The role of a General Manager at a high-end golf club is pivotal to a smooth operation and long-term success. As the leader of the team, the GM sets the tone for the club and oversees all its functioning. This includes managing the staff, maintaining the grounds and facilities, coordinating events and ensuring top-notch customer service.
Most would agree that a great General Manager possesses a unique blend of leadership, business acumen and passion for the game of golf. They must be able to inspire and motivate their team to provide exceptional experiences for members and guests.
Ultimately, the General Manager is entrusted with upholding the prestige and reputation of the golf club. They embody the qualities that define a high-end establishment by demonstrating integrity, professionalism and dedication.
Joseph Kelly, PGA of America General Manager at Essex County Country Club in West Orange, New Jersey, exemplifies what it means to be a General Manager and embodies all the traits a successful GM must have.
We recently talked with Joseph to learn a little more about him, his club and his philosophies on teamwork and finding success at a busy and prestigious golf club.
"Working in golf has been my life,” Kelly explained. “Growing up, I wasn't a member of a club, so working at a club was going to be my ticket to access one."
In September of 1981, PGA Member Joseph Kelly embarked on his golf industry journey starting from the very basics - a driving range with no cart, just a shag bag and baskets. Since then, he has dedicated every season to working at a variety of clubs, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.
"That was at a semi-private club named High Mountain in New Jersey, which doesn't exist anymore,” he says.
Following college, Kelly continued to work at High Mountain as an Assistant Golf Professional, before moving on to Essex County Country Club and Rockaway River Country Club, both in New Jersey, also in Assistant Professional roles.
"After I obtained my PGA Membership, I notched my first Head Professional position at Sky View Golf Club in Sparta, New Jersey,” Kelly detailed.
Sky View was a new startup semi-private club when Kelly was the Head Professional.
"Opening a startup was a great experience,” he says, “combining the leadership obligation with owning the golf shop. After one year, I took on the dual role of General Manager and Head Professional and would stay at Sky View for seven years."
Kelly’s ultimate career goal was to be a Head Golf Professional at a private equity club, an objective he didn’t lose sight of when his club was sold. Instead, he pivoted and pursued a pathway that would lead him to his desired destination.
After Sky View, Kelly landed the First Assistant Professional position under David Reasoner at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey. This experience was a turning point for him. He then became the General Manager and Director of Golf at Mendham (NJ) Golf & Tennis Club, where he spent 16 years. During his tenure, he worked through multiple clubhouse renovations, course enhancements, economic fluctuations and even the challenges brought about by COVID, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the club. By 2023, Mendham had a new clubhouse, vibrant golf and racquet programs and a healthy waiting list for membership. At that point, Kelly knew it was time for a new challenge.
“Upon my return to Essex County Country Club as General Manager, I was greeted with the exciting news of the club's most significant capital work in its history,” he highlights. “This project, headlined by a Gil Hanse golf course restoration, was a testament to the club's commitment to excellence. As the General Manager, I played a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating this project, which was completed in late spring of this year. We are now gearing up for another significant project, a pool renovation this coming off-season.”
What A Team Environment Means To Joseph Kelly
"As a General Manager, my goal is not only to know every employee but to connect with them on a personal level. I interact with every department in some way every day. It’s critical to demonstrate that the work of every employee is vital to a great member and guest experience. It's also essential that our team sees me helping at events and that I demonstrate that I am one of them and not above them."
Kelly continues: “At the management level, I strive to ensure that department heads and I have agreed upon goals and that they feel adequately resourced to achieve those goals. We succeed or struggle together. This philosophy helps to build a positive team culture."
"Every employee is vital, so I hesitate to identify any one or two. I preach a 360-degree experience in which every touchpoint for a member or guest is critical, from arrival to departure. We can't afford any weak links that break our complete circle. Our club and history are unique and special, so the experience must reflect that."
Kelly concludes with the following: “I love this quote, 'If you're not paddling, get out of the boat.’"
“Work is not a spectator sport, and I'm fortunate to have a fantastic team at Essex County."
