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Golf Course Design Jobs in Cleveland, OH (NOW HIRING)

Golf Course Design information

See Cleveland, OH salary details

$20.9K

$49.8K

$71.8K

How much do golf course design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for golf course design in Cleveland, OH is $49,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,200.00 and $58,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is golf course design?

A Golf Course Design job involves planning and creating golf courses that balance aesthetics, playability, and environmental sustainability. Designers work with landscape architects, engineers, and environmental experts to shape fairways, greens, bunkers, and water features. They consider factors like terrain, drainage, and golfer experience to ensure a challenging yet enjoyable course. Many golf course designers have backgrounds in landscape architecture, civil engineering, or professional golf. The role requires creativity, technical knowledge, and a deep understanding of the game.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a golf course designer?

Golf course designers spend their days drafting course layouts, collaborating with clients and stakeholders to understand project goals, and analyzing topographical and environmental data. They use specialized design software to create detailed plans and work closely with engineers, landscape architects, and construction teams to ensure the vision is implemented accurately. Routine site visits and adjustments to designs are common to address unforeseen challenges and optimize playability. This role combines creative design work with hands-on project management to deliver unique, functional golf courses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in golf course design, and why are they important?

To excel in Golf Course Design, you typically need expertise in landscape architecture, horticulture, environmental science, and CAD software, along with a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with GIS systems, advanced design tools like AutoCAD, and knowledge of golf industry standards are crucial. Strong creativity, collaboration, and communication skills help designers work effectively with clients, engineers, and construction teams. These skills ensure that golf courses are both visually appealing and functional, meeting client needs while adhering to environmental and regulatory requirements.

How much money do golf course designers make?

Golf course designers typically earn between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, project scope, and location. Senior designers or those working on large projects can earn higher salaries, and many also receive bonuses or profit sharing. Strong knowledge of landscape architecture and design software can enhance earning potential.

How to become a golf course designer?

To become a golf course designer, typically a degree in landscape architecture, environmental design, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or apprenticeships with established designers and developing skills in CAD software and environmental planning are important steps in building a career in golf course design.

How to get into golf course design?

Golf course design is a specialized field often requiring a background in landscape architecture, environmental planning, or civil engineering. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio, and obtaining relevant certifications can help entry into the profession. Knowledge of turf management, environmental regulations, and design software like CAD is also beneficial.

Is there a degree for golf course design?

While there is no specific degree titled 'golf course design,' aspiring professionals often pursue degrees in landscape architecture, environmental design, or civil engineering, which provide relevant skills. Certification from professional organizations and experience with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp are also valuable for a career in golf course design.

What cities near Cleveland, OH are hiring for Golf Course Design jobs?

Cities near Cleveland, OH with the most Golf Course Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Golf Course Design job openings in Cleveland, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,767 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Golf Course Coordinator

Elyria, OH • On-site

$37K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Assists the Golf Course Superintendent in the planning, design, and implementation of golf course projects, turfgrass maintenance, and operation of Forest Hills Golf Course and Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge. Schedules, directs, and assigns tasks and reviews work. Implements work procedures to properly maintain golf course playing conditions, including fertilization, pest management, and mowing practices.
Maintains the playability of the golf course, including all phases of turf care and equipment maintenance. Implements work procedure to ensure grounds are properly maintained (e.g., turf, apply fertilization, mowing schedules, course irrigation procedures, bunkers, planting equipment maintenance schedules; weed, pest, and nuisance animal control activities, etc.). Prepares specifications for new equipment; instructs employees in proper operation and use of equipment; recommends types and locations of trees, shrubs, and flowers; develops drafts of policies, procedures, and standards; participates in and assigns cross-training between departments.
ANNUAL SALARY/RATE OF PAY: $37,000 to $72,000, commensurate with experience.
Interested applicants should apply and submit a résumé by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Requirements
BA/BS in golf course management or Associate degree in turfgrass management, or closely related field, or equivalent, and 10 years of experience in golf course grounds maintenance with two years experience in golf course management. Experience with maintenance and repair of equipment, directing others, assigning work orders, scheduling, and purchasing. Possession of a pesticide applicator license in turfgrass pest management. Must be knowledgeable and experienced with the operation of golf course equipment, safety issues, and practices.
Language skills: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with co-workers, supervisors, the general agencies, etc. Ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports: establish effective working relationships as a supervisor of the work unit: ability to use a two-way radio.
Mathematical skills: Ability to calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages. Determines chemical fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide application ratios.
Reasoning ability: Ability to recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action, apply management principles to solve practical, everyday work problems; ability to define problems, collect data, and draw valid conclusions.
Licenses, registrations: Possession of a valid Ohio driver's license, insurable by the park district's insurance carrier, and ability to conform to the driving standards policy as approved by the Board of Park Commissioners. Possess a pesticide applicator license. Required to maintain, repair, and operate the irrigation system. Possession of valid standard first aid and CPR cards within six (6) months of employment. Certification in Arborist training.
Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, talk, climb trees for trimming duties, hear, operate a two-way radio and construction equipment, sit, work with hands, lift 80 pounds, drive park vehicles, common golf course equipment (e.g. cushmans, sprayers, mowers). The employee is frequently required to use their hands to complete reports, use personal computers, etc.
Work environment: While performing the regular duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, patrolling the parks. The employee spends a portion of their time completing reports. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Any additional information: Knowledge of safety practices and procedures, building and grounds maintenance, basic landscaping, and horticulture, department policies and procedures, management, budgeting, inventory control, and public relations. Ability to maintain working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, the public, local law enforcement agencies, other public agencies, etc. Candidate must satisfactorily complete a background investigation.
The above description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position. It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments, and responsibilities not mentioned.
Must possess a valid Ohio driver's license. New employees must satisfactorily complete a background check. Lorain County Metropolitan Park District policy prohibits hiring new employees who are tobacco users.
Lorain County Metro Parks is an equal opportunity employer.