Working at a golf course......what is your experience?

[BG5]

I am a school teacher that is looking for some part time work during the summer.  I am lucky to live close to some of the best courses in the state and have started to contact the GM's about part-time work.  The big reason I would work at a golf course part time is the perks of free golf.

 

As I have started to reach out to courses I was shocked (I guess I should not be) at how fast they jumped at my services.  It appears that the entire industry (Like many) cannot find enough workers and all so far have offered free golf as a big perk which works well for me.  

 

After traveling to a number of resorts I also found out that many allow the person to bring 3 free guests with them (this has started to change) as an added perk.  So I am down to about 3-4 courses that want my services doing things like rangering, working in pro shot, cart boy etc. and I am willing to work for pretty much nothing as long as the free golf thing continues.  I understand that I cannot go at perfect times but I am sure I wont have a problem getting my monies worth 🙂

 

The thing I will bring up when I meet with them is I want to bring at least 1 guest free with me (Seems reasonable since I will have a cart) and as long as they can promise that I will sign on the dotted line.

 

Anyone have any feedback on working at a golf course and how much did you enjoy it?  I think the fact that I am only working part time will make it worth while especially with the free golf

[2bGood]

If you are doing it for fun... it will be fun. The guest things will likely be a non-issue as you will start to play with other folks in a similar position to you for more impromptu rounds.

 

[asommers1441]

Worked as the concierge at a high end country club back home. It was part time it was a good job and got to play on Mondays so that was great. 

[knock it close]

Worked in the proshop when I was like 15-21 or so. Enjoyed it for the most part, obviously there will be some issues like any customer service job but the majority of it was a good experience. I know a few teachers who do exactly what you're planning to do.

[IndyArcher]

If it's part time and you enjoy being outside, mowing, landscaping, cutting holes, etc, then you'll probably love it. My best friend was superintendent of a course in northern indiana for 20 years. The job was so demanding that in the time I knew him (15+ years of the 20), he never once played a round. He also absolutely loathed the politics of the course. Just met another guy two weeks ago who was wearing a GCSAA wind shirt. He had just retired from his job. Guessing around 60 years old. I asked him if he still had perks for the job. He said he wouldn't know. He had zero desire to ever set foot on a golf course again. 

 

It gives me reason to second-guess the old adage, "Find a job where you do something you love and you'll never work another day in your life." Sometimes working at what we love leaves us looking for another romance. 

[Bogeyman_MD]

12 minutes ago, IndyArcher said:

If it's part time and you enjoy being outside, mowing, landscaping, cutting holes, etc, then you'll probably love it. My best friend was superintendent of a course in northern indiana for 20 years. The job was so demanding that in the time I knew him (15+ years of the 20), he never once played a round. He also absolutely loathed the politics of the course. Just met another guy two weeks ago who was wearing a GCSAA wind shirt. He had just retired from his job. Guessing around 60 years old. I asked him if he still had perks for the job. He said he wouldn't know. He had zero desire to ever set foot on a golf course again. 

 

It gives me reason to second-guess the old adage, "Find a job where you do something you love and you'll never work another day in your life." Sometimes working at what we love leaves us looking for another romance. 

I’ve always wanted to be in the golfing industry. But like every other job that pertains to hobbies, every option I find either puts me working weekends or doing something that will cause me to want to be away from it during my off time.

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Working at a golf course (at least in the restaurant like I did) is a recipe for never wanting to be on property when you don't have to. Now that I don't work in the industry, I golf every chance I get. I've heard this from a lot of other people too. 

If you're maybe a starter or something like that, may be a better gig. I guess it largely depends on the people you're working with, for and who your customer base is. I got the short end of the stick on two of the three. Made some life long friends there that I worked with but the company and the clientele were fecal matter. 

[CLEVELAND59]

Started working a local course during my summer before my freshman year of college and worked there through  college since I stayed local.  Started doing some rangering, then they found out I had some club building interest/experience, so they started me doing all the regrips and helping out the clubmaker they had there, and sort of graduated into the club room/pro shop.  It was decent money (all under the table) and free golf, so it was darned near perfect for a college kid.  The membership was really nice, and when i graduated they basically took a collection for a graduation gift that staked me to my start in the golf profession, moving across the state to start my PGA apprenticeship.  Although I eventually left the profession, it was a tremendous experience and I'm grateful to have experienced it.

[PJE]

I worked on a course during the summers when I was in high school; free golf. The people in the grill liked me, so free food too.  I liked all the kids who were my coworkers. So, it was great. 

