What Is a Golf Course Manager and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A golf course manager oversees the operations of a golf course. As the general manager, you monitor the staff to ensure they are attentive and efficient and that the guests are satisfied with their experience while at the course. You also hire staff, create promotional materials, and develop plans to improve and maintain facilities. Managers for private golf courses may also be responsible for boosting membership through marketing campaigns and promotions.

There are several ways to become a golf course manager. You may choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration, hotel and restaurant management, golf course management, or other related field. Or instead of a bachelor’s degree, you can complete the PGA Golf Management University Program, which is a 4.5-5 year course offered at 20 PGA accredited universities across the country. Other golf course managers start out in entry-level positions at a golf course and work their way up to supervisory positions. Certification is not required, but becoming certified by an accredited organization like the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America may make you a more valuable candidate in the job market.

There are several differences between a golf course manager and a golf course superintendent. Golf course managers oversee every aspect of the course, including membership, the pro shop, the clubhouse, and guest experience. Golf course superintendent is also known as groundskeepers; their primary responsibility is to manage the labor, time, materials, and financial resources necessary to care for the turfgrass and golf course grounds.

Successful golf course managers need to know how to train and monitor staff to ensure excellent customer service to customers. They must also have problem-solving skills to resolve customer complaints or handle other issues with the facility. Financial management is a must; golf course managers must make sure inventory is maintained, membership fees are paid on time, and operations stay on budget. Marketing skills are also useful to attract new members.