Many golf enthusiasts decide not to pursue a career in the field because they are afraid there are not enough jobs available. However, the golf industry is quite large, and with such a variety of possible positions that no one who has chosen golf as a career need fear unemployment or underemployment. The possible positions listed below represent golf course jobs, only a small slice of what is available in the golf industry.
Golf course training and instruction: Golf is an incredibly popular sport, which means that there is always a wealth of aspiring golfers seeking instruction. Many golf courses keep several instructors on staff. Providing training right there on the golf course means convenience for customers, more money for the golf course, and, of course, more jobs for professional golf experts.
Clubhouse food service crew and management: One of the types of golf course jobs that no one ever thinks of is food service. However, restaurant-quality food and drink is often the cornerstone of a golf course clubhouse, as it offers refreshment and creates a comfortable atmosphere. Golf course jobs focused around clubhouse food service include the kitchen's crew, chefs, wait staff, and management.
Grounds care: The entire existence of a golf course is dependent on the condition of the grounds. Therefore, some of the most important golf course jobs are related to grounds care. Chemical technicians handle the fertilization and other chemical care of the grass, while irrigation specialists ensure that the grass is well watered. A turf manager or groundskeeper oversees all of the grounds care personnel.
Equipment operation and maintenance: The daily business of running a golf course requires the use and maintenance of many pieces of equipment. Golf course jobs usually include equipment operators, who are overseen by an equipment manager. A maintenance team, including crewman and a maintenance manager, keep the equipment in good working order and handle maintenance scheduling.
Golf merchandise sales and store management: A merchandise store is another important facet of any thriving golf course and clubhouse. An on-site store provides a convenient place for members to purchase equipment and clothing. Personnel needed to run the store usually includes sales associates and at least one manager.
Human Resources personnel: As you are no doubt beginning to see, a successful golf course represents a coming together of many different employees. As with any such workplace, a successful golf course usually includes a team of Human Resources personnel. These professionals handle tasks such as the hiring of new employees for available golf course jobs.
Public Relations or advertising personnel: As a thriving business, many golf courses must also manage a great deal of public relations interactions, such as advertising. Golf course jobs therefore include positions to handle the writing of advertisements and video scripts, the photographing of the grounds for colorful ads, and a spokesperson to handle all communications with the press.
Golf course management and ownership: A golf course is a well-oiled machine, but in order for all the moving parts to remain in good working order, there needs to be a manager to oversee it all. The manager may also be the golf course owner in some cases.
As you can see, there are many golf course jobs available. The careers described here are only the tip of the iceberg. The golf industry also includes areas such as pro golfing, tour planning and management, and luxury golf resorts. With the range of positions available throughout the industry, no one trained for a golf career need ever worry about not being able to find a job.