Golf club managers, sometimes called general managers or secretaries, run the business side of golf clubs: finance, staff, membership, hospitality and facilities. It's a varied career that combines business skills with a love of golf. Here's how to get there.
What club managers do
- Finance: budgets, accounts and fees.
- People: hiring and managing staff.
- Membership: recruitment and retention. Read golf club membership guide.
- Hospitality: food, beverage and events.
- Facilities: clubhouse and course investment, working with the head greenkeeper. Read how to become a greenkeeper.
- Governance: supporting the board and committees. Read how golf clubs are run.
Skills
- Leadership and people management.
- Financial management.
- Customer service and hospitality.
- Communication and diplomacy.
- Marketing.
Routes into club management
- Hospitality management in hotels or restaurants.
- Golf operations, for example as a club professional. Read how to become a golf coach.
- Business and finance careers.
- Assistant manager roles at clubs.
Qualifications
- Degrees in business, hospitality or sports management.
- Club management association qualifications and courses.
- Continuing professional development.
Career progression
Assistant manager → club manager → general manager at larger clubs or groups.
Read careers in the golf industry.
A day in the life
Club managers' days are varied. A typical day might include:
- Morning: checking the day's tee sheet, events and staffing; meeting the head greenkeeper about course work.
- Midday: meeting suppliers, handling member queries and checking hospitality.
- Afternoon: finance and budgeting, marketing, membership enquiries and committee papers.
- Evening: attending a committee meeting or club event.
Key responsibilities
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Finance | Budgets, cash flow, pricing, reporting to the board |
| People | Recruiting, training and managing staff |
| Membership | Recruitment, retention, communications |
| Hospitality | Food and beverage, events, functions |
| Course | Working with the greenkeeping team on budgets and plans |
| Governance | Supporting committees, compliance, health and safety |
| Commercial | Green fees, visitor golf, sponsorship and partnerships |
Skills that matter most
- Communication: with members, staff, committees and visitors.
- Financial literacy: reading accounts and controlling costs.
- Diplomacy: balancing different opinions and interests.
- Leadership: motivating a team across very different departments.
- Golf knowledge: understanding the game and its culture helps you earn members' trust.
- Resilience: long hours and seasonal pressure come with the role.
Routes into the role
- From hospitality management, moving into the clubhouse and then the wider club.
- From the golf shop or golf operations, via roles such as assistant manager or operations manager.
- From business management, bringing commercial or financial skills into the club environment.
- Through club industry qualifications offered by managers' associations in many countries.
Read how golf clubs are run and careers in the golf industry.
Pay and progression
Salaries vary widely depending on the size and type of club, from modest at small members' clubs to substantial at large, high-revenue clubs and resorts. Progression often involves moving to larger clubs, multi-site operations or management companies.
Frequently asked questions
What does a golf club manager do?
Runs the business: finance, staff, membership, hospitality and facilities.
Do I need golf experience to be a club manager?
It helps, but business and hospitality skills are often more important.
What qualifications help?
Business, hospitality or sports management qualifications and club management courses.
How do I start?
Gain experience in hospitality or golf operations and look for assistant roles.
Do I need to be a good golfer to manage a golf club?
No, but understanding the game, its rules and its culture is a real advantage.
Is club management a stressful job?
It can be, with long hours and many stakeholders, but many managers find it rewarding.
The bottom line
Golf club management suits people with business, hospitality and leadership skills who love golf. Build experience, gain qualifications and work your way up. For another golf career, read how to become a golf course architect.