The privilege of leading – Golf Inc Magazine

It feels good to grow and be promoted. Being named the property leader becomes an amazing moment. It is the hope of many who set their sights high in this industry. Becoming the leader of a golf club is an especially unique opportunity. A golf club has several touchpoints, from the sources of revenue, the miracle called agronomy, the connection to the community, and the pieces held together despite weather and other challenges. Yes, there are a variety of balls to juggle, thrust high, and keep in the air. At its core, a golf club is about people. The golfers, the staff, suppliers, community neighbors, and corporate guests who use the club. They are the core focus as the doors are unlocked early each morning.

As the leader, there is responsibility at every turn. Before you can think about the cap ex budget, a new restaurant item, or the decision to add a new tee box on hole #5, appreciate that leadership is a privilege. This is a post I wish I could have read many years ago as a first-time manager. Leading and leadership is about people, always and forever. It is not about cap ex, or the tee box, or a new food item. Those are things on a list. When it comes to people, the story is wide and deep. The narrative is about coaching, listening, and leading with empathy, cheerleading with enthusiasm, and recognition. Who has been your favorite manager? Why?

It is an honor to lead an organization, to help people realize their goals as they work together to create extraordinary hospitality. Feel good about the opportunity. Feel good about the direction, efforts, and successes of each member of your team. In this In My Opinion post, I provide three thoughts about feeling good leading a property. Here are those three thoughts:

Appreciate the size of the opportunity. No matter past successes know there is the chance to grow the club in many ways. From strengthening the current key sources of revenue, as well as from the wider community, and corporate organizations nearby. As you begin to think about the breadth of the community, you are likely to uncover several organizations that can take advantage of your services.

Continue to solidify and grow the core areas of success. It is vital to know how the donuts get made at your property and to nurture and invest in the things that matter to your members and guests. Reinforce this message often to the team.

Most importantly, appreciate the task in front of you. Coaching and leading people is a great responsibility and…