Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Golf Manager

💰 $65,000 - $120,000

HospitalitySports ManagementOperations ManagementRecreation

🎯 Role Definition

The Golf Manager is the central figure responsible for the overall success of a club's golf operations. This dynamic leader orchestrates everything from daily play and high-profile tournaments to pro shop merchandising and staff development. They are the ultimate ambassador for the game of golf at their facility, blending strong business acumen with a deep passion for the sport to create a premier, welcoming, and profitable environment for members and guests alike. This role is pivotal in driving revenue, enhancing the club's reputation, and ensuring an unparalleled on-course experience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Head Golf Professional
  • Assistant Director of Golf
  • Golf Operations Supervisor
  • Tournament Director

Advancement To:

  • Director of Golf
  • Club General Manager
  • Regional Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • Director of Membership
  • Club Manager (at a smaller facility)
  • Director of Sales and Marketing (at a golf resort)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct and meticulously oversee all daily golf operations, including tee time management, pro shop merchandising, golf cart fleet management, and the maintenance and availability of practice facilities to ensure a seamless member and guest experience.
  • Develop, manage, and meticulously control the annual golf operations budget, including forecasting revenue, managing expenses, and preparing detailed financial reports for senior leadership.
  • Lead the recruitment, hiring, and comprehensive training process for all golf operations staff, including assistant professionals, pro shop attendants, and outside service personnel, fostering a culture of excellence and professional development.
  • Spearhead the planning, promotion, and flawless execution of all club tournaments, member events, and corporate golf outings, from initial conception to post-event analysis and prize distribution.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with club members and guests, actively seeking feedback and addressing concerns promptly and professionally to enhance satisfaction and retention.
  • Drive pro shop profitability through strategic merchandise sourcing, visual merchandising, inventory control, and implementing effective sales and promotion strategies.
  • Manage the club's handicap system in accordance with USGA regulations, ensuring accurate record-keeping and fair play for all competitive events.
  • Develop and implement innovative golf instructional programs, clinics, and junior golf camps to engage members of all ages and skill levels, driving participation and revenue.
  • Oversee the management and maintenance of the club's golf cart fleet, including scheduling routine service, ensuring cleanliness, and managing rental logistics to maximize availability and revenue.
  • Enforce all club rules and regulations governing golf course usage, pace of play, and on-course etiquette to ensure an enjoyable experience for all players.
  • Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for golf operations, such as rounds played, revenue per round, and merchandise sales, to identify trends and inform strategic decisions.
  • Maintain a highly visible and engaging presence with members and guests, regularly interacting with players on the course, in the pro shop, and at club events.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communication plan for the golf department, utilizing newsletters, social media, and other channels to promote events and programs.
  • Coordinate with the golf course superintendent to understand and communicate course conditions, maintenance schedules, and agronomic practices to the membership.
  • Administer and manage tee sheet and point-of-sale (POS) systems, ensuring staff are properly trained and systems are utilized effectively to manage play and capture sales data.
  • Establish and maintain a high standard of service and operational excellence across all touchpoints of the golf experience, from bag drop to the pro shop.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and golf industry representatives to secure favorable pricing and stay abreast of new products and trends.
  • Oversee the club's caddie program, including recruitment, training, and scheduling, ensuring a high-quality service that enhances the traditional golf experience.
  • Implement pace-of-play policies and actively manage on-course player assistants or rangers to ensure an efficient and enjoyable flow of play for all groups.
  • Direct the operation of practice facilities, ensuring the driving range, putting greens, and short game areas are well-maintained, stocked, and managed for member use.

Secondary Functions

  • Actively participate in club-wide strategic planning meetings to align golf operations with overall business objectives.
  • Collaborate with the Greens Superintendent on course conditions, maintenance schedules, and agronomic planning to ensure optimal playability.
  • Liaise with the Food & Beverage Director to coordinate catering and service for tournaments and special golf events.
  • Represent the club at local and national PGA section meetings, industry trade shows, and community events to promote the facility and stay current on industry trends.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Tournament Management Software: Proficiency in platforms like Golf Genius or BlueGolf for event scoring, registration, and communication.
  • POS & Tee Sheet Systems: Expertise in golf-specific software such as ForeTees, Jonas, or Clubessential for booking and retail operations.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong ability to develop and manage budgets, analyze P&L statements, and control operational costs.
  • Inventory Management: Skill in merchandise purchasing, inventory tracking, and turnover analysis to maximize pro shop profitability.
  • Rules of Golf & Handicapping: In-depth knowledge of USGA rules and the World Handicap System to officiate events and manage member handicaps.
  • Pace of Play Management: Proven techniques for monitoring, analyzing, and improving the flow of play on the course.
  • Staff Scheduling & Labor Management: Ability to create efficient staff schedules and manage labor costs within budgetary constraints.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Leadership & Team Building: Inspiring and motivating a diverse team to deliver outstanding service and achieve departmental goals.
  • Superior Customer Service: A genuine passion for creating a welcoming environment and exceeding member and guest expectations.
  • Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for interacting with members, staff, and leadership.
  • Strategic Planning & Execution: The ability to think strategically and translate plans into successful, well-executed programs and events.
  • Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Capacity to handle unexpected challenges calmly and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Marketing & Promotion: Creativity in promoting golf programs, events, and merchandise to drive engagement and revenue.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED. PGA Class 'A' Member status is often required or strongly preferred.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Hospitality Management
  • PGA Golf Management (PGM) University Program
  • Sports Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-7 years of progressive experience in golf operations management, often including roles as a Head Golf Professional or Assistant Director of Golf.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a private, member-owned club setting.
  • Verifiable track record of growing revenue streams (e.g., merchandise, instruction, tournaments).
  • PGA Class 'A' Member in good standing.
Explore More Careers