Golf Greenkeeper and Golf Course Management Apprenticeships (England)

Golf greenkeepers spend most of their time working outdoors. They work in all seasons and can work in a variety of settings. They may be employed on golf courses such as a links golf course along the coast, or they may work inland on a parkland, downland or a heathland course. All golf courses have an outdoor space environment which will support health and wellbeing.

Golf courses throughout the country can be members clubs, often run and owned by the members or committees.  Alternatively, they can be, private, public or municipal courses, owned and/or managed by individuals, companies or a local authority.

Golf clubs can range in size and stature, from championship courses and venues that host large tournaments through to smaller, local courses serving the local community.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to improve and maintain good quality playing surfaces and ensure the golf course offers a consistent challenge and an enjoyable experience for golfers.

Golf greenkeepers typically begin work early in the morning and are responsible for the overall preparation, maintenance and management of the golf course. The greenkeeping team will maintain the course 365 days a year and whilst golfers are at play and members of the public are on the golf course.

There are four key turfgrass areas on a golf course; greens, tees, fairways and areas of rough, each of which requires a different type of maintenance. Golf greenkeepers also manage habitats and areas of biodiversity found on golf courses.

On a day to day basis, they will prepare and maintain the golf course ready for play, to the highest possible standard. They will be responsible for marking out areas and setting out equipment as well as maintaining golf course hazards, in line with the Rules of Golf and the employer’s requirements.

The golf greenkeeper is responsible for looking after all aspects of turf management. This can involve a range of tasks such as preparing the ground by monitoring soil and plant health to establish turf and plants; renovating and repairing turf surfaces; carrying out appropriate maintenance regimes such as mowing, aeration and top dressing; controlling weeds, pests, diseases and disorders on the golf course, through to preparing, using and maintaining golf course equipment and machines.

The golf greenkeeper may be involved in the construction, renovation, maintenance and presentation of bunkers.

They will be able to maintain irrigation and drainage to the standards required to ensure appropriate soil conditions and playability.

They may be required to maintain lakes, ponds, ditches, waterways and other golf course hazards.

They may also be involved in environmental and ecological operations which may include planting turf, trees, shrubs and developing wildlife habitats.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. They might typically report to an advanced or head greenkeeper, golf course manager, general manager, golf course owner or a committee. On a daily basis, the greenkeeper will interact with visitors, golfers and colleagues in the greenkeeping team and golf club. They may be required to liaise with contractors, the general public, golfing bodies, suppliers and delivery personnel.

The daily maintenance of the golf course is carried out by the greenkeepers whilst golfers are at play.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the overall maintenance, care and appearance of the golf course. They are required to adopt sound ecological practices, adapt to seasonal conditions and meet the employer’s requirements and the Rules of Golf.

They are required to use and maintain a range of grounds maintenance machinery and equipment safely. They must adopt safe and sustainable working practices on the golf course by observing relevant environmental, health and safety regulations and legislations and adhering to the golf club’s policies and procedures.

They know when, how and why the range of maintenance operations are carried out at different times of the year to achieve optimum playability and player satisfaction.

The greenkeeper may work alone or as part of a team and in all weather conditions. They have the autonomy to carry out specific maintenance across a large area and will typically report to a line manager or a head greenkeeper.

See also British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association

Golf Greenkeeper and Golf Course Management Apprenticeships (England) website