Senior Director of Golf
Nekoosa, WI
Sand Valley Golf Resort – Golf Operations /
Full Time Regular /
On-site
Property Description:
Sand Valley Resort is nestled on 12,000 acres of ancient sand dunes in central Wisconsin, offering an unparalleled golf and outdoor experience. Established in 2016 by brothers Michael and Chris Keiser, Sand Valley features five world-class golf courses—Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, The Sandbox, The Lido, and Sedge Valley—all harmoniously integrated into the raw beauty of the Wisconsin wilderness. The resort, inspired by the iconic heathland courses of London, provides a pure golfing experience akin to its sister properties, Bandon Dunes and Rodeo Dunes.
In addition to exceptional golf, Sand Valley offers a wide range of year-round outdoor activities, including fat-tire biking, hiking, kayaking, ice hockey, and more. The resort also features a state-of-the-art Tennis Center with 16 grass courts and the eleventh Court Tennis facility in the U.S. Dining at Sand Valley reflects the region's rustic charm with a blend of global inspiration and Wisconsin flavors.
Known for its warm hospitality, Sand Valley attracts a vibrant community of golf and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a retreat from the demands of daily life. The team fosters a collaborative environment, constantly striving to create unforgettable guest experiences rooted in authenticity and the natural beauty of the surroundings.
At Sand Valley, we are looking for a leader who embodies the values of the Dream Golf brand—someone with a passion for golf, a commitment to community, and a dedication to hospitality. The ideal Senior Director of Golf will:
· Embrace Soul-Stirring Golf: You are someone who appreciates the beauty and strategy of golf. You understand that the courses at Sand Valley are not just places to play, but places where players connect deeply with the landscape. You should inspire others with your love for the game and create memorable golf experiences that keep guests dreaming of their next round.
· Build and Foster Community: We are not just a resort; we are a community. You should be someone who naturally fosters connection and engagement—between staff, guests, and local communities. Your leadership will create an environment where guests feel a sense of belonging, and your interactions with neighboring communities will reflect our values of respect and gratitude.
· Commit to Prosperity: We believe in creating a cycle of prosperity—ensuring financial success that leads to growth, operational excellence, and satisfied staff. Your role is vital in ensuring the resort’s financial health, and through that, you will contribute to the prosperity of both the business and the local economy. You must be someone who is as passionate about strategic planning and financial management as you are about golf.
· Deliver Genuine Hospitality: We are looking for someone who welcomes every guest with warmth and authenticity, making them feel at home from the moment they arrive. Your leadership in delivering exceptional hospitality will define the guest experience—making each visit unforgettable, whether guests come for golf or any of our diverse outdoor adventures.
· Honor the Wilderness: Sand Valley is about more than just golf; it’s about embracing the rugged beauty of the natural world. As a steward of the land, you will be responsible for helping protect and preserve the unique wilderness that makes Sand Valley special. You should have a deep respect for nature and be dedicated to sustainability and conservation efforts within the resort.
· Create Value Through Experience: We believe in offering extraordinary value that exceeds guest expectations. You will be someone who understands the importance of creating experiences that are not only memorable but offer exceptional value for guests. Your attention to detail, innovation, and service excellence will fuel loyalty and growth for the resort.
Position Overview:
- The Senior Director of Golf will lead all aspects of golf operations at Sand Valley Resort, ensuring seamless tournament management, retail operations, caddie services, and overall guest satisfaction. This key leadership role focuses on delivering exceptional guest service throughout the golf experience—from arrival to on-course interactions. Reporting directly to the General Manager, this role is as much about hospitality and service as it is about golf operations, requiring strong leadership and financial acumen to meet the resort's operational goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee day-to-day golf operations, including the golf shop, caddie programs, player assistants, and outside golf services, ensuring top-tier guest experiences.
- Manage all golf-related retail, including merchandising, inventory management, and vendor relations.
- Lead regional and national tournament operations for the golf facility, ensuring flawless execution of events.
- Serve as the liaison for group outings and tournaments with associations such as WSGA, USGA, and CDGA.
- Serve as a key member of the resort’s leadership “Dream Team”, collaborating on initiatives to guide strategic initiatives centered on enhancing the guest journey while on property.
- Achieve financial goals by monitoring key performance indicators, managing budgets, and overseeing expenditures.
- Develop and lead a team of professionals, including recruitment, performance evaluations, and training to maintain high morale and excellent service standards.
- Foster relationships with stakeholders, such as guests, media, and clients, to promote Sand Valley’s brand and services.
- Provide input on capital improvement projects aimed at enhancing the guest experience and driving revenue.
- Ensure compliance with operational guidelines, maintaining high standards for appearance, cleanliness, and service quality across all golf facilities.
- Leverage technology, including POS systems and tee sheet management, to optimize operations and enhance efficiency.
- Collect and assess guest feedback while monitoring Net Promoter Scores (NPS) to identify and recommend enhancements to service quality.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- PGA Class A membership required.
- Experience with hosting Regional and National Golf Championships (USGA) is preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of golf management experience, with a strong preference for experience at multi-course or destination resorts.
- Demonstrated success in budget management, financial planning, and strategic leadership.
- Proven ability to create guest-focused programming that enhances both the guest experience and revenue opportunities.
- Strong retail, marketing, vendor, and guest relations experience preferred.
- Experience with Medallia, Yellow Dog, Noteefy, and Agilysys software is preferred.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to problem-solve and multitask under pressure.
- Professional appearance and a positive, service-oriented attitude.
- Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
Supervises:
- Head Golf Professionals, Assistant Professionals, Caddie Master, Merchandising Manager, Retail Shops, Outside Services, Player Assistants (Starters and Marshals), and National Event Coordinator and volunteer groups.
Classification
- Full-Time, Salary, Exempt
Join Sand Valley’s passionate team and contribute to creating extraordinary experiences in a stunning natural environment that celebrates golf, outdoor adventure, and hospitality at the highest level.
Sand Valley LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer