Golf Course Jobs

Golf professionals are the most notable employee at the golf course. Professionals need to go through schooling to earn their professional status. Golf professionals perform a wide range of duties at the course. Golf professionals usually supervise the golf pro shop, teach golf lessons to members, keep track of handicaps for leagues and manage other golf events around the course.

For those more interested in the business side of golf courses, managing a course can be an involved process requiring many hands. General managers work closely with golf professionals in managing the everyday operations of the course. The general manager's duties include supervising all aspects of golf course operations. Some larger courses employ a director of golf to oversee the management of the course. A director of golf acts like a general manager but would have others below them to help carry out the day-to-day activities of the course.

Golf courses today operate in a competitive environment and more and more courses are turning to marketing and promotions professionals to give them an edge. Marketing and promotions specialists guide the course advertising strategies in local, state and national publications. They also work with area organizations in terms of advertising for outings and other events at the course. Marketing and promotions specialist can also work as event planners, helping groups organize outings such as tournaments or scrambles.

Taking care of a golf course is more than just cutting grass. Golf course superintendents, as they are usually called, are highly skilled individuals, trained in the inner workings of golf courses. Sprinkler systems, caring for multiple kinds of grasses in the rough and on the fairways and greens, and maintaining a fleet of golf carts takes specialized care for each area. Golf courses generally employ a crew of grounds people to maintain the course under the supervision of the golf course superintendent.

Giving golfers an enjoyable experience can be the difference in getting repeat customers. Hospitality crews make sure golfers are having a good time and jobs include golf shop staff, food and beverage workers, starters, rangers and locker room attendants, to name a few. Starters and rangers ensure that play moves along at a good pace so golfers do not get frustrated with slow play. Food and beverage workers, along with the golf shop staff, keep golfers supplied either with equipment or with food and drinks before, during and after their rounds.