Player Development & Golf Operations Professional

First Tee - Virginia Blue Ridge; Virginia (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

First Tee - Virginia Blue Ridge seeks a PGA Associate or Professional to lead youth golf instruction and develop player pathways at Ix Park Indoor Facility and partner sites. This role blends teaching, player development, golf operations, and facility leadership with ownership of key initiatives.

You will advance junior golf through innovative indoor experiences, mentor volunteers, and support the mission-driven culture while pursuing PGA education and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• PGA Associate or PGA Professional status is required or pursued.
• Experience leading youth golf instruction and programs.
• Strong alignment with First Tee mission and youth development values.
• Ability to manage operations and coordinate with volunteers and families.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day delivery of First Tee youth and teen programs, classes and community activities.
• Manage class operations, attendance, equipment, safety, lesson plans, and records using First Tee Coaches App and Salesforce.
• Deliver curriculum that integrates golf, life skills and character development.
• Support recruitment, enrollment and parent engagement to grow participation.

Skills

Youth instruction

Player development

Golf operations

Facility leadership

Tools

First Tee Coaches App

Salesforce

Job description

Job Description

PGA Associate/Professional | Golf Professional Career Pathway
First Tee - Virginia Blue Ridge | Ix Park Indoor Facility | Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

First Tee - Virginia Blue Ridge is seeking a mission-driven PGA Associate or Professional to lead youth golf instruction and create meaningful player development pathways at the First Tee Clubhouse at Ix Park and partner locations. This role focuses on delivering exceptional First Tee programming, strengthening coach and volunteer development, and expanding player development opportunities through lessons, leagues, tournaments, and innovative indoor golf experiences.

Unlike a traditional Assistant Golf Professional role, this position combines instruction, player development, golf operations, facility management, and leadership while providing meaningful ownership of player development initiatives. It offers the opportunity to shape the future of junior golf and positively impact young people through the values of First Tee across the region.

Success in This Role Includes:

• Delivering exceptional First Tee programming.
• Growing participation in lessons and player development opportunities.
• Building meaningful relationships with families and volunteers.
• Increasing facility utilization through innovative programming.
• Contributing to a collaborative and mission-driven culture.

Why Join First Tee - Virginia Blue Ridge:

• Directly impact the lives of young people through mission-centered programming.
• Lead instruction and player development in a growing golf facility.
• Supportive pathway towards Head Golf Professional and golf management responsibilities.
• Support for PGA education, dues reimbursement, and professional development.
• Collaborative, purpose-driven culture focused on innovation and growth.

Key Responsibilities

First Tee Program Implementation

• Lead day-to-day delivery of all First Tee youth and teen programs, including group classes, community programs, field trips, and in-school sessions.
• Manage class operations, attendance, equipment, safety, lesson plans, and participant records using the First Tee Coaches App and Salesforce.
• Deliver age-appropriate First Tee curriculum that integrates golf skills, life skills, and character development.
• Assist with the development and implementation of on-course experiences that strengthen curriculum outcomes.
• Support parent and volunteer engagement through effective communication, orientations, and coach development.
• Support recruitment and enrollment through parent engagement, community visibility, and mission-centered storytelling.

Instruction & Player Development

• Deliver individual, group, and family instruction while guiding participants through player development pathways that encourage long‑term participation and skill growth.
• Develop competitive players by preparing participants for VSGA junior events and other competitive opportunities while providing tournament education and on‑site event execution.
• Create instructional videos and digital content that promote First Tee programs, player development, and community engagement.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor aligned with First Tee’s mission and youth‑development values.

Golf Operations and Facility Leadership

• Identify, develop, and implement revenue‑generating opportunities that increase facility utilization and junior golf development while advancing First Tee’s mission.
• Support golf operations through equipment procurement, simulator management, merchandising, inventory control, and continuous facility improvements.
• Provide operational leadership during facility hours by guiding shop attendants, maintaining a high‑quality guest experience, and providing feedback that improves facility operations, programming, and participant engagement.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and organized facility, ensuring daily operational readiness, schedule accuracy, equipment organization, and cleanliness.
• Contribute to a collaborative, team‑oriented culture across staff and volunteers.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to the Director of Curriculum & Player Development
• Works collaboratively with facility staff, part‑time instructors, and volunteers
• Provides regular updates on program performance, participant progress, and operational initiati