Located at the southern end of the 100-mile-long Lake Wales Ridge, the property for High Grove is 1,211 acres of citrus groves atop undulating, ancient sand dunes that rise in elevation from 105 to 175 feet above sea level. The free-draining ground has a long, bisecting ridge that falls 50 feet to its east—and all the property to the west, northwest and north of the ridge continuously rises and falls to the boundary fences. There are some small, attractive natural wetlands on the north end.
Nestled in the middle of the Florida peninsula, it’s an easy flight or drive from anywhere. The Sebring FBO is 30 minutes away and the site is between 70 and 135 minutes by car from all part- and full-time residents from Orlando and Tampa to Miami. (Jupiter and Naples are each about 90 minutes.) So, this is not intended to be anyone’s local club. Instead, we anticipate operating from Labor Day to Memorial Day where members typically bring guests for one or two nights. Within ten minutes, there are multiple large, hunting preserves with deer, quail, turkey, etc.
The featured amenity will be an 18-hole championship course designed by Gil Hanse & Jim Wagner, who each love the site and are excited by the potential. Gil, Jim, and their crew— Caveman Construction—are scheduled to begin in December 2024. Should everything go as planned, we can have all the golf seeded and growing in by the middle of the summer of 2025 and ready for the earliest rounds by Thanksgiving of that year. In addition, they will construct a “Cradle-like” par three course that will provide endless fun at the end of the day. There will be ample space for a practice facility to the modern standards with a large putting green—as well as a portion of the par-three course and range—that can be lit for night-time usage. As a destination club, the clubhouse and cabins will accommodate up to 48 members and guests.
High Grove is already equipped with the resources to bring all the golf and verticals to a November 2025 opening, and there is no real estate component. High Grove will create a thriving membership before opening day, one full of passionate and affable golfers who love nothing more than playing an exceptional course with their friends. Our expectations for the club are that it will become a place with a cheerful staff, personable caddies, and a relaxed culture. We expect music playing on the driving range, and a warm camaraderie between members. Our clubhouse hospitality will be a relaxed atmosphere, enjoyable for golfers and their guests.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead the team towards achieving strategic goals. In collaboration with the owner, the ideal candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the future of High Grove. The first task will involve hiring a skilled team of direct reports and developing an opening plan for all amenities, facilities, and services. It will also be important to establish a strong employer brand to attract and retain outstanding employees.
Working closely with the owner, the COO will contribute to the development of a membership plan prior to the grand opening. Additionally, the COO will implement an annual business planning process that aligns with the owner's vision, ensuring the inclusion of a depreciation plan for club assets. This process will also involve forecasting future capital spending based on identified needs and reconciling it with a comprehensive financial strategy.
Ultimately, the COO will be responsible for delivering exceptional service standards across all aspects of operations, aiming to maximize member satisfaction and usage. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, and a passion for creating an exceptional experience for our members.
This position pays a competitive salary ($350,000 - $400,000) and standard benefits package.
If you would like to propose a candidate for consideration, please contact tCC Partner, Kirk Reese or Director of Recruitment, Alison Savona.
Interested candidates may apply using the form below, or by submitting your information directly to tCC Recruiting Coordinator: Kathleen Donovan. Should you have any questions regarding submitting your information, please contact Kathleen.
The Club Council, LLC
PO Box 1623, LaPorte, IN 46352-1623
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