Golf Jobs Glossary
Welcome to our comprehensive glossary of jobs within the dynamic world of the golf industry. From the maintenance of fairways to the strategic management of club operations, the golf industry encompasses a diverse array of roles, each vital to the thriving ecosystem of the game. This glossary aims to shed light on the varied careers that contribute to the cultivation, promotion, and enjoyment of golf.
Within this glossary, you will find an extensive compilation of roles ranging from the traditional greenskeeper to the innovative drone pilot, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the golf industry in today's modern landscape. Whether you are a seasoned golf enthusiast, a budding professional seeking career opportunities, or simply curious about the inner workings of golf clubs and courses, this glossary serves as a valuable resource to explore the jobs that shape the world of golf.
A
Agent: A golf agent represents professional golfers, negotiating contracts, endorsements, and sponsorship deals to advance their clients' careers and maximize their earning potential. They cultivate relationships with brands, tournament organisers, and media outlets to secure opportunities and exposure for their clients.
Apparel Designer: A golf apparel designer designs golf clothing and accessories, including shirts, hats, and gloves, blending style, comfort, and performance.
Assistant Golf Professional (see also PGA Trainee, Trainee Professional): An assistant gold professional assists with golf retailing and merchandising. Delivers golf lessons and custom fitting services. Assists with the smooth running of golf competitions and ensuring relevant admin duties are completed following competitions.
Assistant Greenkeeper (see also Greenkeeper): An assistant greenkeeper assists the greenkeeping team in preparing and setting up the golf course. Cutting and maintenance of playing surfaces. Operating and carrying out basic maintenance on machinery, in line with Health & Safety. Setting up the golf course for daily play and major tournaments and events.
B
Ball Engineer: A golf ball engineer designs and tests golf balls to achieve optimal flight characteristics, spin rates, and durability, utilising materials science, and aerodynamics principles.
Blogger (see also Influencer): A golf blogger writes blogs, articles, or produces content on social media platforms about golf-related topics, sharing opinions, tips, and experiences with followers.
Broadcaster (see also Commentator): A golf broadcaster provides live or recorded commentary during golf tournaments, offering analysis, insights, and play-by-play coverage of the action on the course.
C
Caddy: A golf caddy provides essential on-course support to golfers, offering strategic advice, carrying clubs, and maintaining equipment to enhance the player's experience. They possess in-depth knowledge of the course layout, yardages, and local conditions, assisting golfers in making informed decisions during their rounds.
Club Designer: A golf club designer designs and engineers golf clubs, including drivers, irons, wedges, and putters, to optimise performance, feel, and aesthetics.
Club Fitter: A golf club fitter specialises in custom-fitting golf clubs to individual players, analysing swing characteristics and physical attributes to recommend the ideal equipment specifications.
Club Professional: A golf club professional oversees the operations of the golf shop, providing excellent customer service and potentially managing staff. Offers golf instruction to players of all levels and organises events and tournaments. Serves as a leader and ambassador within the club community, embodying professionalism, and a passion for the game.
Club Manufacturer: A golf club manufacturer works for companies that produce golf clubs, overseeing manufacturing processes, quality control, and product development.
Commentator (see also Broadcaster): A golf commentator provides live or recorded commentary during golf tournaments, offering analysis, insights, and play-by-play coverage of the action on the course.
Course Architect: A golf course architect designs new golf courses or redesigns existing ones, considering factors such as terrain, aesthetics, and playability.
Course Marshal: A golf course marshal monitors pace of play, enforcing course rules and etiquette, and assists players as needed to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.
D
Digital Content Creator: A golf digital content creator creates multimedia content for websites, social media platforms, and mobile apps, including articles, videos, podcasts, and interactive features.
Digital Merchandiser: A golf digital merchandiser enhances the online golf shopping experience and driving digital sales. Analysing customer behaviour and undertaking SEO page optimisation.
Director of Golf: A director of golf is responsible for the growth and retention of members and visitors through the provision of quality golf services. Including front of house, food and beverage, a high-quality retail offering, club fitting services and coaching. Marketing and promotion of the club to meet the revenue targets. Competition and handicap management and management of all practice facilities.
Driving Range Assistant: A golf driving range assistant undertakes golf range operational duties, including retail, taking bookings, and delivering exceptional service. Maintaining range cleanliness, keeping ball levels to a maximum and ensuring all area are well presented. Promoting custom fitting and golf tuition to maximise bookings and revenue.
Driving Range Manager: A golf driving range manager undertakes all duties relating to the maintenance, preparation, and effective running of the driving range. Responsible for the achievement of budgets related to range, food, and beverage revenues. Ensure safe and effective use of all range equipment.
E
Editor: A golf editor edits written, or multimedia content related to golf, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial standards for publication or broadcast.
F
Fitness Instructor: A golf fitness instructor offers fitness programmes and training tailored to golfers to improve strength, flexibility, and performance.
Food & Beverage Manager: A golf food and beverage manager manages food and beverage services at the golf club, including restaurant operations, catering events, and bar service.
G
General Manager: A golf general manager oversees all aspects of operations, including administration, finance, and hospitality. Develops strategic plans, manage budgets, and ensure the club's facilities and services meet the highest standards.
Golf Cart Engineer: A golf cart engineer designs and engineers golf carts, focusing on safety, performance, and sustainability. Conduct testing and research to improve efficiency, durability, and environmental impact in golf cart design and manufacturing.
Golf Coach: A golf coach provides expert instruction and guidance to golfers of all skill levels, helping them improve their swing mechanics, course strategy, and mental approach to the game. They tailor their coaching methods to the individual needs and goals of each player, utilising video analysis, drills, and on-course practice sessions to facilitate improvement.
