Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Golf Event Coordinator
💰 Varies by location, experience, and employer type (e.g., private club, resort, corporation).
🎯 Role Definition
The Golf Event Coordinator is the central orchestrator for all golf-related events, tournaments, and outings. This individual acts as the primary point of contact for clients, members, and corporate partners, transforming their vision into a flawlessly executed reality on the course and within the clubhouse. More than just a planner, the Golf Event Coordinator is a hospitality-driven professional who manages every detail, from initial inquiry and contract negotiation to on-site logistics and post-event follow-up. This role is pivotal in driving event revenue, enhancing the guest experience, and upholding the prestigious reputation of the facility. Success in this position requires a unique blend of meticulous organization, proactive problem-solving, and a genuine passion for both golf and exceptional service.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Assistant Event Coordinator or Event Intern
- Hospitality or F&B Coordinator
- Golf Pro Shop Assistant or Professional
Advancement To:
- Director of Golf Events / Tournament Director
- Senior Event Manager
- Director of Catering & Events
Lateral Moves:
- Corporate Event Planner
- Resort or Hotel Sales Manager
- Member Relations Manager
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Spearhead the comprehensive planning and execution of all member, corporate, and charity golf tournaments and outings, ensuring a premium guest experience from arrival to departure.
- Serve as the principal liaison for event clients, conducting initial site tours, gathering detailed event requirements, and maintaining proactive communication throughout the entire planning process.
- Develop highly detailed and customized event proposals, banquet event orders (BEOs), and contracts that accurately reflect client needs and facility capabilities.
- Meticulously coordinate all logistical elements for events, including tournament format, scoring, on-course contests, tee prize selection, and awards ceremony setup.
- Collaborate closely with the Head Golf Professional and course maintenance staff to schedule events, manage pace of play, and ensure pristine course conditions.
- Manage all food and beverage requirements for events, working with the culinary and banquet teams to design menus, coordinate service times, and ensure seamless execution.
- Create and manage detailed event budgets, actively tracking expenses and revenues to maximize profitability while delivering exceptional value to the client.
- Source, negotiate with, and manage relationships with external vendors, including photographers, entertainers, rental companies, and specialty service providers.
- Direct all on-site event operations on the day of the event, serving as the visible point person for the client, guests, and internal staff to resolve issues in real-time.
- Oversee the recruitment, training, and scheduling of event-specific staff, ensuring they are fully briefed on their roles and responsibilities to deliver superior service.
- Develop comprehensive event timelines and production schedules, distributing them to all relevant internal departments to ensure synchronized and efficient execution.
- Coordinate the design, ordering, and distribution of all event-related signage, marketing collateral, and customized merchandise.
- Manage event registration processes, whether online or manual, and prepare all necessary materials such as cart signs, scorecards, rule sheets, and pairings.
- Conduct post-event evaluations, gathering feedback from clients and internal teams to identify successes and areas for improvement for future events.
- Process all event-related billing and invoices in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring final charges align with the signed contract and client expectations.
- Maintain a deep understanding of golf rules, etiquette, and various tournament formats (e.g., Scramble, Best Ball, Shamble) to effectively advise clients and manage play.
Secondary Functions
- Actively participate in sales and marketing initiatives to attract new golf outing business, including attending networking events and conducting outreach to local corporations and charities.
- Maintain and update the club's event management software and CRM database with accurate client information, event details, and historical data.
- Generate and analyze post-event reports, tracking key performance indicators such as revenue, guest satisfaction, and participation rates to inform future event strategies.
- Assist the Director of Golf or General Manager in developing the annual calendar of golf events and related budgetary forecasts.
- Stay current with industry trends in event management, golf technology, and hospitality to continuously innovate and enhance the club's event offerings.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Event Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Tripleseat, Clubessential, Jonas, or ForeTees for booking, planning, and BEO creation.
- Budgeting & Financial Acumen: Strong ability to create, manage, and reconcile event budgets using software like Microsoft Excel.
- Contract Negotiation: Skill in negotiating terms with both clients and third-party vendors to secure favorable agreements.
- Golf Tournament Operations: Solid working knowledge of golf tournament software (e.g., Golf Genius), formats, scoring, and handicapping systems.
- Vendor Management: Experience in sourcing, vetting, and managing a wide range of event service providers.
- Sales & CRM: Familiarity with CRM software for tracking leads, managing client relationships, and reporting on sales pipelines.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional Communication: The ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and empathetically with clients, team members, and management, both verbally and in writing.
- Meticulous Attention to Detail: An obsession with getting every detail right, from the spelling of a name on a cart sign to the timing of a meal service.
- Grace Under Pressure: The capacity to remain calm, think clearly, and make effective decisions in a fast-paced, high-pressure live event environment.
- Proactive Problem-Solving: An instinct for anticipating potential issues before they arise and developing creative, effective solutions on the fly.
- Client-Centric Mindset: A genuine desire to exceed client expectations and create memorable, positive experiences for every guest.
- Superior Organizational & Time Management: The ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet all deadlines.
- Collaborative Team Player: A natural ability to work effectively across various departments (Golf Ops, F&B, Agronomy, etc.) to achieve a common goal.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent is required, often supplemented by significant, direct experience in the field.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor's Degree.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Hospitality Management
- Business Administration
- Sports Management
- Marketing or Communications
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of direct experience in event planning and coordination.
Preferred: Experience in a similar role at a private golf club, high-end resort, or upscale hospitality venue is highly desirable. Hands-on experience with golf-specific events is a significant asset.