Golf Course Maintenance Job Description
In the United States there are almost 30,000,000 golfers as of 2010, according to Golf Link. And internationally, even small countries like New Zealand boast half a million golfers, according to Golf Link New Zealand. Naturally, players want their course to be in the best shape possible. This is the responsibility of the golf course maintenance crew.
Other People Are Reading
-
Basics
-
Golf course maintenance is the care and improvement of the golf course itself, as well as the features around the course. The maintenance job includes care of the grass on the fairways, greens and roughs. It also includes keeping the bunkers in top shape. You will also have to maintain flowerbeds and shrubs not only on the course, but near the clubhouse as well. Trees must be trimmed and fallen branches removed. Wind can bring all sorts of debris onto the course, and this must be handled by the maintenance crew.
Working Conditions
-
Those who work in golf course maintenance will spend the majority of their time outside. In the early morning, the greens must be cut. During the days the fairways must be maintained, cut and improved. The rest of the course maintenance will also take place outdoors.
-
Considerations
-
Much of the work on a golf course is pure physical labor. Drainage ditches must be cleaned out with a shovel. While tractors may cut the grass, it is the maintenance person who must attach and unattach the equipment.
Golf course maintenance has some perks. Many courses allow the workers to play golf in the evening or on maintenance days after work is done. However, the heavy work means workers are prone to aches, pains and injuries.
Career Advancement
-
The title of the head of the maintenance department is the superintendent. This is the person who is in charge of the course maintenance, who has the course in tip-top shape for members, the public or even pros on the top courses. You can work your way up through the ranks by being a diligent worker. Universities such as Rutgers and trade schools such as the Golf Academy offer courses in golf course management. By studying management, you can get a foot in the door as a superintendent.
Jobs
-
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2008, there were about 1.5 million people in one way or another working in the field of golf course maintenance. A higher than normal rise in jobs is expected by the year 2018. Basic-level jobs had an average wage of about $12 per hour, rising to $17 with experience. A superintendent can expect an average salary of near $45,000 a year.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit golf course image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
