First Assistant Golf Professional

Apawamis has over 600 active golf families that play approximately 21,000 rounds annually. Apawamis has hosted four USGA Championships, including the 1911 U.S. Amateur, 1970 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, 1978 Curtis Cup Match, and the 2005 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. Apawamis also hosts the United States Seniors’ Golf Association Annual Championship every June. Over the past ten years, Apawamis has completed over $9mm in golf course capital expenditures, including a complete renovation by Keith Foster that began in 2017. Apawamis has a two-bay Golf Performance Center that features state-of-the-art teaching and clubfitting technology, as well as three simulators, which were added in the fall of 2024.

Recent Apawamis Alumni in the Golf Industry

• Barry Partelow (First Assistant 2013-2014) – Former Head Professional, Ocean Reef Club
• Rob Jamison (First Assistant 2015-2017) – Former Head Professional, The Powelton Club
• Anthony Rosafort (Assistant Professional 2015-2017) – Head Professional, Cascade Hills CC
• Brandon Holden (First Assistant 2018-2023) – Head Professional, Mayacoo Lakes CC
• Spencer Scheeler (Assistant Professional 2018-2019) – Director of Golf, Loraloma Club
• Tanner Megal (First Assistant 2024-2025) – Head Professional, Westchester Hills GC

About the Head Professional – James Ondo

James Ondo is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated from Methodist University in 2005. James is in his fourteenth year as the Head Professional at The Apawamis Club. Prior to Apawamis, James served as the First Assistant and Golf Shop Manager at Winged Foot Golf Club for over six years. James also worked at Grandfather Golf & Country Club, The Loxahatchee Club, Pebble Beach Golf Links, TPC at Jasna Polana, and St. Clair Country Club. James began his path in the golf industry through caddying at Oakmont Country Club while in high school. James served on the Met PGA Board of Directors from 2016-2024, including a term as Vice President. James served as the Chair of the Public Relations Committee from 2017-2018 and the Tournament Chairman from 2019-2024. James currently serves as the Chair of the Met PGA Nominating Committee. James and his team were recently honored with the 2025 PGA of America National Merchandiser of the Year Award (Private).

Position Summary & Requirements

The First Assistant Professional & Tournament Director will report directly to the Head Golf Professional and will assist the Head Professional in overseeing all aspects of Golf Operations, while playing a central role in delivering a first-class golf experience. The role is hands-on and highly visible, requiring a self-motivated leader who excels in a fast-paced operation, builds quick rapport with members and guests, and embraces the culture of a high-end private club in the Metropolitan Section.

This position requires a dynamic, service-oriented, leader with a passion for the game of golf, a commitment to excellence, and a proven track record of excelling in high-performance golf operations. The candidate must have a positive attitude, willingness to learn, strong work ethic, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a spirit to serve. A college degree is preferred, but not required. Class A PGA and/or LPGA Membership is required. The candidate must have a minimum of four years of experience as an Assistant Professional in a high-end private club environment. Technical expertise with Golf Genius and extensive tournament operations experience is a must. Professional certifications (TPI, TrackMan University, U.S. Kids, etc.) are recommended. The candidate should expect to move onto a Head Professional position within 2-4 years.

General Golf Operations Responsibilities

• Promote the game of golf through teaching and playing
• Assist the Head Professional in the training of all Golf Operations team members
• Serve as a role model and mentor for all Golf Operations team members
• Work with Merchandiser to manage inventory levels, receive, and display merchandise, etc.
• Work with Director of Instruction and Junior Golf/Player Development Professional to enhance instructional program
• Instruct private lessons, group clinics, and junior golf
• Play golf with Members and Guests on a regular basis
• Represent Apawamis in Met PGA Section, Regional, and National events as schedule permits

Specific Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage the Golf Operation in the absence of the Head Professional
• Manage the daily operations of the Golf Shop
• Create and manage the schedule of the Professional Staff
• Manage the entire Apawamis Tournament Program
• Operate CAP Patrol software and provide Handicap Committee appropriate reports
• Manage and update ClubEssentials online tee-sheets and tournament registrations
• Administer Simulator parties and events as needed
• Utilize Golf Shop Instagram account to create content, highlight tournament results, etc.
• Administer Apawamis Clubfitting Program and conduct clubfittings as scheduled
• Manage hard goods inventory in conjunction with Head Professional
• Attend Golf Committee Meetings at the request of the Head Professional

**Please note this job description outlines the general nature of the necessary work to be performed in this role. It does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. These requirements may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by the Head Professional.**