Colin Burns had only 4.5 years of experience in hospitality when he applied for the club manager’s position at Winged Foot, one of the most storied private golf clubs in the nation, if not the world. And, after an eight-month search process, he was selected as the club’s next general manager – all 31 years ago when Colin had just crossed the line into his thirties. He recalls the president of the club asking him if Colin weren’t a tad young for the job. Colin replied: It’s not a permanent condition.







As we watch a generation of these long-serving club managers move into retirement or consulting – in addition to Colin, we lost Brian Kroh just this month at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida – we are left with a legacy from which we can all learn.



Colin’s experience is second to none. He managed the US Open during the height of Covid. Five full years of planning all going down the drain as he had to work with the Governor of New York and plan the tournament without spectators as Bryson DeChambeau put his indelible mark on the sport.



Now as he joins executive search firm GGA, Colin discusses how every club has a different environment and that search committees, managers and search firms should understand the club’s culture first before trying to match a candidate to the club.



Do Things with People, Not to Them



If you really desire a quality organization you should do thing with people, not to them. Burns has put this as his central motif throughout his career. And, with that teamwork sentiment, Colin points out that the hierarchy of a private members club staff doesn’t always equate to salary levels. The director of golf, tennis, squash, or even agronomy, may indeed be the highest paid member of staff at many clubs.



And what’s even more meaningful to club staff members than base compensation? Housing is top of his Colin’s list and finds it the top of his staff members’ list as well.



Retiring To a Zenith at Apogee



And finally, Apogee means zenith or the highest point of development – and Colin’s new project is certainly a zenith of physical land development and a highlight of a continuing, outstanding career.



Originally named COO for an incredible project based in Hobe Sound, Florida, now senior advisor, Colin is truly excited about Apogee. It’s a three-course extravaganza – or as he calls it “Streamsong on Steroids.” Designers Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, Mike Davis and Tom Fazio and Kyle Phillips have teamed up with financial backing from Dolphins owner Steve Ross. Colin takes us through the plans and the vastness of this incredible project, and how this team is betting on South Florida moving up to Martin County in the very near future beyond Jupiter and toward sleepy Stuart.