Summary: The Golf Sales Manager is responsible for generating, contracting, planning, and executing golf-related group business for the resort, with a primary focus on Buddy Golf Groups ranging from 12 to 24 players and wedding groups requiring organized golf. This position is responsible for driving golf-related revenue through proactive sales efforts, relationship development, and exceptional event execution while promoting all resort amenities, accommodations, dining experiences, and golf offerings.
The Golf Sales Manager serves as the primary point of contact throughout the sales and planning process, overseeing contracts, room blocks, tee time coordination, golf logistics, billing accuracy, and post-event follow-up to ensure an exceptional guest experience and drive repeat business. The role works closely with Golf Operations, Resort Sales, Catering, Accounting, and other operational departments to deliver seamless events to maximize profitability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following duties and responsibilities are representative of the position. Other duties may be assigned as business needs require.
- Serve as the primary sales and service contact for Buddy Golf Groups consisting of 12-24 players, as well as organized golf programs associated with contracted wedding groups.
- Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries and qualified leads; develop customized proposals and presentations designed to convert opportunities into confirmed business.
- Partner with the Resort's Sales, Catering, Revenue Management, Golf, and other operating departments to develop and present comprehensive resort packages that maximize guest engagement and revenue across accommodations, golf, dining, spa, and other resort experiences.
- Develop a strong understanding of the competitive landscape, including competitor resorts, golf destinations, pricing strategies, product offerings, and market positioning; and apply this knowledge to effectively position the Resort.
- Negotiate package pricing and other contractual terms within established Resort guidelines and approval parameters.
- Solicit, and cultivate new business for Buddy Golf Groups and Wedding Golf Groups through proactive outbound sales efforts, referrals, networking, partnerships, and other business development initiatives.
- Develop, establish, and maintain strong relationships with travel professionals, golf group organizers, wedding planners, golf organizations, and other key industry partners.
- Generate incremental room, golf, and resort revenue through direct sales efforts, repeat business, referrals, wedding planner relationships, strategic partnerships, and cross-selling of Resort products and experiences.
- Maintain a healthy and qualified sales pipeline, including active prospects, tentative opportunities, future opportunities, and repeat business, and appropriate follow-up.
- Conduct sales calls, site inspections, client presentations, networking activities, and other face-to-face sales initiatives designed to generate and convert new business.
- Represent the Resort at industry events, trade shows, golf tournaments and events, sales missions, and other business development activities as directed.
- Coordinate and manage all golf-related group requirements, including tee times, player pairings, transportation, club rentals, merchandise, tournament details, and other golf-related services.
- Prepare, negotiate, and execute golf contracts, and related documentation in accordance with established Resort policies, procedures, and approval guidelines.
- Manage and monitor group room blocks, golf inventory, and related Resort inventory in partnership with the Resort Sales and Revenue Management teams to optimize occupancy and overall revenue.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of sales activity, client correspondence, proposals, contracts, forecasts, account information, and group histories within the Resort's sales management systems.
- Communicate group requirements, timelines, expectations, and special arrangements clearly and accurately to Golf, Rooms, Catering, Events, Transportation, Accounting, and other Resort departments to ensure seamless execution.
- Conduct appropriate pre-arrival planning and client communication to ensure group expectations are clearly understood; and all contracted services are properly coordinated.
- Support overall Resort sales strategies and initiatives and contribute to achieving individual, departmental, and Resort-wide revenue and profitability goals.
- Review group billing, golf charges, room charges, and other event-related revenue with Accounting and appropriate Resort departments to ensure accuracy and timely resolution of discrepancies.
- Maintain detailed and current client histories, account profiles, production records, and account files to support future sales efforts and maximize repeat business.
- Identify opportunities to increase client loyalty and repeat visitation by proactively recommending additional Resort experiences, services, and future group opportunities.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.
Education and Experience: Two years prior hotel sales experience and a Bachelors Degree required.
Communication Skills: Excellent group presentation, speaking, writing skills, and ability to work well with a diverse clientele, fellow employees and other departments. Ability to provide and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form. Golf knowledge and business etiquette a must.
Reasoning Ability: Possess business analysis skills and the ability to understand and manage complex sales, solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Other Skills and Abilities: Maintain a presentable appearance, behavior and manner at all times. Ability to process administrative work and multi-task effectively in a fast paced environment.
Physical Demands: Ability to stay seated while communicating with clients and performing computer-based tasks for long periods of time. Occasional standing, walking, presenting, and interaction with individuals or groups is required. The position also requires the ability to handle, move, and lift objects as necessary to perform job duties.