Golf Course Jobs (& How To Get One!)

As with all jobs, working at a golf course has its pros and cons.

Pros:

• Discounted golf
• Discount in the pro shop
• Relationships with other courses
• Work with friends
• Work outside, fresh air

Cons:

• Weekend work
• Early morning shifts
• Labor intensive

Here are some of the most common positions you’ll find around a golf course:

• Pro Shop Staff
• Beverage Cart
• Cart Attendant
• Starter
• Ranger
• Superintendent
• Grounds Crew
• Caddy
• General Manager
• Head Professional
• Assistant Professional
• Event Manager
• Membership Sales

Ever wonder what happens to your golf cart after your round? A cart attendant cleans it inside and out and gets it ready for the next group to use. They are also responsible for charging the carts (if electric) or fueling them up (if gas powered).

If you mostly like to avoid interactions with golfers, and like the perk of small tips that can really add up throughout a day, consider pursuing a position as a cart attendant.

This position gets players started on the course. They usually collect receipts, take the number of your golf cart, and let you know any pertinent course information for the day. The starter is also responsible for communicating pace of play expectations.

The starter can really set the tone for a golfer's experience at the course on any given day, so if you're good a creating a light, fun atmosphere, you might make a good starter.

The ranger is essentially the on-course enforcer. Rangers enforce pace of play, local rules, and etiquette, and handle any on-course issues.

As a ranger, you spend most of your time on the golf course, typically in a cart. This position is best for someone who doesn’t mind keeping order and voicing themselves.

Multiple positions sit under the superintendent and make up the course’s grounds crew. They mow, plant flowers, trim bushes, rake bunkers, place tee markers, and much more.

Most golf courses have a General Manger or Director of Golf. This is the highest position at a golf course and usually oversees all staff related to the golf side of business. Responsible for profits and loss, as well as daily operations, this position usually requires a degree in business management or golf course management, and has previous experience in a similar position within a golf course setting.

Most golf courses that have banquet facilities employ an event manager. This person sells golf outings, weddings, and other gatherings. They are responsible for making sure events run smoothly from a golf and food and beverage standpoint.

Private clubs employ a Membership Sales position, who is in charge of selling memberships to individuals looking to join. They usually give a lot of tours of their facilities and golf course to prospective buyers. This position typically needs to cater to existing members as well.

Here are several places for you to search for your next golf course job.

• PGA job board
• golfjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• GCSAA job board (for superintendent and grounds)
• Check your local municipality or park district website

A great way to get into golf course work is by starting as a cart attendant or grounds crew team member. This will allow you to learn how the course operates, network with course managers, and move up the ladder.

It sounds silly, but the more that you can speak to the game, the more a potential hiring manager will feel you’re suited for a golf course position.

See if someone you know is already working at a local golf course. If so, this is a great way to get started and you get to work around people you know.

Working at a golf course, whether you’re in the pro shop or driving a beverage cart, requires a friendly approach. After all, it’s the service industry and customer service. The more approachable and friendly you are, the better off you’ll be.

Golf courses have early morning shifts and closing shifts. Many people who work in the golf industry will tell you, "If it's light outside, you're working."

The more you’re available to work, the more golf course managers will be able to schedule you and give you opportunities to work.

If you follow our guide, you’ll be well on your way to working at a golf course and making the most of your opportunity to work in one of the most fun and rewarding industries. Bonus points for free golf!