Lead Assistant Golf Professional

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University Golf Course is seeking a Lead Assistant Golf Professional to provide daily leadership across golf operations, outside services, and events. Reporting to the Head Golf Professional, you will guide staff, ensure premier member and guest experiences, and support services during renovations and major tournaments.

The role requires PGA involvement, strong supervisory skills, and experience with NCAA events and golf management systems.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and four years of relevant experience.
• PGA of America membership preferred; PGA Class A in good standing. PGA Associates progressing toward Class A will be considered.
• Minimum two years of experience at a private club, resort, university, or premier golf facility.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing golf operations.
• Experience with NCAA events, championship competitions, or collegiate athletics.
• Experience with golf management technology platforms (Golf Genius, Club Caddie).

Responsibilities

• Provide daily leadership and oversight of golf operations.
• Lead outside services operations including bag drop, cart operations, practice facilities, and player services.
• Support execution of member tournaments, university events, and championship competitions.
• Assist with clinics, instruction, and Learning Center programming.
• Support temporary facility operations during Clubhouse renovations and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Customer service

Staff supervision

Golf operations

Tournament management

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree + 4 years

Tools

Golf Genius

Club Caddie

POS systems

Job description

Lead Assistant Golf Professional

Work Arrangement: Fully onsite Budgeted Salary Range: $72,384, - $83,395

Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”) is the premier intercollegiate athletics and recreation program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 139 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student‑athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively. Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you!

Position Overview

Stanford University Golf Course is seeking a highly motivated and experienced golf professional to serve as the Lead Assistant Golf Professional. Reporting directly to the Head Golf Professional, this position serves as a member of the golf operations leadership team and provides daily leadership across golf operations, outside services, tournament execution, staff development, and member experience initiatives. The First Assistant Golf Professional ensures operational excellence while delivering a premier golf experience for Stanford members, guests, student‑athletes, university partners, and visitors. This position also provides leadership and operational support during facility transitions, championship events, and strategic initiatives.

Primary Areas of Focus

Golf Operations Leadership

Provide daily leadership and oversight of golf operations. Support operational planning, staffing decisions, and service standards. Assist with development and implementation of operating procedures and employee training programs. Serve as a key operational resource for the Head Golf Professional.

Outside Services Management

Lead all outside services operations including bag drop, cart operations, practice facilities, and player services. Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate outside services staff. Maintain championship‑level standards throughout player arrival and facility operations. Develop a culture focused on hospitality, efficiency, and exceptional service.

Tournament & Championship Operations

Support execution of member tournaments, university events, corporate outings, qualifiers, and championship competitions. Assist with NCAA events, postseason competitions, and Stanford varsity golf operations. Utilize Golf Genius and related tournament management platforms.

Member Experience & Programming

Support member engagement initiatives and player development programs. Assist with clinics, instruction, and Learning Center programming. Identify opportunities to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Facility Transition & Strategic Initiatives

Support temporary facility operations during the Clubhouse renovation transition. Assist with staffing models, logistics, and operational improvements. Collaborate with DAPER leadership, vendors, and university partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of experience or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• PGA of America membership preferred; PGA Class A Member in good standing. PGA Associates actively progressing toward Class A membership will be considered.
• Minimum two years of experience at a private club, resort, university, or premier golf facility.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing golf operations.
• Experience supporting NCAA events, championship competitions, or collegiate athletics.
• Experience with Golf Genius, Club Caddie, POS systems, and golf management technology platforms.
• Experience with golf instruction, player development, and member programming.

Knowledge, Skills, and Traits

If a PGA Member, maintain PGA of America membership in good standing and mentor apprentices through the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) program.

If a PGA Apprentice, demonstrate steady progress toward completion of PGA membership requirements within two years of hire date.

Fundamental knowledge of the game of golf, Rules of Golf, golf instruction, and teaching methodology.

Strong understanding of golf operations, player development, hospitality standards, and championship‑level service expectations.

Fundamental supervisory practices and principles with the ability to lead, coach, and develop employees.

Act as a role model for all employees by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, accountability, and the work ethic expected of Stanford Golf Course employees.

Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.

Self‑motivated with a desire to promote programs, enhance services, and support revenue opportunities.

Service and customer‑focused attitude with a commitment to exceptional member and guest experiences.

Experienced in written and oral business communications.

Ability to maintain strong customer relationships and support player development initiatives.

Experienced computer user, including Microsoft Word and Excel, email, internet applications, tournament management systems, database services, and POS software systems.

Ability to remain current on customer relations management, player development initiatives, teaching innovations, marketing trends, and business practices.

Attend conferences, workshops, meetings, and trade shows to remain current on industry trends.

Maintain and promote a positive professional image within Stanford University, the golf industry, and the community.

Maintain a credible golf game and remain current on teaching innovations, marketing, and business trends.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions. Ability to stand, walk, and perform operational duties throughout the golf facility. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, merchandise, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to operate university vehicles as required.

Core Duties

• Manage day-to-day activities of the operational aspects of aprogram or facility. Provide high-quality customer service to sportsand/or recreation participants and coaches.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for the operation and/orprogram and represent the unit as needed.
• Gather, input, and report customer-based data and providerecommendations for improvement of the operation and/orprogram.
• Analyze and interpret policies and procedures and revise anddevelop alternatives as needed.
• Maintain accurate accounting and inventory tracking as well asresolve any accounting or inventory discrepancies.
• Assist in training staff on systems and other technologies useddaily.
• May participate in the development of budgets and monitorexpenditures.
• May oversee and coordinate the work of more junior athleticstaff, students, and/or contingent staff engaged in the day-to-dayperformance of related activities.
• May operate retail and inventory technologies.

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate degree and four years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of intercollegiate/sports operations andprogramming
• Maintain a positive, customer-focused attitude by listening,understanding, and responding to customer needs and offering creativesolutions.
• Basic to intermediate computer skills and demonstrated experiencewith office software and email applications.
• Advanced knowledge of athletic, mechanical, and electronicequipment, supplies, and/or uniform repair.
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering andinventory control.
• Records maintenance skills
• Strong relevant subject matter knowledge.
• Ability to follow through and complete assigned tasks.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Highly effective verbal and written communicationskills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices
• Knowledge of NCAA regulations a plus

Certificates and Licenses Required

Sport/Unit certifications may be needed (i.e.,AEMA, PGA)