Description

Overview

Club Overview

Wakonda Club is located in Des Moines, Iowa. Founded in 1922 and designed by William Langford & Theodore Moreau, Wakonda has been ranked in the top courses in Iowa since its inception, including many years ranked #1 in the state. Architect Tyler Rae has fully restored Wakonda's golf course, addressing architectural and infrastructure needs. This restoration began in June 2023 and the course reopened in May 2024.

Wakonda is the annual host of the Principal Charity Classic on the PGA Tour Champions. In addition, Wakonda has hosted numerous major events, including: 1963 United States Amateur, 1939 NCAA Championships, Trans-Mississippi Amateur (four-times), Iowa Amateur (six-times), 2007 Western Junior Championship and many more.

Wakonda is a full service, family-oriented club that places a high value on personal service to the membership. Wakonda offers golf, swimming, tennis, dining and numerous social activities for the membership to enjoy. Youth sports programming at Wakonda has always been regarded among the best in Iowa.

Anticipated State Date: 2/10/26. Club is willing to be flexible

General Purpose

To develop, maintain and manage a premiere teaching program that meets the instructional needs of the members of Wakonda Club. Requirements will include the planning, promotion and creation of programs that will continually develop the Wakonda membership's golf abilities and enjoyment of the game. Continued operation of top-ranked junior programs, adult clinics and private instruction is essential in this position's success.

Experience Required

Knowledge, Skills, and Traits

• Maintain PGA of America membership in good standing
• Advanced knowledge of the game of golf, rules of golf, golf instruction and teaching methodology
• Experience in club fitting and knowledge of current manufacturers offerings
• Maintain professional expertise through related courses and learning opportunities in golf training, player development and more
• Possess strong work ethic, organizational, planning, time management and prioritization skills
• Self-motivated with desire to promote and market
• Experience in written and oral business communications
• Proficient in computer applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and more
• Attend conferences, workshops, meetings, and trade shows to keep abreast of current trends in the industry
• Maintain and promote a positive professional image within the community
• Maintain a credible golf game and play golf with membership when appropriate

General Notes

• The Director of Instruction will report to the Director of Golf and will work together to determine programming, rates, scheduling, performance benchmarks and more.
• Wakonda Club hosts the Principal Charity Classic on the PGA Tour Champions. The 2026 event is scheduled for June 8-14. No golf instructional programs are run at Wakonda during the week of the event. The Director of Instruction may be needed to help conduct a Youth Clinic during the PCC Tournament Week. Tickets and access to the event will be provided to all Wakonda staff members.

Essential Responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities - include but are not limited to:

Golf Instruction

• Manage, oversee and direct the total golf instruction and player development programming and schedules.
• Direct the Summer Junior Golf Academy, working with the Director of Tennis, Director of Aquatics and Director of Golf.
• Conduct the Wakonda Women's Starter Society, a summer-long women's clinic series.
• Train golf professionals on staff in golf instruction, teaching philosophies and the management of programs.
• Utilize state-of-the-art teaching and learning theories, and use teaching aids, video, launch monitors, etc. when appropriate in all programs.
• Guarantee proper upkeep of the golf range and ensure that safe, clean, organized and professional conditions exist at all times.
• Maintain teaching aids and equipment inventory in excellent condition.
• Attend club staff meetings as needed.

Creative Ability

• Create instructional programs to enhance service and maintain interest and enthusiasm among all member demographics.
• Assist in marketing and promotion for instruction programming.
• Create player development programs to foster both a recreational, fun environment plus a competitive environment (as appropriate for each market segment utilizing the American Development Model principles).

Relationships / Team Environment

• The Director of Instruction will be a member and teammate of the golf staff in every way.
• While leading all instructional programs, the Director of Instruction will also assist with:
• Working scheduled golf shop and simulator hours in the shoulder season as agreed with the Director of Golf and Head Golf Professional
• Assisting in club hosted Fitting Days and Clinics
• Helping with special club events such as Lone Leaf and Blazer Day and more
• Work directly with the Director of Tennis, Director of Aquatics and Director of Golf to plan Summer youth programs and schedules.

Teaching Facilities

• Driving Range (22 stations with both grass and Turf Hound Mats)
• Short Game Practice Facility - two practice chipping greens with bunkers and one putting green
• Winter Practice Facility - building on the back of the range (open Thanksgiving through early March) with four fully heated bays at private instruction bay.
• Two Trackman simulators - available around member bookings

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance available per club policy
• Vacation/PTO per club policy
• 401(K) with club matching available per club policy
• Meal while on duty
• Playing and practice privileges
• PGA dues paid
• Equipment/staff program, if available
• Access to TrackMan 4 Launch Monitor when clubhouse simulators are not in use