have you been in the industry?

Howard: 10 years

How long at Somerby Golf Club?

Howard: Since April of 2021, so just I completed my first season.

How do you recruit new staff?

Howard: Displaying how much of welcoming and balanced environment Somerby is for people in all levels of their careers. We believe that in today’s society, work-life balance is an important piece of recruiting and retaining employees, so we make sure we exercise that well.

How does it vary for different positions (entry level vs. experienced)?

Howard: The only thing that varies is specific benefits. We want to show that, regardless of the position, any new employee is a part of the Somerby family.

“This industry is a fun, stable industry to build a career in and we as a whole need to show that more and more in order to compete and not lose great potential golf professionals.”

and public sectors. I feel as if public facilities I have been hired by had a more extensive corporate-style way of recruiting with many different steps and assessments within the recruiting process. I believe private facilities take more of a personal approach to try and get to know a candidate more and to make sure they are a good fit for the membership and staff.

Have you helped place interns at other clubs if no room on your staff?

Howard: No, but we would be willing to assist if we ever came across this situation.

Do you recruit interns? If so, how do you go about the process? Howard: We utilized the PGA Job finder website, along with reaching out to a few of the PGM schools across the country. Unfortunately, we haven’t had much traction going into this upcoming season. As we continue to grow our operation, we hope to be able to show potential interns why Somerby is the ideal facility for them to learn more about the business of golf.

How has recruiting changed over the years?

Howard: Compared to when I was recruited for my first position in the industry, I feel as if recruitment has become more competitive and facilities have had to restructure compensation packages to stay competitive.

Do you ever enlist members in the process?

Howard: Unfortunately no. This may be something we look into in future seasons.

Does recruiting differ from private club to daily-fee course?

Howard: I feel that it does. I have worked in both the private

What are some dos and don’ts for young professionals trying to land a job at a private club?

Howard: Some dos are to learn about the facility you are applying for. Learn about the area and type of membership that is at the facility. Put yourself out there and show the hiring professional why you’d be a great fit for both them and the membership. Tell the facility what you can do to benefit them and not how they can benefit you. Some don’ts are never just copy and paste facility names into your cover letter. Create something new for each facility you are applying to … this helps show your interests and why you would be good fit.

What advice would you give colleagues struggling with recruiting?

Howard: Compare the golf industry to other industries and how they are compensating their entry level employees. This industry is a fun, stable industry to build a career in and we as a whole need to show that more and more in order to compete and not lose great potential golf professionals.