Barbara McAuliffe – Vice President, Search & Consulting

Barbara McAuliffe has built her career in the golf and private club industry, bringing a deep passion for the business of golf along with experience in club management, marketing, and communications. She began her career with National Fairways, Inc., a Connecticut-based golf management company with a portfolio spanning private, semi-private, and public clubs across the Northeast and Florida. Over time, she advanced through several leadership roles—including Director of Membership Services, Marketing Director, General Manager, and Assistant Regional General Manager—gaining broad operational and strategic experience. Her portfolio included properties such as Hudson National Golf Club (NY), Hidden Hills Country Club (FL), OakBridge Club at Sawgrass (FL), and St. Augustine Shores (FL).

Barbara later joined Reed Exhibitions, where she served as Event and Marketing Director for the PGA Merchandise Show and PGA Expo, in partnership with PGA of America. In this role, she led the development of key industry relationships and executed targeted marketing strategies that consistently increased attendance and enhanced the overall event experience.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Springfield College and has completed performance management training at Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Barbara joined DENEHY Club Thinking Partners in 2011 and is based in the firm’s Fairfield, Connecticut office. She plays a central role in client relations and consulting engagements, leads on membership and golf professional search assignments, and contributes across the firm’s full suite of advisory services to private clubs.