About the Role
About Desert Mountain Club
The Community
8,300 acres of pristine beauty on this breathtaking expanse of the high Sonoran Desert provides the canvas for a storied community that is Desert Mountain, with a lifestyle like no other. Desert Mountain Club is the #8 Platinum Club of North America and is a certified Great Place to Work in America. With high employee morale, significant financial success, exceptional benefits, a world-class Management Team, and Membership, this opportunity is a once-in-a-career moment for the ideal candidate.
Desert Mountain's commitment to excellence is evident throughout the community, from the guard gated entryways to the exceptional amenities and service throughout The Desert Mountain Club. Amenities in the Desert Mountain Club include six championship Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses that rank among the best in the world, a state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center, and seven distinctive, award-winning Clubhouses that offer a variety of dining experiences. There is an extensive Sonoran Fitness Center and Spa facility that rivals those of the finest resorts and health clubs, with a full array of exercise and training options and spa treatments. The Southwest's finest tennis complex, considered the “Wimbledon of the West,” features nine courts and three playing surfaces: grass, hard composition, and clay courts. Additionally, pickleball, golf, croquet, and bocce are all available for the enjoyment of our Members.
Adding to the richness of the community, Desert Mountain has created a series of exclusive Member events, ranging from special nights of food and wine to music and art. To assist Members with everything Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the Desert Southwest have to offer, the Member Services department is modeled after the finest concierge services found in five-star hotels throughout the world.
Desert Mountain is family-friendly with a full calendar of children's activities, including junior golf and tennis, saltwater lap and resort-style pools, playground, over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails and a Youth Activity Center. At Desert Mountain, Members enjoy a lifestyle that is truly without equal.
The Golf
Golf at Desert Mountain, featuring the finest golf courses in Scottsdale, needs very little introduction. Simply put, there are six private championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses from which to choose – the most in a private community anywhere in the world. The seventh course is an 18-hole championship par 54 short game course, measuring 3,008 yards and was the second rated par 3 course in the United States when it opened in February of 2019.
Since opening in 1987, no other club has come to define championship desert golf more than Desert Mountain. In addition to local recognition as possessing some of the finest golf courses in Scottsdale, Desert Mountain's golf courses are also recognized on a national level. When the Champions Tour event “The Tradition” was held here, the Tour ranked the Cochise course as the “Best Maintained Golf Course” on the tour. After hosting the Championship Schwab Cup in 2012, 2014, and 2016, this ranking remained consistent with the Tour. The Renegade and Cochise courses consistently rank in the national golf magazines' top 100 lists. Opened in 2003, the Outlaw course is the latest example of Desert Mountain golf at its finest.
No other private club in the world offers more world-class golf to its Members. Each Nicklaus golf course has unique challenges for all levels of play, from the highly skilled player to those just getting started. Styles of play range from dramatic elevation changes to rolling fairways reminiscent of Scottish links.
Desert Mountain Members have the most extensive golf practice facilities in Arizona. There are multiple pitching, chipping, putting, and bunker areas, and four separate practice ranges with target greens. The Club's Jim Flick Golf Performance Center features the most technologically advanced equipment in the industry today. Desert Mountain's PGA-trained professionals are available to help Members at any skill level. With the Club’s extraordinary financial success, the Five-Year Capital Plan calls for complete restoration to three golf courses, paid in cash with no debt or assessment to the Members.
CLUB DETAILS
Facility: Member-Owned
Course Access: Private
Number of Holes: 144
Total Annual Rounds: 170,000 annually
Primary Golf Season: November – June
Instruction Team Staff Size: 3-4 annually
Position Overview
Title: Director of Instruction
Reports to: Director of Golf
Supervises: 3-4 Teaching Professionals
Position Description: The Director of Instruction will effectively lead a world-class instructional program centered around a competent professional staff. The Director of Instruction must actively engage in communicating with the professional team to ensure a seamless daily operation. The Director of Instruction will be responsible for managing a state-of-the-art Performance Center and all its technology and will assist in elevating the knowledge and skills of assistant professionals. The ideal candidate will be visible, self-motivated, possess a welcoming attitude and team-first approach, and will assist in adding value to the member experience at Desert Mountain Club.
The Director of Instruction will work within the stated guidelines of facility planning, organizing, budgeting, conducting, scheduling, promoting, and developing golf instruction programs that meet the membership needs. The successful candidate will ideally have the vision to create a model of what great facility instruction programs should aspire to have.
The position requires an outstanding golf instructor who possesses great communication and managerial skills. The candidate should have extensive experience in golf instruction and player development programs for all levels of playing ability.
