Director of Instruction

Overview

Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club is seeking an experienced, energetic, and member-focused Director of Instruction and Player Development to lead and grow all aspects of golf instruction and player development. This is an exceptional opportunity for a PGA Professional who is passionate about teaching, enjoys building relationships, and is motivated to create a best-in-class instructional program for golfers of all ages and abilities.

The Director of Instruction will oversee and enhance all instructional programming at the Club, including private instruction, group clinics, player development programs, junior golf initiatives, and assist with club fitting. The successful candidate will serve as the leader of the Club's teaching efforts while collaborating closely with the Director of Golf, Assistant Professionals, and Golf Operations team. This individual will provide exceptional coaching experiences for members, their families, and guests while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong enjoyment of the game.

Palo Alto Hills offers outstanding teaching and practice facilities, including:

• Redesigned golf course that reopened in 2022 and was the recipient of the runner-up award for national golf course renovation of the year by Golf Digest.
• Practice tee with 18 hitting bays, featuring use of both natural and artificial turf
• A large, contoured putting green adjacent to the Golf Shop with panoramic views of San Francisco and the Bay
• A short-game practice area near the practice tee featuring three bunkers and varied shot opportunities
• The Ken Venturi practice area, featuring a tiered green, three practice bunkers, and pitching areas accommodating shots up to 40 yards

Experience Required

• Minimum of 3+ years of golf instruction experience, preferably within a private club environment
• Demonstrated success in growing instructional programs and player development initiatives
• Strong knowledge of modern teaching technologies, including launch monitors and video analysis systems
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Passion for delivering exceptional member service and creating meaningful golf experiences
• Experience with GHIN, Jonas, Foretees, GolfGenius, Microsoft Office, and other golf industry software platforms preferred
• Club fitting experience preferred

LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• PGA of America Class A Professional in good standing
• Must provide valid documents to work in the U.S.
• Valid California Driver’s License is required

Essential Responsibilities

INSTRUCTION & PLAYER DEVELOPMENT:

• Provide high-quality individual and group instruction to members, juniors, and guests
• Develop, implement, and promote a comprehensive menu of instructional programs for golfers of all ages and skill levels
• Utilize modern teaching technologies, including launch monitors, video analysis, and player performance tracking tools
• Design player development programs to encourage participation, improve performance, and increase member engagement
• Conduct club fitting services and equipment evaluations to optimize member performance

LEADERSHIP & PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:

• Lead and mentor the Club's instructional team, establishing consistent teaching standards and best practices
• Train and support PGA Associates and Assistant Professionals in teaching methodologies, clinic management, and player development strategies
• Evaluate instructional programs and continually improve offerings based on member feedback and participation trends
• Assist with junior golf camps and other player development initiatives

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT & CLUB SUPPORT:

• Maintain a visible and approachable presence throughout the Club
• Build strong relationships with members through instruction, on-course engagement, and participation in Club activities
• Play golf regularly with members and provide informal coaching opportunities when appropriate
• Assist the Professional Staff during major Club tournaments, events, and golf operations as needed
• Spend 2-4 hours per week assisting Golf Operations staff in the Golf Shop
• Ensure practice facilities remain safe, organized, and professionally maintained
• Help monitor behavior, dress code, and conduct at practice facilities and communicate any significant concerns to Golf Operations staff
• Accurately bill and account all golf instruction through the Club’s POS system

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Maintain an active PGA Membership in good standing
• Represent the Club and PGA professionally through participation in Section events, educational programs, and industry conferences
• Stay current with teaching innovations, player development trends, technology, and industry best practices

The above list of primary responsibilities should be considered a general summary only; additional responsibilities and duties may be added at any time by the Director of Golf.

Benefits

• This is a full-time exempt position
• Eligible to receive commission (80%) of individual private lessons
• Benefit package includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K with up to 4% match, EAP, Life and AD&D insurance, PTO, and Sick Time
• Complimentary meals provided six days per week, excluding designated aerification days
• Our premier championship golf course is open for staff to enjoy on select Mondays
• Playing opportunities through Northern California PGA events
• Professional development support for approved programs