Description

Overview

Nakoma Golf Club , Madison's premier private family sports club, seeks a dedicated PGA Professional to lead our golf operations. Located on 105 acres bordered by the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, our historic 18-hole Thomas Bendelow-designed course offers a beautiful, challenging playing experience and is home to major champions Andy North and Sherri Steinhauer-products of our renowned junior golf program.

The Head Golf Professional will uphold Nakoma's tradition of excellence, deliver exceptional member experiences across all ages and abilities, drive player development, and collaborate with club leadership to enhance golf operations.

Position Overview

This is a leadership role responsible for the full golf department, including pro shop operations, member engagement, tournament and event programming, instruction, and staff development. The successful candidate will serve as the primary ambassador for the golf program, fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant golf culture that reflects Nakoma's family-oriented values.

The role reports to the General Manager, and partners closely with the Golf Course Superintendent, Board of Directors, and club committees to ensure operational excellence, financial performance, and outstanding member satisfaction.

Why Nakoma?

Nakoma Golf Club combines rich history, an outstanding golf course, and a genuine family-friendly culture. As Head Golf Professional, you will have the platform to build lasting relationships, grow the game within our membership, and contribute to one of Madison's most cherished private clubs. You will be supported by a collaborative leadership team and the resources of Oliphant Golf Management while enjoying the autonomy to shape a best-in-class golf experience.

Experience Required

Required - PGA Class A Member in good standing (or significant, documented progress toward Class A certification with a clear timeline).

• Minimum 3-5+ years of relevant experience as a Head Golf Professional or Senior Assistant Golf Professional at a private club or high-quality facility.

• Strong preference for candidates with proven experience in similar private, family-oriented club environments-particularly those with active junior programs, strong member engagement cultures, and successful retail/pro shop operations (including member buying programs or equivalent).

Preferred & Valued

• D emonstrated success in:

• Staff leadership

• Retail management (inventory, merchandising, COGS control)

• Brand building

• Tournament & event execution

• Player development/instruction.

• Work with a robust caddie program

• Modern teaching skills and a genuine passion for growing the game, especially with juniors, women, and new golfers.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills with a warm, member-first approach.

• Solid business acumen, including experience managing budgets and driving departmental profitability.

• Proficiency with golf industry software (e.g., ForeTees, GolfNow, GHIN, POS systems).

• Interest in communications and software trends

• Knowledgeable about current course trends

• Competitive playing ability is a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Successful background check and strong professional references.

• Willingness to be an active, visible ambassador for Nakoma Golf Club.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership, Management & Accountability

• Provide strong leadership and clear accountability across the golf department and associated programs through oversight of assistant professionals, pro shop staff, outside services, caddies, starters, and rangers.

• Foster a culture of professionalism, high performance, and continuous improvement.

• Develop and mentor assistant professionals and staff.

• Maintain club standards for play and etiquette with membership

Member Engagement & Ambassador Role

• Build authentic, personal relationships with members through rounds of play, event participation, instruction, and personalized service.

• Promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for golfers of all ages and abilities, with particular attention to families and junior development.

• Act as a visible, approachable presence on and off the cours e.

Pro Shop & Retail Operation

• Manage all pro shop operations: inventory, purchasing, merchandising, special orders, vendor relationships, and cost of goods sold (COGS) to drive profitability.

• Continue to refine standards of presentation, service, and retail performance to drive and develop the Nakoma brand.

• Oversee and grow the Mill River member buying program, ensuring it delivers strong value and engagement for golf members.

• Develop strong relationships with vendors to enhance member experience through offers and experiences

• Provide prompt and unambiguous accounting for membership and the club

Tournament, Event & Player Development Programming

• Plan, promote, and execute a robust calendar of golf tournaments, m ember events, interclub competitions, ladies' clinics, and social golf activities.

• Lead comprehensive golf instruction and player development programs, including private lessons, group clinics, junior golf, and beginner pathways.

• G row participation and excitement around the golf program while honoring Nakoma's competitive and recreational traditions.

• Evaluate opportunities to enhance engagement through new or modified programming and play formatting.

Communications & Collaboration

• Maintain clear, timely, and effective communication with members, staff, committees, the General Manager, and department heads.

• Engage existent and emergent communications tools to improve messaging efficiency and visibility to membership.

• Collaborate on budgeting, revenue generation, strategic initiatives, and departmental planning.

• Administer GHIN handicaps, rules education, and maintain PGA membership in good standing.

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package designed to attract an outstanding leader:

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience and the responsibilities of leading golf operations at a premier private club.

• Performance-based commission on pro shop sales and applicable revenue streams (specific structure and targets will be discussed in detail during the interview process).

• Additional income opportunities through member lessons and clinics.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, and educational stipends.

• PGA dues support and professional development opportunities.

• The opportunity to lead golf operations at a respected, stable private club with a strong, engaged membership and excellent facilities in the vibrant Madison community.