Head Golf Professional, Thorny Lea Golf Club

BoardRoom magazine; Brockton (MA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Golf shop ownership

Dues coverage

Educational allowance

Pro-Am support

Health benefits

Paid vacation

Job summary

Thorny Lea Golf Club in Brockton, MA, invites applications for the Head Golf Professional for the 2027 season. Reporting to the General Manager, the Head Professional will oversee all facets of the golf operation and serve as the club's ambassador on and off the course.

The ideal candidate is a Class A PGA/LPGA professional with at least five years of private-club leadership, hands-on merchandising expertise, and a service-first approach that enhances member experience.

Qualifications

• Class A PGA/LPGA membership in good standing is required.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership as Head Golf Professional or Lead First Assistant at a premier private facility.
• Retail purchasing, visual merchandising, and inventory control experience.
• Proficiency in modern golf operations software (POS, Golf Genius, fitting technology, digital marketing).

Responsibilities

• Direct all daily golf operations, including pro shop, driving range, bag room, cart fleet, and tee sheet flow.
• Plan, organize, and execute a calendar of member tournaments and traditional championships.
• Own and operate the golf shop concession with top-tier merchandise and customer fitting experiences.
• Recruit, train, and mentor a professional golf staff.
• Develop comprehensive player development, fitting, and junior programming.
• Maintain an engaging member presence on peak times at the first tee, range, and clubhouse.

Skills

PGA/LPGA Certification

Leadership experience

Retail management

Golf operations software

Communication & presence

Education

PGA/LPGA Class A Membership

Tools

POS software

Golf Genius

Launch monitors

Digital marketing

Job description

About Thorny Lea Golf Club
Brockton, MA | Founded in 1900, Thorny Lea Golf Club is a premier private facility dedicated to excellence in golf and genuine fellowship among its members. Generations of individuals and families have made Thorny Lea their home-away-from-home.

About Thorny Lea Golf Club
Brockton, MA | Founded in 1900, Thorny Lea Golf Club is a premier private facility dedicated to excellence in golf and genuine fellowship among its members. Generations of individuals and families have made Thorny Lea their home-away-from-home.
A Heritage of Championship Golf

• Thorny Lea holds a revered place in the regional and national golf landscape:
• The Premier Playing Culture in New England: Thorny Lea boasts over 100 single-digit handicap members and is widely celebrated for maintaining the most competitive membership in the region.
• Championship Pedigree: The membership roster includes numerous Mass Golf, New England, and USGA national champions who actively play and support club events.
• Thriving & Stable Community: The club maintains a full, active membership with a robust waitlist and a highly engaged playing community across all demographics.

Leadership & Operational Philosophy
The Head Golf Professional is responsible for leading the total golf experience. Working in close collaboration with the General Manager, Golf Course Superintendent, Executive Chef, and Office Manager, the Head Professional ensures seamless execution across all department touchpoints while maintaining alignment with the Board of Directors and Member Committees.
CLUB DETAILS
Facility: Member-Equity
Course Access: Private
Number of Holes: 18
Total Annual Rounds: 20,000
Number of Carts: 64
Members: 550
Primary Golf Season: March-November
Caddie Program: No
Practice Range: Yes
Short Game Area: Yes
Number of Staff Managed: 5-10

Position OverviewTitle: Head Golf Professional
Reports to: General Manager
Supervises: Assistant Golf Professionals, Bag room employees, and seasonal Pro shop staff
Position Description: Thorny Lea Golf Club, one of New England’s most storied and competitive private golf clubs, invites applications for the position of Head Golf Professional for the 2027 season. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Head Golf Professional will serve as the premier ambassador for golf and the club at Thorny Lea—overseeing all facets of the golf operation, leading a high-performing team, managing the merchandise concession, and fostering an exceptional member culture. The ideal candidate is an approachable, well-organized PGA Professional with a service-first attitude and a strong track record in private club leadership.

Essential Job Functions

• Total Operational Ownership: Direct all daily golf operations, including pro shop management, driving range and practice facilities, bag room operations, golf car fleet maintenance, and overall tee sheet flow.
• Tournament Administration: Plan, organize, and execute a comprehensive calendar of high-profile member tournaments, traditional club championships, competitive outings, and social golf events utilizing advanced tournament technology (Golf Genius).
• Merchandising & Retail Concession: Own and operate a top-tier golf shop concession—curating premier apparel and equipment, utilizing modern inventory controls, and delivering customized member fitting experiences.
• Staff Leadership & Mentorship: Recruit, train, inspire, and mentor a professional golf staff. Create a culture of accountability and development that prepares associate professionals for future head professional opportunities.
• Player Development & Instruction: Establish comprehensive instructional, fitting, and junior golf programming that caters to both high-handicap golfers looking to improve and world-class amateur competitors.
• Member Engagement & Visibility: Maintain a strong, approachable presence during peak times and events on the 1st tee, driving range, and clubhouse environment, actively playing golf with members of all skill levels.
  

Experience And QualificationsIncluding, but not limited to, the following:

• Certification: Class A PGA or LPGA Member in good standing.
• Proven Track Record: Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience as a Head Golf Professional or Lead First Assistant Professional at a premier private facility.
• Retail Management: Demonstrated success and expertise in retail purchasing, visual merchandising, and inventory control
• Tech-Forward Mindset: High proficiency in modern golf operations software (POS, Golf Genius, digital launch monitors/fitting technology, digital marketing).

Core Personal AttributesIncluding, but not limited to, the following:

• Servant Leadership: A genuine service-first mindset with an unwavering commitment to member satisfaction and hospitality.
• Communication & Presence: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; highly comfortable engaging with a passionate Board, committees, and membership.
• Creative Innovator: A forward-thinking professional who tracks industry best practices and introduces fresh, modern concepts while respecting club traditions.

Compensation And BenefitsThe club will provide a compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. This includes but is not limited to:

• Base Salary: $125,000 – 150,000, commensurate with experience.
• Merchandise Concession: 100% Ownership of the Golf Shop
• Instruction Income: 100% Retained Lesson & Coaching Income.
• Bonus Potential: Annual performance-based bonus structure.
• Professional Allowances: Full PGA/LPGA dues coverage, educational allowance (including the PGA Merchandise Show), and New England PGA Pro-Am entry fee support.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Individual and family Health, Dental, and Vision coverage; Life and Short-Term Disability insurance; paid vacation in accordance with club policy.