Bobby Jones Links launches eighth annual General Manager in Training program

Bobby Jones Links recently held its annual General Manager in Training (GMIT) program, a yearlong initiative for employees at clubs, nominated by general managers, who have shown leadership potential and interest in career growth.

Photo: Bobby Jones Links

The program kicked off with a two-day session at Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta, Ga. The company developed its GMIT program eight years ago to build a stable of future leaders for the company and to further educate employees, preparing them for strategic advancement opportunities.

The program gives participants exposure to all departments in the golf and country club world so that they can evaluate which direction they would want to pursue professionally.

Topics discussed during the year will range from the operations side to the personal and professional side. Topics on the operations side include golf, food and beverage, finance, human resources, guest experience and marketing. On the personal and professional side, topics include leadership, public speaking, organization, time management, business acumen and networking.

Photo: Bobby Jones Links

Following the opening session, participants are then required to complete ‘homework’ assignments over the next year in the various departments at the clubs where they work. The final assignment is a presentation on leadership to the executive team at Bobby Jones Links.

Since the program’s inception, 48 leaders have ‘graduated’ and 18 of those 48 have gone on to become general managers within the company. Many are department heads, while others have moved on to excel at different opportunities outside the company.

To be eligible for the program General Managers must nominate employees at their clubs who show interest in career growth and display core values and commitment that align with the company. Those who are nominated then write a letter to Bobby Jones Links explaining why they want to participate, what their objectives are and their stated goals for the program and their respective careers.