Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Golf Club Maker

🎯 Role Definition

As a Golf Club Maker, you are the master craftsman behind a golfer's most important tools. You will work with precision and expertise to build custom golf clubs from component parts, perform intricate repairs, and make precise adjustments to meet the unique needs of each player. This role combines technical skill with a deep appreciation for the game of golf. You will be a vital part of the customer experience, collaborating closely with club fitters and sales staff to translate launch monitor data and player feedback into tangible, high-performing golf equipment. Your work directly impacts a golfer's confidence and performance on the course, making this a highly rewarding position for a dedicated and skilled individual.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Golf Retail Associate with a technical aptitude
Hobbyist Club Maker or dedicated DIY enthusiast
Apprentice Technician in a sports repair environment

Advancement To:

Master Club Builder / Head of Club Making
Tour Van Technician (traveling with professional tours)
Product Development & Prototyping Specialist for a major brand
Custom Fitting Bay Manager or Director

Lateral Moves:

Professional Golf Club Fitter
Sporting Goods Repair Specialist (e.g., bikes, skis, tennis rackets)
Quality Control Inspector in a manufacturing setting

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the complete assembly of custom golf clubs, including measuring and cutting shafts to precise lengths, applying epoxy, installing ferrules, and gripping clubs to customer specifications.
Interpret detailed work orders and build sheets from club fitting sessions to accurately construct clubs that match prescribed loft, lie, length, and swing weight.
Perform a wide range of club repairs, such as re-shafting, re-gripping, loft and lie adjustments, and broken shaft extractions, using both manual and automated machinery.
Conduct meticulous quality control checks on all completed builds and repairs, verifying that every specification is met and the finished product is cosmetically flawless.
Operate and maintain specialized club-making equipment, including loft/lie machines, swing weight scales, frequency analyzers, shaft pullers, and belt sanders.
Manage and maintain an organized inventory of components, including heads, shafts, grips, ferrules, and other supplies, and assist with ordering and stock-taking.
Adjust the loft and lie angles of irons and putters using a bending machine, ensuring precision to within a fraction of a degree.
Calculate and adjust the swing weight of clubs using lead tape, tip weights, or other methods to achieve the desired balance and feel for the player.
Handle non-standard and complex club alterations, including length extensions or reductions, and counterbalance weighting.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workshop environment, adhering to all safety protocols, particularly when handling chemicals and operating machinery.
Communicate effectively with club fitters and sales associates to clarify build specifications and provide expert feedback on component compatibility.
Troubleshoot and diagnose club performance issues, such as rattles or unusual wear, and recommend and perform appropriate repairs.
Stay current with the latest golf equipment technology, new product releases, and innovative club-building techniques from leading manufacturers.
Provide customers with accurate time estimates for builds and repairs, managing the workflow to meet deadlines and exceed expectations.
Utilize digital work order systems or software to track the progress of builds, manage the queue, and maintain detailed records of all work performed.
Perform cosmetic finishing on clubs, including ferrule turning and polishing, to ensure a professional, high-end appearance.
Assist in training and mentoring apprentice club builders, sharing knowledge of best practices and techniques.
Calibrate workshop tools and machinery regularly to ensure consistent accuracy in all measurements and adjustments.
Analyze shaft performance using frequency meters to ensure proper spine alignment and flex consistency across a set.
Engage directly with customers when necessary to explain the work performed on their clubs and provide recommendations for care and maintenance.
Execute hot-melting procedures to alter the sound, feel, and center of gravity of metalwoods according to specific requests.

Secondary Functions

Analyze customer build specifications and performance data to identify trends and provide insights for future inventory and fitting recommendations.
Contribute to the shop's product strategy by providing expert feedback on component quality, performance issues, and customer preferences.
Collaborate with sales associates, professional fitters, and golf instructors to translate customer needs and performance goals into precise club-building specifications.
Participate in daily or weekly team huddles to manage workflow, prioritize the build queue, and collectively solve any production challenges.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency with loft and lie adjustment machines.
Expertise in operating a swing weight scale and making precise adjustments.
Skilled in all aspects of re-shafting, including shaft extraction, tip preparation, and epoxy application.
Competency with shaft frequency analyzers for spine alignment and flex matching.
Mastery of re-gripping techniques for all club and grip types.
Experience with belt sanders/grinders for ferrule turning and finishing.
Knowledge of launch monitor data (e.g., TrackMan, GCQuad) and its relation to club specifications.
Ability to perform intricate repairs, such as removing rattles from club heads.
Understanding of component inventory management and familiarity with POS or work order software.
Precision in cutting shafts to length using a high-speed cutoff wheel.
Knowledge of different epoxy types, their properties, and proper curing procedures.

Soft Skills

Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to precision.
Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle a high volume of work orders.
Manual dexterity and steady hands for intricate, detailed work.
Strong verbal communication skills for collaborating with team members and customers.
A deep passion for and knowledge of the game of golf and its equipment.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
A patient and methodical approach to craftsmanship.
Customer-service orientation with a desire to help golfers improve.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Technical school certification in a relevant trade.
Professional Club Making/Fitting Certification (e.g., GolfWorks, Mitchell, PCS, GCA).
Manufacturer-specific training and certifications (e.g., Titleist, PING, Callaway).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Trades
Kinesiology or Biomechanics
Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a dedicated club-building and repair role.

Preferred:

Experience working in a high-volume custom club building environment for a major retailer or a specialized boutique.
Previous experience as a technician on a professional golf tour van or for a collegiate golf program.
Demonstrated experience building clubs for a wide range of player abilities, from beginners to scratch golfers.