Director of Golf

Overview

We are seeking an elite Director of Golf to develop and take the lead with the golf operation at Discovery Dunes, Dubai. The Director of Golf will oversee all aspects of the Member golf experience, including the Golf Shop, practice facility, daily and tournament play, and instruction. This position aims to promote an exceptional golf experience by developing and nurturing the Golf employees and the services and programs they provide.

The Director of Golf must exemplify the highest levels of integrity and professionalism, maintaining a highly engaged and visible presence with both Members and staff. The Director of Golf should be an outstanding leader, motivator, and mentor to their team, recognized for their intellect, vision, planning, and knowledge of the game. They must personally set the standard for behavior, assertive hospitality, and daily performance.

The Director of Golf will directly manage areas of the golf operation, collaborate closely with the Director of Agronomy and other department heads, and report to the General Manager/CEO. The Director of Golf is expected to be a strategic leader who brings energy and creativity while respecting the Club's traditions.

Experience Required

1. Preferred Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Golf Management.
2. Substantial golf professional and private club experience desirable.
3. A PGA/LPGA member in good standing with a minimum of 10 years of Head Professional or Director of Golf experience in a like or similar type of club is required.
4. A strong accomplished PGA professional with a proven track record of providing premier services in a dynamic, exclusive membership environment.
5. A proven track record in Coaching and Teaching - experience directing an entire club’s instructional program is an advantage - working with all levels of playing abilities and diverse skill levels to grow the game.
6. A strong team leader focused on two-way communication with all team members.
7. An accomplished and competitive golfer.
8. Strong working knowledge of the Rules of Golf preferred.
9. A highly visible and interactive individual committed to engaging Members at every opportunity to develop high levels of Member satisfaction.
10. A team builder who has a history of attracting, developing, motivating, and retaining a high performance team of professionals to propel the operation forward.
11. A verifiable record of working closely and successfully in a private club with an active Board and committees, while providing visionary leadership and partnership to the General Manager.
12. Financially astute with fiscal operations and budget development.
13. A strong golf community network and knowledge of best practices of top-performing and high Member satisfaction operations across the country.
14. Exceptionally strong communication skills with members and staff, creating an open exchange environment where genuine input is welcome to move the golf operations forward positively and passionately.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Develop and build a Golf team with a strong focus on mentorship and growth of individual team members.
2. Be consistently innovative and visible, ensuring the same level of engagement from all employees, especially in their absence, and setting expectations for high performance and execution.
3. Create a personalized, Member-centric atmosphere that promotes the game of golf and exceeds Members' needs.
4. Lead and cultivate all Golf Staff, which may include Golf Professionals, Teaching Professionals, Golf Shop Manager, and Outside Operations.
5. Oversee golf operations, including tournaments, rules, tee sheet activity, range operations, player service operations, carts, and caddies.
6. Maintain a close working relationship with the Director of Agronomy, focusing on player experiences, playing conditions, hole locations, pace of play, rules, course markings, and partnering on tournaments to ensure course setup and playability.
7. Maintain highly focused operating procedures and training for the golf operation.
8. Be the “face of the Club” within and outside the golf world.
9. Develop and coordinate annual business plans for the golf operation.
10. Coordinate and ensure the completion of all written correspondence, reporting, newsletters, and communications for the golf operation.
11. Promote and ensure proper player development programs for all Members.
12. Operate the department in a fiscally responsible manner, ensuring a proper budget is in place to deliver a premier Member experience and adhering to the budget.