Mentoring staff is one of the most important responsibilities of the PGA professional at your club.
While golf professionals are often recognized for coaching players, managing competitions and overseeing golf operations, their role in developing and supporting staff is equally vital to a golf club’s success.
Effective mentoring helps create a knowledgeable, motivated and professional team capable of delivering exceptional service to members and visitors.
The PGA director of golf or head professional at your club serves as both a leader and a role model. Through mentoring, they share their experience, knowledge and values with assistant professionals, apprentices and other employees. This guidance helps staff develop technical skills, improve the member experience and day-to-day service, and gain a deeper understanding of the golf industry.
By investing time in staff development, professionals contribute to the long-term growth of both individuals and the club. It is the old concept of a young professional “apprenticing” under the lead professional.
Your golf committee needs to ensure this is happening at your club.
One of the key benefits of mentoring is the transfer of knowledge. PGA professionals possess expertise gained through education, qualifications and practical experience. By working closely with staff, they can teach best practices in teaching and coaching, retail management, tournament administration, tee sheet management, club operations and more. This hands-on learning allows less experienced professionals to gain confidence and competence.
Mentoring also plays a significant role in career development. Many assistant professionals aspire to become head professionals or managers in the future. A supportive mentor can provide valuable advice on career pathways, professional qualifications and personal development. Constructive feedback and encouragement help individuals identify strengths, address weaknesses and set realistic goals.
As a result, staff members are more likely to remain motivated and committed to their professional growth. Golf professionals at top clubs who serve as mentors become the “Pied Pipers” of the business and usually get the best talent.
Young professionals know that if they work at those clubs for those professionals, they have a better chance of getting their own club jobs one day, jobs at higher-quality clubs for better compensation.
Everyone in the industry knows who these professionals are: Cary Cozby at Southern Hills, Matt Cahill at Seminole, Jason Epstein at Congressional and many more.
Strong mentoring relationships contribute positively to workplace culture. When staff feel supported and valued, they are more engaged and productive. Open communication fosters trust and creates an environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance.
This can lead to improved teamwork, higher morale and better overall performance. In a customer-focused environment such as a golf club, these benefits influence the quality of service that members and guests receive.
Furthermore, mentoring helps maintain high professional standards within the club. PGA professionals can instill important values such as integrity, respect, professionalism and a strong work ethic. These qualities are essential in creating a positive reputation for the club and ensuring consistent service standards. Staff who embrace these values are better equipped to represent the club professionally.
The mentoring process should be ongoing rather than occasional. Regular meetings, coaching sessions, performance reviews and informal discussions provide development opportunities. Effective mentors adapt their approach to individual learning styles and needs, understanding that each staff member has unique strengths and ambitions.
Many professionals have adopted a system that allows young aspiring team members to lead different parts of the operation each year. This way, young aspiring team members understand all aspects of directing a full-service golf operation.
One year, they may serve as the liaison to the men’s or ladies golf association, manage the outside services department, be on point for buying and managing the hard goods portion of the retail operation, and have full ownership of that area. This way of developing the team at your club builds knowledge, the young professional’s confidence and leadership skills, fosters teamwork and enhances the member experience for your club daily.
Mentoring staff is a fundamental aspect of the PGA of America golf professional and leader at your club. Your golf committee should embrace that concept.
By helping staff develop skills, supporting career progression, fostering a positive workplace culture and promoting professional standards, PGA professionals help build strong and successful teams. Ultimately, effective mentoring benefits not only individual staff members but also the club, its members and the wider golf industry.
The BoardRoom Magazine – July/August 2026
Paul K. Levy, PGA, Search & Consulting Executive, KOPPLIN KUEBLER & WALLACE. He can be reached via email: paul@kkandw.com.