Player Development & Golf Operations Professional
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 initiatives.
Required Qualifications
· PGA Associate or PGA Professional in good standing, or actively pursuing PGA membership
- Experience teaching golf and junior player development
- Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
- Ability to create an energetic and engaging learning environment
- Commitment to youth development and the First Tee mission
- Availability for afternoons, evenings, and weekends
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with First Tee curriculum or similar youth-development models
- Experience in leading volunteers or part-time staff
- Experience with branding, marketing, and social media
- Experience using Salesforce, Active Booker, or similar CRM/booking platforms
- Knowledge of golf facility operations
Compensation
· Base Salary: $48,000 - $55,000 (DOE)
· 100% of individual lesson revenue, with additional earning potential based on individual performance and participant demand.
Benefits:
- $3,000 annual health insurance stipend
- PGA Associate Education Program and PGA Dues Reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities focused on instruction, player development, and golf operations
- Simple IRA with up to 3% employer match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Practice privileges and simulator access
- Equipment discounts
- Opportunity for advancement within First Tee as programs and facilities expand
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
First Tee – Virginia Blue Ridge is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity, equity and inclusion. Our policy is to comply with all federal and/or state laws regarding equal employment opportunity as they relate to employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, personnel decisions are made without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual preference or veteran status.
Join us in developing good golfers and even better people while advancing your career as a golf professional. #BuildingGameChangers. Apply today!
Pay: $48,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
