Club Details

Klinger Lake Country Club

21050 US-12
Sturgis, MI 49091

Unique Club/Facility Details

Sturgis, MI | In the spring of 1920, St. Joseph Country Club was established with 50 charter members and renowned architect Donald Ross. The first nine holes "officially" opened on August 21, 1921, with Charles "Chick" Evans, the reigning U.S. Amateur Champion, marking the occasion. A decade later, Evans also introduced the back nine. On April 10, 1922, the club was renamed Klinger Lake Country Club (KLCC). The original clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1937 but was quickly rebuilt, reopening in the spring of 1938.

Today, KLCC’s course plays between 5,188 and 6,266 yards, following the natural contours of the hilly landscape, characteristic of courses from that era. A creek feeding into Klinger Lake comes into play on the early holes, while small, crowned greens require precise iron play. The golf course is an enjoyable member-style course both strategic and scenic.

Beyond golf, KLCC offers a pool, dining, and a variety of social activities. In recent years, the club has welcomed more young families, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

Club is open 7 days per week, 7 months per year.

Age of Club: 105

Number of Members: 285

Average Age of Members: 55

Club Ownership: Member-Owned

Gross Dollar Volume: $1,500,000.00

Golf Facilities

18 hole course, par 72, designed by Maurie Wells and James Millar

Racquet Facilities

Racquet facilities unspecified

Swimming Facilities

1 Outdoor

Other Athletic Facilities

Dining Facilities

1 Formal Dining Room that seats 100
1 Member's Grill that seats 50

Job Details

Date Posted

2/6/2025

Job Title

Clubhouse Manager

Job Description

Klinger Lake Country Club, a seasonal club located in beautiful Sturgis, Michigan, offers a unique opportunity for a hospitality professional looking to make a lasting impact. Just a short drive from Lake Michigan, the club is seeking a Clubhouse Manager to oversee operations from April through September, with the flexibility to work remotely in the off-season.

This position is ideal for a hospitality-driven leader with a strong food and beverage background who is eager to advance their career, or for a seasoned General Manager or Assistant General Manager who is on the back nine of their career but does not want to fully step away from the golf and hospitality industry.

The Clubhouse Manager will take a dynamic, strategic approach to growing the club’s membership, fostering strong community connections, and implementing innovative promotional initiatives. An outgoing and engaging personality is essential to building valuable partnerships and ensuring membership offerings remain relevant and appealing.

Bringing a fresh perspective to the dining experience will be a priority for the new Clubhouse Manager. He/she will elevate service standards, introduce new programs, and develop events that drive engagement. Working closely with staff and committee members, they will create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes the club feel like a second home for members.

While the Clubhouse Manager will not oversee golf operations or agronomy, they will play a crucial role in fostering seamless communication between departments. A strong partnership with golf operations will be essential to delivering a consistent, high-quality experience that enhances member satisfaction and loyalty.

This role is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality professional who thrives in a seasonal club environment and is passionate about creating exceptional experiences.

Candidate Qualifications

The Clubhouse Manager will play a pivotal role in fostering a member-focused environment that aligns with the club's values and strategic vision.

Leadership Skills:

Proven and effective leadership.
The Clubhouse Manager must demonstrate strong abilities to guide the team, inspire staff, and ensure smooth operations across all club functions.

Food & Beverage Operational Excellence:

Efficient and effective management of food and beverage operations is crucial. The Clubhouse Manager should focus on transforming the dining experience in terms of quality, service, and financial performance to enhance member satisfaction.
Implement transformative changes, particularly in dining services is important for achieving improved quality and financial outcomes.

Improvement in Food and Services:

Elevate the quality of food offerings by collaborating with kitchen and service teams to develop seasonal menus and improve service standards.
Monitor member feedback on food and services and address areas of concern promptly to exceed member expectations.
Increase the frequency of meals served by promoting dining events, specials, and holiday menus to members.
Coordinate with the chef and kitchen staff to ensure a consistent, high-quality dining experience that drives repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.

Membership Engagement and Growth:

Proactively engage with members and potential members, especially from the surrounding communities.
Develop and execute membership growth strategies, including outreach programs, member referral incentives, and community events to showcase club offerings.
Collaborate with the membership committee to enhance member participation in events, programs, and club activities, strengthening community ties and retention.

Financial Performance:

Oversee all aspects of club finances, with a strong focus on achieving operational break-even in food and beverage services.
Work with the Board to establish and monitor budgets, ensuring that financial goals align with the club’s vision.
Implement strategies to increase clubhouse revenue through enhanced food and beverage offerings, special events, and targeted marketing initiatives.
Continuously review and optimize operational expenses to maximize financial performance and efficiency.

Staff Motivation and Team Environment:

Build a motivated, service-oriented team by fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and accountability.
Set clear goals and expectations for staff and conduct regular training sessions focused on professional development and member service excellence.
Recognize and reward staff achievements, encouraging a positive work environment that enhances employee satisfaction and retention.
Address any interpersonal or performance issues promptly to maintain a harmonious and productive team environment.

Positive Feedback and Surveys:

Develop and implement regular feedback mechanisms, including end-of-season surveys, to measure member satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
Actively respond to member concerns or suggestions, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.
Share survey results with the Board and staff, using them as a basis for refining services and strategies.
Strive to increase positive feedback year-over-year by addressing key feedback themes and making tangible improvements based on member input.

Educational Requirements

Previous management experience, preferably in a country club setting including food and beverage experience preferred.
A verifiable record of successful financial management.
A verifiable record of the development of staff and intuitive mentoring.
Proficient in Point of Sale systems, Microsoft Office, and any other hospitality applications that effectively enhance the operation and member dining experience.
A bachelor’s degree is preferred with a focus on business management or hospitality management.

Date Position Available

April 1, 2025

Other Benefits

20% bonus opportunity based on agreed upon performance metrics

Health benefits

Meals while on duty

Club assistance with finding affordable seasonal housing

Professional Dues

Please send resumes to:

Kathy Grayson
PGA Executive Recruiter
28459 Captiva Shell Loop
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
PHONE: 2392079181
Apply Online
kmgrayson3@gmail.com