Head Professional

An Exceptional Opportunity at One of Royal Deeside’s Most Prestigious Golf Clubs

Ballater Golf Club is seeking an ambitious, dynamic and commercially minded PGA Professional to take on the role of Head Professional.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and develop all aspects of the Club’s professional services, combining coaching, custom fitting, retail operations, member engagement and visitor golf within one of Scotland’s most historic and distinctive golf clubs.

With more than 6,000 visitors playing the course each year, alongside a strong and growing membership, the successful candidate will have an excellent platform from which to develop a thriving professional business.

The Head Professional will be responsible for operating and growing the Professional Shop, delivering first-class coaching and custom fitting services, developing relationships with equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and providing an exceptional experience for members, guests and visitors.

Working closely with the Club Manager, Council of Management and wider team, the Head Professional will play a key role in supporting Ballater Golf Club’s continued development and its ambition to build on its strong reputation as a destination golf club in Royal Deeside.

The Role

This is a unique opportunity for a PGA Professional who is passionate about coaching, golf retail, custom fitting, equipment and growing participation in the game.

The successful candidate will lead all aspects of the Club’s professional operation, creating a welcoming, commercially successful and professionally run environment that enhances member satisfaction and provides an outstanding experience for the thousands of visitors who play Ballater each year.

Professional Shop & Retail Operation

The Head Professional will operate and develop a Professional Shop that reflects the quality and character of Ballater Golf Club.

Responsibilities will include:

•           Managing the day-to-day operation of the Professional Shop.
•           Developing an attractive and profitable retail offering for members and visitors.
•           Maintaining appropriate stock levels across equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories.
•           Building strong relationships with leading golf brands and suppliers.
•           Delivering excellent merchandising, stock control and purchasing practices.
•           Identifying opportunities to increase retail sales.
•           Developing the Professional Shop as a focal point for members and visitors to the Club.
•           Exploring opportunities for online sales and digital retail where appropriate.

Custom Fitting & Equipment Services

•           Deliver a first-class custom fitting service using modern fitting technologies and industry best practice.
•           Provide expert equipment advice to members and visitors.
•           Drive equipment sales through fitting events, manufacturer partnerships and demo days.
•           Develop relationships with leading golf equipment manufacturers.
•           Offer club repair and equipment support services where appropriate.
•           Position Ballater as a destination for equipment advice and custom fitting in the region.

Coaching & Golf Development

•           Deliver high-quality individual and group coaching programmes for golfers of all ages and abilities.
•           Develop and expand coaching opportunities for members, visitors and beginners.
•           Create player development pathways for junior golfers.
•           Develop initiatives to encourage participation in women’s golf and beginner programmes.
•           Organise clinics, coaching schools, demonstration days and golf development programmes throughout the year.
•           Promote participation and enjoyment of golf across all sections of the Club.
•           Support membership recruitment and retention through engaging coaching programmes and regular member interaction.
•           Explore opportunities to offer coaching packages to visiting golfers.

Member & Visitor Engagement

Ballater offers an exceptional opportunity to build relationships with golfers from across Scotland, the UK and overseas.

The Head Professional will:

•           Build strong relationships with members, guests and visitors.
•           Be a visible, approachable and enthusiastic presence around the Club.
•           Provide a warm and professional welcome to visiting golfers.
•           Support competitions, golf days, societies, member events and visitor activities.
•           Work collaboratively with Club management, staff and committees.
•           Help ensure Ballater remains a memorable part of every visitor’s Royal Deeside experience.
•           Represent Ballater Golf Club professionally and positively at all times.

Business Development

The successful candidate will be expected to take a proactive approach to growing the professional operation.

This will include:

•           Identifying opportunities to grow coaching, retail and custom fitting revenues.
•           Developing partnerships with golf equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
•           Creating innovative coaching and participation programmes.
•           Developing golf days, clinics and visitor packages.
•           Utilising social media and digital platforms to promote the professional services.
•           Supporting the Club’s wider marketing and visitor strategy.
•           Identifying opportunities to increase spend from the Club’s substantial visitor base.
•           Contributing ideas and initiatives that support the Club’s long-term financial sustainability.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful applicant will:

•           Be a fully qualified PGA Professional.
•           Have a proven track record in coaching and player development.
•           Demonstrate experience in golf retail and Professional Shop management.
•           Have a strong background in custom fitting and equipment sales.
•           Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•           Be commercially aware and motivated to grow all areas of the professional business.
•           Demonstrate strong organisational and leadership abilities.
•           Be passionate about delivering exceptional customer service.
•           Be confident dealing with members, visitors, societies and golf groups.
•           Be enthusiastic about growing participation and developing the next generation of golfers.
•           Have the personality and ambition to become a key member of the Ballater Golf Club team.

Applications

Applications should include a covering letter and current CV outlining relevant experience, qualifications and suitability for the role.

Applicants should demonstrate clearly how they would develop the Professional Shop, coaching operation, custom fitting and wider professional services at Ballater Golf Club.

PGA Membership Required

This position is exclusively available to PGA Members. Please ensure you are logged in with your PGA Member account when applying.