Golf Course Labourer: A golf course labourer ensures that the golf course is well-kept throughout the golfing season. Undertaking regular strimming and cutting duties on a regular basis: operating the relevant machinery in line with Health and Safety standards. Ensuring fantastic customer service when in contact with guests.
Greenkeeper (also see Assistant Greenkeeper): A greenkeeper is responsible for maintaining the golf course, including mowing greens, fairways, and roughs, as well as managing irrigation systems and applying fertilisers and pesticides. Ensure health safety and company standards procedures are always adhered to. Repairing and maintaining the machinery, tools equipment.
H
Head Professional (also see PGA Professional, Club Professional): A head professional oversees the operations of the golf shop, providing excellent customer service and managing a team of staff. Offers golf instruction to players of all levels and organises events and tournaments. Serve as a leader and ambassador within the club community, embodying professionalism, and a passion for the game.
I
Influencer (see also Blogger): A golf influencer produces content on social media platforms about golf-related topics, sharing opinions, tips, and experiences with followers.
J
Journalist: A golf journalist covers golf news, events, and stories for print, online, or broadcast media outlets, conducting interviews, writing articles, and producing multimedia content.
K
L
M
Machinery Technician: A golf machinery technician conducts basic maintenance of golf & turf machinery. Attending on-site repairs and breakdowns.
Marketing Executive: A golf marketing executive creates and edits marketing content. Building and dispatching email newsletters and updating website. Driving participation in marketing campaigns and monitoring and reporting on marketing activities.
Merchandiser: A golf merchandiser is responsible for curating and managing the inventory of golf-related products in the pro shop. Stay abreast of industry trends, negotiate with suppliers, and implement strategic pricing and display strategies to maximise sales and profitability.
Membership Director: A golf membership director manages membership programmes, recruitment, retention, and member services at a golf club.
N
Nutritionist: A golf nutritionist advises golfers on optimal dietary choices and hydration strategies to support performance and recovery.
O
Operations Assistant: A golf operations assistant acts as the first point of contact for visitors and club members. Managing tee-time bookings, retail purchases and assisting shoppers, merchandising the store and on course service/ refreshments for golfers. Maintaining the standards of the practice facility, acting as a starter or a course marshal and ensuring the safety of equipment.
Operations Manager: A golf operations manager oversees the day-to-day activities of a golf facility, including tee time management, player services, and course maintenance coordination. They ensure smooth operations by scheduling staff, managing budgets, and implementing policies to uphold course etiquette and safety standards. Liaise with vendors, coordinate tournaments and events, and strive to enhance the overall experience for golfers and guests.
P
Performance Manager: A golf performance manager looks after players, coaches, and support staff at an amateur elite level of golf. Support with the performance development of male amateur players through coaching and competitive opportunities, whilst also promoting education, enjoyment, and player welfare, within a high-performance culture.
PGA Professional (also see Golf Professional, Head Professional, Teaching Professional, Club Professional): A PGA Professional provides exceptional service across coaching, custom fitting, retail sales, equipment repairs, customer service and marketing and business administration.
PGA Trainee (also see Trainee Professional): A PGA Trainee provides exceptional customer service. Learn and apply effective club fitting and repairs techniques. Take bookings and contribute to the organisation and execution of golf events and tournaments. Maximise sales and revenues at the pro shop. General admin tasks, including answering the phone and assisting with stock control.
Photographer: A golf photographer Captures images of golf courses, events, and players for marketing, promotional materials, and publications.
Physiotherapist: A golf physiotherapist offers rehabilitation services and injury prevention programs to golfers recovering from injuries or seeking to improve mobility.
Podcast Host: A golf podcast host produces podcasts focused on golf topics, featuring interviews, discussions, and analysis with players, experts, and enthusiasts.
Q
R
Retail Assistant (see also Retail Manager): A golf retail assistant acts as a trusted expert, guiding golfers toward the right products and helping them achieve their golfing goals. Delivering exceptional customer service, and consistently exceeding sales targets and KPIs.
Retail Manager: A golf retail manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a golf retail store, including inventory management, sales, and customer service. They curate a diverse selection of golf equipment, apparel, and accessories to meet the needs and preferences of golfers. They train and supervise staff, implement marketing strategies, and ensure the store maintains a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
S
Social Media Manager: A golf social media manager manages a club or brands social media accounts, engaging with followers, sharing updates, and promoting activities.
Sports Psychologist: A golf sports psychologist provides mental skills training and counselling to help golfers manage performance anxiety and enhance focus.
T
Teaching Professional: A golf teaching professional specialises in providing golf instruction to players of all skill levels, focusing on improving swing mechanics, short game techniques, and course management strategies. Tailored coaching methods to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each individual, utilising video analysis, drills, and on-course instruction to facilitate improvement.
Tournament Administrator: A golf tournament administrator is responsible for event administration and day-to-day set up of golf tournaments. Coordinating the dispatch of incoming and outgoing correspondence for the department, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of entries/reconciliation of fees and the administration of Tournament Regulations.
Tournament Director: A golf tournament director organises and oversees golf tournaments, managing registrations, scheduling, scoring, and prise distribution.
Travel Coordinator: A golf travel coordinator manages booking and ensures smooth communication with clients. Manage booking administration tasks such as collecting client payments, confirming bookings, gathering travel information, and creating rooming lists. Meeting and greeting clients at arrival airport or at golf course/hotel during their trip.
U
V
Videographer: A golf videographer captures footage of golf tournaments, players, and courses for media outlets, sponsors, and promotional materials.