The Director of Instruction will report directly to the Director of Golf and is expected to coordinate the instructional programs with the professional team to create a cohesive environment within the operation. It is expected that the Director of Instruction will meet regularly with the professional staff and communicate on a regular basis.
Additional requirements include expertise in golf schools, golf clinic administration and club fitting. Daily responsibilities and functions are listed below.
Traits, Skills, And Competencies
OPERATIONS
Maintain teaching aids and equipment inventory in excellent condition. Maintain and supervise the learning and practice facilities to ensure that safe, clean, organized, and professional conditions exist throughout the day. Ensure quality service and instructional programs. Schedule and coordinate all instructional programs and lessons at the facility. Schedule, coordinate, and oversee all instructional programs and lessons. Enforce Club Rules and Policies set forth by the Board of Governors.
PERFORMANCE & INSTRUCTION
Create instructional programs to enhance service and maintain interest and enthusiasm among all members and guests. Ensure the instruction and fitting experiences are delivered at a consistent high level. Stay educated and implement teaching aids and technology as students’ needs require. Establish player development programs with a high rate of success.
STAFFING
Train and mentor the professional staff on instruction and management of clinics, group training, and group programs. Promote growth and development as an instructor. Provide the necessary tools for the team to be successful. Effectively manage payroll to ensure efficiency among staff.
MEMBER RELATIONS
Set a professional tone by which all staff engage and interact with members and guests. Establish programs and events that encourage membership participation for all ability levels. Maintain a high level of visibility with members and guests. Create golf performance and instructional events which may include guest speakers, clinics, and fitting seminars. Attendance at special club events in a non-teaching capacity. Play with members on a regular basis.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Work directly with the Director of Golf to develop annual budgets and ensure all programs operate within budget guidelines. Communicate with Accounting and keep accurate records of all finances. Maintain detailed, accurate daily records of Performance Center business and provide monthly reports. Manage instruction budget for the facility and closely monitor departmental income and expense statements on a monthly basis.
COMMUNICATION
Attend all scheduled management meetings and maintain consistent communication with department heads and colleagues. Maintain extensive contact with supervisors and team members to ensure teamwork and consistency remain in all teaching programs. Work with the Communications Department to develop promotional materials for individual and group instructional programs. Develop content for the Club’s communications platforms, including the mobile app, website, Instagram, and the monthly club newsletter.
EDUCATION
Maintain professional expertise through related courses and learning opportunities in golf training, player development, management, and accounting. Attend conferences, workshops, meetings, and trade shows to keep up to date on current industry trends.
PLAYABILITY
Maintain a high level of playing ability. Represent the Club in Local and Sectional events.
General Qualifications And Experience
Including, but not limited to, the following:
Class A PGA Member or LPGA Member in good standing. Experience at an upscale private golf facility Certifications in TPI, Track-Man, Aimpoint, Bodi-Trak, etc. College degree preferred, but not required. Must showcase leadership qualities and demonstrate a proven ability to build a regular student base that shows continued improvement. Must be able to develop, maintain, and grow relationships with members and staff. Must have an approachable and positive attitude with members of all skill levels. Must be experienced and proficient in instructional technologies. Strong communication and budgeting skills. Demonstrated ability to be a role model, lead people, and get results through others. Ability to plan, organize, and lead a successful player development program. Above-average playing ability preferred. Experience in design and optimal utilization of indoor facilities preferred as the goal is to expand the teaching buildings in the next 2-3 years.
Compensation And Benefits
The club will provide a compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. This includes but is not limited to:
Health/Dental/Vision/Disability/Life insurance pursuant with Club policies 401(k) with employer contribution Paid time off and sick time Housing on property and/or negotiable relocation reimbursement Education Allowance PGA dues paid Complimentary employee meals Clothing/uniforms provided Participation in the holiday fund
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications MUST be submitted through the PGA of America's Career Services Department as described below.
Resume deadline is June 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time
Combine your cover letter, resume, references, and any supporting documents into one (1) PDF document with the following file naming convention: Last Name, First Name, Desert Mountain Club, Director of Instruction
Please address all correspondence to – Mr. Andy Fisher, PGA Master Professional | Director of Golf | Desert Mountain Club
Caleb Hung, PGA, Ken Ferrell, PGA, and Scott Kmiec are leading this search.
Please contact them with any questions.
Email: chung@pgahq.com
kferrell@pgahq.com
skmiec@pgahq.com
The employer does not wish to be contacted at this time