Fast forward many years and here's the experience of two retired friends:

• One guy was on the greenskeeping crew. Free golf. Constant bitching from his friends about pin placements, mowing direction, etc, and in general continual advice from amateur greenskeeper friends. He's a good natured guy so it didn't bother him. 
• Another guy worked at a fairly exclusive country club; free golf on Mondays. I think he probably had the connections and money to join but he's a cheapskate. He ended up quitting after a couple of months. He didn't like the GM or some of the members. 

So, I think it's really dependent on your personality, the course, the clientle or members, and your boss. 

[Treats]

2 hours ago, BG5 said:

I am a school teacher that is looking for some part time work during the summer. 

Not all courses are managed the same and some of the customers and members at specific courses can be "challenging".

 

Drop by each course and talk to the staff to see whether they enjoy working at the course and feedback on the management of the course.

Then select the course with the best feedback, perks and the course you will enjoy golfing at.

 

It come without saying...even though it's a PT job....take your role/job seriously. You don't want to be "that guy"...the staff talk about.

"The lazy teacher who only works here PT to get free golf".

 

Treat the free golf as a priviledge and not a right.

 

If the work environment is good...you'll have a lot of fun working and enjoying the golf for the summer months.

Heck....some of the staff & regular guest/customers which you like, might even become future golf partners.

[mallrat]

You will get responses all over the board. I’m an Asst Super and love it. Last year was the first year I didn’t take advantage of the golf as much as possible. A few things to consider, how much do you want to interact with the public? Also, fwiw, golfers are morons and generally rude but most appreciate what we do. I almost always have a smile and wave (except for the guy that yelled at me because he didn’t like a pin location and my idiot mouth responded with “what was wrong with it” which he followed with “it’s in a 5h1tty location and it made me 5 putt” and my response “sounds like you need a putting lesson.”, yes I can be an idiot). 
 

I’ve worked with a couple teachers over the summers and they generally really enjoyed working course maintenance. 1 was on the crew for 10 years, came in 4 days a week, mowed greens and went home another came in 3 days a week and either filled tee or fairway divots for 4 hours and went home. Both got all the golf they could fit in. The divot guy always had a good audio book and just did his own thing, we never checked on him, just let him go. We asked if he wanted to learn more and he said nope, loved the mindless work. Used his summer $ to pay for a nice vacation every year. Both were out the door by 10 am at the latest every day they worked. 
 

There are a lot of opportunities and courses are REALLY struggling to staff, think about what you want to do. 

[BG5]

I apprecaite all the responses so far and have started to contact the courses and have had alot of people to want to set up interviews.  I am a hard worker to takes any job seriously so I am confident I will be a great addition to any course.  I just had the one of the best courses in the state reach out to me (after I put in my resume) and they seem pretty excited to have a guy who can work part time.  They have a couple of different job options they want to talk to me about and we are planning to meet in person farily soon.  I will report back with what they offer and the golf perks as well.

 

 

[Abh159]

14 hours ago, Treats said:

Treat the free golf as a priviledge and not a right.

 

I think this ^^^ is probably the most meaningful thing said so far. If you are offered free golf, don't abuse it.

 

Take the times given to you and don't demand a "better" tee time, don't bring out your buddies all the time, don't work 2 days a week and show up the other 5 expecting to play, and so on...

[BG5]

44 minutes ago, Abh159 said:

 

I think this ^^^ is probably the most meaningful thing said so far. If you are offered free golf, don't abuse it.

 

Take the times given to you and don't demand a "better" tee time, don't bring out your buddies all the time, don't work 2 days a week and show up the other 5 expecting to play, and so on...

 

I could not agree more with you and I will be up front and honest with them in the interview process to make sure we both understand what golf perks are offered and what their expectations are to make sure its the right fit.

 

Im gonna assume that my pay is gonna be very low making $10-$15 an hour.  I am an extremely prof individual who looks the part and knows how to provide guests with the service they deserve.  I think its fair to say that most upper tier golf facilities would do anything to find prof people who are willing to work for peanuts.  I also think its reasonable on my end to expect some golf perks when you consider the low pay and what they are getting from me.

 

The good news is as I talk to guys who work at places like Bandon Dunes, Forest Dunes, Streamson, Sand Valley and other top tier resorts and courses they all are in need of prof workers and all of the places I have mentioned have no problem offering free golf as its part of the game.  

