Description

Overview

About the Club

Essex County Country Club, founded in 1887, proudly stands as New Jersey's oldest country club and the sixth oldest in the United States. The club is a founding member of both the MGA and NJSGA, and is situated less than 20 miles from New York City. The club boasts a rich history, a newly renovated championship golf course (completed by Gil Hanse in 2024), and a premier golf experience for members and their guests.

After moving to the club's current location in West Orange, the golf course was shaped by some of golf's most prominent architects, including A.W. Tillinghast, Seth Raynor, and Charles Banks. The club recently completed a full golf course renovation by Gil Hanse and his team to enhance the golfing experience further. Essex County has a long history of hosting major events, including 10 New Jersey State Amateur Championships, 6 New Jersey State Opens, and 5 MGA Major Championships. The club will also play host to the 2026 MGA Met Open Championship.

The club offers full golf practice facilities, a newly renovated pool facility, four Har-Tru tennis courts, and a vibrant clubhouse and patio overlooking the golf course. Approximately 25,000 rounds are played annually at Essex County.

Position Overview

An Assistant Golf Professional at Essex County Country Club will be involved in every aspect of the golf operation. This position reports to the Head Golf Professional and will work closely with the other members of the professional staff. Our team works together to ensure we provide an exceptional member and guest experience through an active tournament calendar, a variety of instruction programs, and a robust golf shop. In addition to assisting with all daily duties, this position will have extensive responsibilities within tournament operations and junior golf programming.

A successful candidate should have a sincere passion for the game and business of golf. We are seeking a self-motivated, team-oriented individual who is looking to advance in their career as a golf professional. Key characteristics of our new team member should include an outgoing, upbeat attitude, a high level of integrity, and a desire to help others. A true team player with excellent judgment, a high level of attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and an approachable demeanor will have an opportunity to thrive at Essex County Country Club.

About the Head Professional

Don McCabe is entering his second season as the Head Professional at Essex County Country Club. Originally from Bedminster, NJ, Don is a graduate of the Penn State PGA Golf Management Program. Prior to joining the team at Essex County, Don spent one year as the Head Professional at Baltimore Country Club, five years as the Lead Assistant Professional at Plainfield Country Club, and three years as an Assistant Professional at the Chevy Chase Club. He also gained experience at other clubs including The Everglades Club (Palm Beach, FL), The Country Club (Brookline, MA), the Penn State Golf Teaching and Research Center (University Park, PA), Montclair Golf Club (West Orange, NJ), Congressional Country Club (Bethesda, MD), and Essex Fells Country Club (Essex Fells, NJ). Don is a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Instructor and a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach.

Experience Required

• PGA Class A Member or Associate actively pursuing PGA membership
• Proven record of providing premier member service.
• Experience in tournament administration and merchandising.
• Strong knowledge of daily golf management, tournament, and instruction programing at a private facility.
• Highly proficient in the rules of golf.
• Proficient with golf related management software (Golf Genius, Club Essentials, Whoosh).
• Highly organized and detail oriented.
• A team oriented and self-motivated individual looking to grow their career as a golf professional.

Essential Responsibilities

Daily Golf Experience and Service

• Represent the golf operation with professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm.
• Foster a welcoming and professional atmosphere for all members and guests.
• Provide an exceptional service-focused environment by anticipating member needs and exceeding all member and guest expectations through personalized service and hospitality.
• Ambassador for Essex County Country Club, Don McCabe, and ECCC Professional Staff.

Operations Management

• Assist in all aspects of the Golf Shop Operation, including opening, closing, and merchandising.
• Assist with the coordination of daily play, tee sheet management, starting groups, and monitoring pace of play.
• Perform club repair upon request.
• Communicate effectively with team members and other department heads as needed.

Golf Instruction & Club Fitting

• Provide individual and group instruction to members and their guests.
• Assist the Director of Instruction with coordination and implementation of member clinics, junior golf clinics, and corporate clinics.
• Provide club fitting services upon request.

Tournament and Event Management

• Assist with planning, promotion, and implementation of Men's, Ladies', Mixed, and Junior Golf Programs.
• Assist as needed with outside tournaments and club-hosted outings.
• Rules Official for all club tournaments.

Professional Development

• Maintain good standing with the PGA of America by completing all necessary PDR requirements throughout the season.
• Actively involved in the NJPGA and other related professional associations.
• Maintain a regular playing schedule with members.
• Continue personal and professional growth during the winter season.

Benefits

• Full-time seasonal position.
• Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience.
• 100% of lesson, clinic, and junior golf income.
• Staff housing available, provided at a minimal cost per month.
• Club repair commission.
• Staff Uniform allowance.
• Staff Equipment Contract.
• Meals while on duty.
• Playing and practicing privileges.
• Education allowance.
• Health, Dental, and Vision benefits available.
• PGA dues paid for by the club.