Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Golf Range Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

The Golf Range Attendant is a cornerstone of the golf facility's guest experience and operational efficiency. This role is responsible for the meticulous upkeep, presentation, and smooth functioning of the driving range and practice areas. More than just operational duties, the Attendant serves as a frontline ambassador, engaging with guests, ensuring their safety, and providing the high-quality service that defines a premier golf experience. This individual is a proactive, detail-oriented team player who takes pride in creating a pristine and welcoming environment for golfers of all skill levels.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

High School or College Student
General Laborer or Landscaping Crew Member
Retail or Hospitality Associate

Advancement To:

Lead Range Attendant / Supervisor
Assistant Golf Professional
Pro Shop Manager or Assistant Manager

Lateral Moves:

Golf Cart Attendant / Fleet Manager
Starter / Course Marshal
Groundskeeping Crew Member

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate specialized ball-picking machinery in a safe and efficient manner to clear the driving range of golf balls, ensuring the field is consistently ready for play.
Manage the entire ball inventory process, including collecting, washing, sorting, and transporting thousands of golf balls daily using automated cleaning systems.
Ensure the continuous operation of ball dispensing machines by keeping them fully stocked and performing routine checks for functionality, reporting any malfunctions promptly.
Maintain a pristine and organized appearance of the hitting area, including replacing and aligning hitting mats, refilling tee baskets, and cleaning individual stations.
Execute daily opening and closing procedures for the practice facilities, which includes setting up target greens, signage, and tee markers, and securing all equipment at the end of the day.
Implement the strategic rotation of hitting stations on natural grass tees to promote healthy turfgrass recovery and ensure consistent high-quality hitting surfaces.
Greet all members and guests with a warm, professional demeanor, proactively offering assistance and information to enhance their practice experience.
Clearly and courteously communicate club policies, range rules, safety guidelines, and pricing structures to all visitors.
Actively monitor the tee line and practice areas to ensure guest safety, proper golf etiquette, and an appropriate pace of play, addressing any concerns with tact and professionalism.
Assist in the setup, execution, and breakdown for special events, golf clinics, junior camps, and corporate outings held at the practice facility.
Manage the rental club inventory, including cleaning, sanitizing, organizing, and performing minor repairs like re-gripping to ensure they are in excellent condition.

Secondary Functions

Perform routine preventative maintenance and light repairs on range equipment, including the ball picker, ball washer, dispenser, and other machinery.
Conduct regular inspections of the entire range facility, including nets, poles, targets, and furniture, reporting any damage, safety hazards, or necessary repairs to management.
Keep all associated areas of the practice facility, such as walkways, viewing areas, and parking lots, clean and free of litter and debris.
Assist guests by providing general information about the golf course, clubhouse amenities, and upcoming events.
Collaborate closely with the Pro Shop, Groundskeeping, and other departments to ensure seamless communication and a cohesive, team-oriented operation.
Monitor weather conditions and assist with implementing safety protocols during inclement weather, such as lightning or high winds, ensuring the safety of all guests.
Provide support for the short game practice areas, including raking bunkers, repairing ball marks on greens, and maintaining a clean environment.
Collect and properly dispose of trash and recycling from receptacles located throughout the practice facility.
Uphold and enforce all company policies and safety regulations to create a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone at the facility.
Participate in staff meetings and training sessions to stay current on club procedures, safety protocols, and customer service standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Light Machinery Operation: Proficiency in safely operating golf carts, utility vehicles, and specialized equipment like range ball pickers and ball washers.
Basic Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot minor issues with equipment, and handle light repairs.
Inventory Management: Skill in tracking, counting, and managing the supply of range balls and rental clubs.
Physical Stamina: Capacity to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy ball baskets (up to 50 lbs), standing for extended periods, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Safety Protocol Adherence: Strong understanding and enforcement of workplace safety standards, particularly regarding equipment operation and guest-facing interactions on a live range.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Customer Service: A genuine desire to provide a positive and welcoming experience for every guest, with a friendly and approachable demeanor.
Strong Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and concisely convey information, rules, and instructions to guests and communicate effectively with team members.
Proactive Problem-Solving: The foresight to anticipate potential issues and the ability to find practical, on-the-spot solutions to challenges that may arise.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to cleanliness, organization, and the overall presentation of the practice facility.
Teamwork and Collaboration: A cooperative spirit and the ability to work harmoniously with other departments to achieve common goals.
Self-Motivation and Independence: The discipline to work efficiently and complete tasks with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Some college coursework or a vocational certificate in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality and Tourism Management
Turfgrass Management
Business or Sports Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years. This is often an entry-level position perfect for those looking to enter the golf industry.

Preferred: Previous experience in a customer service role (e.g., retail, food service, hospitality) or a position involving outdoor physical labor (e.g., landscaping, construction) is highly valued. A personal interest in or passion for the game of golf is a significant plus.