 

I totally understand that it wont be at the best times etc and not to overuse the perk as well.  Seems like a win win for both parties and I will be happy to report how the interview goes and the discussion we have about this.  As now at least in my area when I have sent in my resume I have people replying quickly to get me into their course for an interview.  Most jobs in the service industry need workers more than ever

[Double Mocha Man]

26 minutes ago, BG5 said:

 

I could not agree more with you and I will be up front and honest with them in the interview process to make sure we both understand what golf perks are offered and what their expectations are to make sure its the right fit.

 

Im gonna assume that my pay is gonna be very low making $10-$15 an hour.  I am an extremely prof individual who looks the part and knows how to provide guests with the service they deserve.  I think its fair to say that most upper tier golf facilities would do anything to find prof people who are willing to work for peanuts.  I also think its reasonable on my end to expect some golf perks when you consider the low pay and what they are getting from me.

 

The good news is as I talk to guys who work at places like Bandon Dunes, Forest Dunes, Streamson, Sand Valley and other top tier resorts and courses they all are in need of prof workers and all of the places I have mentioned have no problem offering free golf as its part of the game.  

 

I totally understand that it wont be at the best times etc and not to overuse the perk as well.  Seems like a win win for both parties and I will be happy to report how the interview goes and the discussion we have about this.  As now at least in my area when I have sent in my resume I have people replying quickly to get me into their course for an interview.  Most jobs in the service industry need workers more than ever

 

It's funny how the nature of the labor force has changed. 20 years ago you would have been crawling and begging for a golf course job. Now you're in the golf cart seat.

[BG5]

22 minutes ago, Double Mocha Man said:

 

It's funny how the nature of the labor force has changed. 20 years ago you would have been crawling and begging for a golf course job. Now you're in the golf cart seat.

 

I have two public courses ranked by most in the top 10 or at least top 20 in Michigan public courses that both want to talk to me next week.  It will be interesting to see how this goes.  One thing I will say....if you are willing to work and have a good work ethic places will do anything to hire good employees.  You are correct....things have changed form 20 years ago and its almost in every sector

 

I have always thought it would be fun to work part time in retirement at a golf course to keep life interesting....if this pans out it will be a good test run to see if I actually want to do this

Edited March 2, 2023 by BG5

[SnowbirdTom]

Honestly?  In my recent experience, courses are hiring warm bodies just to staff to bare minimums.  I’ve been a volunteer starter/marshal at a county course for three years now and watch the churn annually, monthly and sometimes daily. We haven’t had a cart person for two years now!  Our food service is shut down and beer is sold thru the pro shop because no staff.  We have a fairly full tee sheet every day and huge league play.
 

I work a couple days a week and play the first tee time of the morning 2-3 times a week because its always open.  We have a group of four of us that work and play together.

[Scootre]

Having a desk job for the better part of the last 15 years there are parts of working at a golf course that I miss.

Then I remember I get every weekend off and have money left over after expenses. 

I could see myself getting back into it if I'm able to retire early and money is not a concern though. 

[Wham49]

my dad works at our local club a few hours a week in retirement, gets paid to check people in and gets free golf and preferred tee times

 

he couldnt be happier

[cristphoto]

After I retired I worked in a pro shop part time for two years. Very enjoyable. Free golf, free fountain sodas and clubs, clothing at 10% over cost. Most of the public was enjoyable to deal with but occasionally I’d have to deal with “others”. No big deal. It could get hectic at times but during the winter it was much quieter. When I worked I couldn’t bring guests but I could bring my wife. Hard to believe courses are having trouble filling these positions. 

[golfortennis]

21 hours ago, IndyArcher said:

It gives me reason to second-guess the old adage, "Find a job where you do something you love and you'll never work another day in your life." Sometimes working at what we love leaves us looking for another romance. 

 

The older I get, the more I consider that BS to get people to take less money working a job you think you love.  And I'm not so sure it's that old.  We had the same BS when I was in school (Sports Management) "be willing to take an unpaid internship cause the experience will be so worthwhile."  

 

I think if you looked at the salary and/or net worth of the people pushing that crap you quoted you'd find the reason they love it is cause either they are getting paid a boatload of money to do that job, or they have enough that the pay doesn't matter and they can walk away from it tomorrow.   

 

It's called work for a reason.  There are going to be days, and there could be many, that you are going to hate your job.  Might as well get paid for it.

[Abh159]

7 minutes ago, golfortennis said:

 

The older I get, the more I consider that BS to get people to take less money working a job you think you love.  And I'm not so sure it's that old.  We had the same BS when I was in school (Sports Management) "be willing to take an unpaid internship cause the experience will be so worthwhile."  

 

I think if you looked at the salary and/or net worth of the people pushing that crap you quoted you'd find the reason they love it is cause either they are getting paid a boatload of money to do that job, or they have enough that the pay doesn't matter and they can walk away from it tomorrow.   

