Golf Professional (Recreation)/Career Opportunity

Salary: $62,355 USD per year

Description

The Golf Professional / Pro Shop Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the golf shop and tee sheet while delivering an exceptional experience for members and guests. This role combines customer service, retail management, and golf operations, including tee time coordination, merchandising, and staff supervision.

About the Opportunity

Golf Operations

• Collaborate with the Director of Retail Strategy on Golf Store operations, merchandising, and retail development.

• Manage the golf shop, including retail merchandise, inventory, sales, and customer service, ensuring merchandise offerings remain current and relevant to customer needs.

• Oversee daily golf operations, including tracking and verifying players and guests, green fees, golf cart rentals, locker fees, and other applicable charges.

• Manage the golf reservation and tee-time system, coordinate starting operations, monitor course activity, and promote an appropriate pace of play.

• Develop, coordinate, and manage tournaments, group outings, and leagues that meet the needs of diverse member and guest segments.

• Monitor operating expenses, manage resources in accordance with the annual budget, and work toward achieving established financial goals.

• Prepare and submit monthly operational and financial reports to the Director of Golf, along with additional reports as requested.

• Maintain proficiency in the Lightspeed point-of-sale (POS) system to support accurate transactions, retail sales, and daily golf shop operations.

• Build relationships with members and guests through active participation in golf activities and provide opportunities to enhance engagement and satisfaction.

• Maintain active involvement in the Western New York PGA (WNYPGA) Section and participate in relevant professional development opportunities.

• Ensure golf equipment is properly stored, maintained, and cleaned, and that established safety procedures are followed.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• This position operates in a golf course environment and involves a combination of indoor golf shop responsibilities and outdoor interaction with members and guests. The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, reaching, and lifting or moving merchandise and golf equipment weighing approximately 25–50 pounds.

• The position requires working outdoors in varied weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and cold temperatures. Outdoor duties may involve walking on uneven terrain, exposure to sunlight, and proximity to moving golf carts and errant golf balls. The employee must remain aware of surroundings and follow established safety procedures to help maintain a safe environment.

• During peak season, weekends, and holidays, the position may involve extended shifts, a fast-paced work environment, competing priorities, and increased customer service demands. The employee must maintain the stamina and flexibility necessary to respond to operational needs while providing consistent, high-quality service to members and guests.

About You

Education & Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Golf Management, Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in golf operations, pro shop management, or a related hospitality/retail environment required.

• PGA of America Membership must be in good standing in an active classification.

• Additional training or certifications in retail management, customer service, or golf operations are a plus.

• Prior experience managing tee time systems and coordinating daily play on a golf course is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to lead and motivate staff, manage schedules, and coordinate across multiple functional teams.

• Strong understanding of safety regulations, environmental standards, and proper equipment operation.

• Ability to identify operational needs, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects in a dynamic setting.

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to provide clear instructions and constructive feedback.

• Good organizational, recordkeeping, and budgeting skills.

• Ability to perform physical tasks and work in outdoor environments in various weather conditions.

• Experience with computer interfaces such as Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and tournament software.

• Maintain and promote a positive professional image within the community.

• Valid driver’s license required.

About Your Department

Chautauqua Golf Club provides a high-quality golf experience that emphasizes service, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Located adjacent to Chautauqua Institution, the club features two championship 18-hole courses, including the historic Donald Ross-designed Lake Course and the scenic Hill Course. The department supports daily golf operations, member and guest services, tournaments, retail merchandise, and golf-related programming, contributing to Chautauqua Institution’s diverse recreational offerings and welcoming community experience.

About Your Work Schedule & Location

This position is at Chautauqua Institution’s main campus in Southwestern New York (Chautauqua County) (https://www.choosechq.com/live-chq/) . The schedule is full-time and may include daytime and evening hours, weekdays, and weekends, especially in the busy summer operating season and during project go-live periods. The position will be based on the main campus in Chautauqua, New York.

Total Rewards for Our Talent

Compensation for this position starts at $62,355 - $70,000/annual. Chautauqua Institution’s competitive compensation and benefits suite includes a national health insurance network with Highmark, flexible spend (or health savings) account options, dental and vision insurance, complimentary life insurance, wellness incentives, an employee assistance program, supplemental life insurance, and long-term disability options. The Institution supports planning for retirement through a discretionary employer retirement plan contribution, which has recently been 6% of gross compensation following the designated service period.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution (https://www.chq.org/) is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company (https://www.chq.org/discover-chautauqua/accommodations/athenaeum-hotel/) , a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference, and events organization.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program (https://www.chq.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/CHQ\_ReferralBonus\_081326.pdf) is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) (https://www.chq.org/about/idea/) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward (https://150fwd.chq.org/) . One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.” We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience. The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA.

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment . You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org .

Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Golf Professional (PGA)

Experience

Required

• 2-4 years: Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in golf operations, pro shop management, or a related hospitality/retail environment required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.