Golf Greenkeeper

Also known as:

Greenkeeper, Golf

Introduction

Golf greenkeepers ensure that the playing surface of a golf course and the surrounding grounds are kept in excellent condition.

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Work Activities

Golf greenkeepers do a range of tasks to make sure the course is maintained to the highest possible standard.

Each day they go around the course either by foot or in a small truck, doing a variety of jobs. They do some work using hand tools and other work using machinery. Throughout the day they may inform golfers of any problems that have arisen.

One of the first tasks a golf greenkeeper has is to switch and brush the turf to remove dew. They further care for the turf through scarification (raking of the ground) and aeration (loosening of the ground). Other tasks include top dressing, application of fertilisers, pest and weed control, mowing, and turf irrigation. Greenkeepers also rake the bunkers, cut holes and move tee-markers.

As well as operating machinery such as tractors and sit-on mowers, greenkeepers have to maintain this equipment. They also look after the surrounds of the club house, including trees and shrubs.

On some occasions, they may be involved in the construction of new greens, tees, bunkers or even a new golf course.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should be willing to work as part of a team. You will also be expected to work on your own initiative. Knowledge of botany is useful as you may have to identify plants and grasses, as well as care for trees and shrubs. You should feel comfortable with solving technical problems and dealing with complex machinery. You should not suffer from hay fever.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Golf greenkeepers earn in the range of £210 - £250 a week, rising to £290 - £340. Higher earners can make around £400 a week.

Golf greenkeepers work a basic 39-40 hour week. During the summer months, they may start work at 6:00am and finish at around 2:30pm. Weekend work may be required.

Employers are local council and private golf clubs in all parts of the UK. British trained golf greenkeepers are also in demand in Europe.

There are opportunities to rise to more responsible positions such as first assistant, head greenkeeper and course manager.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have skills and abilities gained in gardening or other outdoor work, either paid or unpaid.

Colleges will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual colleges.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

Myerscough College offers a Sports Turf Foundation Degree, by distance learning.

Elmwood College offers an HNC in Golf Course Management by distance learning.

The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) offers the Master Greenkeeper Certificate, by distance learning.

(BIGGA) offers its members a small number of higher education scholarships.

BIGGA also runs a Refund of Fees Scheme. BIGGA members can apply for an 80% refund of education and training fees up to a maximum of £350.

• 17% of people in occupations such as golf greenkeeping work part-time.
• 5% have flexible hours.
• 4% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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