 

It's called work for a reason.  There are going to be days, and there could be many, that you are going to hate your job.  Might as well get paid for it.

 

Couldn't agree more 🤣

 

They should change the saying to "Find a job that pays well so you can retire early and do stuff you actually want to do."

[vallygolf]

Rock Stars eventually hate their jobs, even though they still love music.  I am squarely in the work hard at a job that pays you well and do what you want with your money in the free time.

[golfortennis]

22 minutes ago, vallygolf said:

Rock Stars eventually hate their jobs, even though they still love music.  I am squarely in the work hard at a job that pays you well and do what you want with your money in the free time.

 

I tell people, make your money and get out.  Especially in any kind of rat race job.  The employer cares about you only a little, but not so much that you'll be remembered 3 days after you're gone.

 

Then you can do what you want, and if it pays a little great, if not, well it didn't matter anyway.

[Treats]

20 hours ago, mallrat said:

Also, fwiw, golfers are morons and generally rude.....

????

Huh?

I'm an avid golfer who has played for over 5 decades.

I have played more than my fair share with many golfers to complete a 4some, etc.

I've played golf with a ton of great golfers...men, women....young & old.

IMO....I find most/majority of golfers are NOT morons NOR rude.

I think I've only joined up with 3 golfers I might not have cared for...but I only remember the worst one and not the other two.

[Treats]

6 hours ago, BG5 said:

 

I could not agree more with you and I will be up front and honest with them in the interview process to make sure we both understand what golf perks are offered and what their expectations are to make sure its the right fit.

 

....and courses they all are in need of prof workers and all of the places I have mentioned have no problem offering free golf as its part of the game.  

 

 

It's a no brainer for a course to hire you....a teacher who is used to working with the public and I believe the course will tap into your leadership skills to guide the younger staff and be looked upon as a role model.

You'll do fine meeting lots of customers, members??? and staff.

Have fun!

 

Seems like the course you'll likely choose will be a high end one.

Assuming you work for 3 months...and the green fee is $125.....and you golf 3 times a week...that's a (likely non-taxable benefit) $4500 benefit....or say $6500 of wages to earn $4500 after tax based on your approx marginal tax rate bracket....ya kinda gotta consider this into the minimum wage you'll receive.....yes....I'm a little too analytical.

 

ALL industries are struggling to find minimum wage worker...especially since Covid.

Many young kids don't want to work...never mind for minimum wage....the have been spoiled.

As a baby boomer myself, it our generation who have spoiled their kids and made many of them 'soft".

[vallygolf]

15 minutes ago, Treats said:

????

Huh?

I'm an avid golfer who has played for over 5 decades.

I have played more than my fair share with many golfers to complete a 4some, etc.

I've played golf with a ton of great golfers...men, women....young & old.

IMO....I find most/majority of golfers are NOT morons NOR rude.

I think I've only joined up with 3 golfers I might not have cared for...but I only remember the worst one and not the other two.

Yeah, I think the sentiment here is not that golfers are rude to each other, but often are quite entitled and for lack of understanding what golf employees do have a demeanor that is more rude than understanding for anything that isnt just so.  Ever heard a golfer complain about the tee sheet, or course conditions, the speed of the food at the turn, the managment of the club, the style of range balls, the range facing into the sun?  

Edited March 2, 2023 by vallygolf

[Treats]

27 minutes ago, vallygolf said:

Ever heard a golfer complain about the tee sheet, or course conditions, the speed of the food at the turn, the managment of the club, the style of range balls, the range facing into the sun?  

No, I've never heard these complaints.😁

[Double Mocha Man]

1 hour ago, Treats said:

...but I only remember the worst one and not the other two.

 

Oh, please tell us about the worst one.

[mallrat]

2 hours ago, Treats said:

????

Huh?

I'm an avid golfer who has played for over 5 decades.

I have played more than my fair share with many golfers to complete a 4some, etc.

I've played golf with a ton of great golfers...men, women....young & old.

IMO....I find most/majority of golfers are NOT morons NOR rude.

I think I've only joined up with 3 golfers I might not have cared for...but I only remember the worst one and not the other two.

When you see of 200 golfers a day the ones that stick out are the morons. The ones who run carts into trees or 150 poles, spit seeds or kick their spikes into the greens, drive on collections, have no problem hitting into people and so on. Go out one morning with the green keepers and go see how many ball marks are left, you will lose faith in golfers pretty quick. 
 

Honestly the vast majority I have been paired with have been great.