Mark Nicholas

About the Candidate

PGA Professional | CMAE MDP Levels 1 & 2
marknicholaspga@gmail.com | +44 7903 041452 | linkedin.com/in/mnicholas1
Bilingual English & Spanish (Native)

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

PGA Professional and golf operations manager with over seven years delivering a premium member experience at The Wisley Golf Club, one of England’s most prestigious private members’ clubs, and three years at Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen. Experienced in competition administration, member and committee liaison, team leadership, and service delivery to the highest standard. Self-employed on-course rules and competition supervisor for the Pro-Am Tour at TPC Sawgrass and Pebble Beach alongside primary employment. CMAE Management Development Programme Levels 1 and 2. Born in Argentina and raised internationally, bringing a naturally inclusive and culturally aware approach to member and guest relations.

CAREER HISTORY

Competitions & Golf Operations Manager Apr 2019 – Present
The Wisley Golf Club, Ripley, Surrey
• Full management of 100+ annual competitions across Wisley’s 27-holes, including draw construction, competition design, member communications, and committee liaison with the Captain’s Year Committee and Handicap Committee.
• The primary member-facing contact for all competition and golf operations matters; managing expectations, resolving queries, and maintaining the standard of experience expected at a leading private members’ club.
• Golf Genius platform management expert including event portals, tee sheet configuration, scoring, handicap administration via England Golf WHS, and third-party system integrations.
• Cross-departmental coordination across golf, greenkeeping, and F&B; budget management, supplier and sponsor relationships.
• Staff leadership, scheduling, and operational delivery across a full and demanding competition season.

On-Course Host & Competition Supervisor Mar 2025 – Present
Pro-Am Tour | Self-Employed, hired on a per-event basis around primary employment
• On-course hosting and competition management for international Pro-Am events at TPC Sawgrass March 2025, 2026 and Pebble Beach May 2025, managing fields of approximately 120 HNW/UHNW players.
• Lead client contact throughout each event; delivered a seamless competitive experience, provided rulings and managed pace of play for a globally diverse, high-expectation guest field.

Caddie Master & Golf Operations Apr 2016 – Apr 2019
Trump International Golf Links, Aberdeen
• Managed a team of 50+ caddies delivering five-star guest experiences for international VIP and corporate clientele at a world-class resort destination.
• Caddied for a wide range of international clientele.
• Coordinated private aircraft arrivals via Aberdeen Airport FBO; guest services and night porter responsibilities at MacLeod House during the winter season.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• PGA Professional – FdSc Professional Golf Studies • University of Birmingham | 2020 – 2023
• CMAE MDP Level 1 & Level 2 • CMAE | 2024 – 2026
• CertHE Golf Management • University of the Highlands & Islands | 2016 – 2018
• HNC Travel & Tourism • North East Scotland College | 2014 – 2015
• Enhanced DBS Certificate & Safeguarding

KEY SKILLS

• Private members’ club operations & service standards • Member communications & committee liaison
• Competition administration & handicap management • Team leadership, performance management & culture creation
• Jonas & Golf Genius, CRM & EPOS systems • Budget management
• Premium HNW guest & member experience delivery