Colin Burns

Colin Burns is a seasoned leader in the world of private club management and hospitality. He began his career in 1991 when he joined Winged Foot Golf Club as its General Manager. It was a position he would hold for over three decades.

During his Winged Foot tenure, Colin played an integral role in hosting multiple major golf championships, including the 2006 and 2020 US Opens, the 2004 US Amateur and the 2016 Four-Ball Championship. He also oversaw more than $100 million in capital projects, including the complete restoration of both golf courses.

Most recently, Colin served as Chief Operating Officer of APOGEE, a 1,200 acre amenity-rich, exclusive private club scheduled to open at the end of 2023. In this role, he worked with the owners and developers to establish operating standards and systems before transitioning to a senior advisory role.

Colin spent 30 years “on the other side” as a client of search firms, the benefit of which is a clear understanding of what makes a good search. He has spent countless hours in board meetings which has provided the ability to identify both club and board room culture. He has an incredible network of professional contacts from which to recruit the right individual who views your goals strategically and has the knowledge of how to get there. Each of these attributes and experiences will benefit GGA clients as they search for high-quality candidates.

Colin’s philosophy is based on providing next-level search, finding a candidate that will serve your club to many years. Once that individual is in place, Colin’s more than 30 years of experience in strategy and operations planning, club management, leadership development and coaching will ensure candidates and their clubs are in the best position to succeed.

Colin’s passion for golf is only exceeded by his passion for giving back. Currently, he serves on the board of The Gladney Cup and as a national advisor to the Gladney Center for Adoption, playing a crucial role in raising over $13 million for the organization over the last twenty years. He also serves as a Trustee at the Metropolitan Club Foundation, an organization providing education and hardship assistance to people in the club and hospitality fields.

Colin resides with his family and Australian Shepherd in Greenwich, Connecticut. When he is not focused on golf, you’ll find him on the slopes enjoying fresh powder.