Course Manager
An outstanding opportunity to help lead one of Buckinghamshire's premier private members' golf clubs.
Harewood Downs Golf Club is seeking an ambitious, highly motivated and experienced Course Manager to lead the continued development and presentation of our renowned golf course.
Originally designed by five-time Open Champion John Henry Taylor and sympathetically updated by acclaimed golf course architect Tom Mackenzie in 2018, Harewood Downs is set within the beautiful Chiltern Hills and has earned an enviable reputation for providing exceptional year-round playing conditions. The Club is now entering an exciting new chapter, with significant investment committed to the long-term future of the golf course.
The Club has recently completed the construction of a new 21,000m³ water storage facility, representing one of the largest capital projects in its history. This landmark investment is the precursor to a full course irrigation replacement programme, scheduled for Autumn 2028, demonstrating the Board's long-term commitment to delivering one of the finest golfing experiences in the region.
This is a career-defining opportunity for an experienced Course Manager to lead a dedicated team, influence future investment and leave a lasting legacy at a thriving private members' club.
The Role
Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the maintenance, presentation and continual improvement of the golf course and practice facilities.
Working closely with the General Manager, Greens Committee and Board of Directors, you will:
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Lead the conditioning, presentation and agronomic performance of the golf course throughout the year
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Develop and implement a long-term agronomic and course development strategy
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Deliver consistent playing surfaces, with particular emphasis on the Club's USGA Specification Greens
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Lead the planning and delivery of major capital projects, including the forthcoming irrigation installation
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Manage departmental budgets, procurement and machinery replacement programmes
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Maintain, recruit, develop and inspire a highly motivated greenkeeping team
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Ensure the highest standards of health, safety and environmental management and compliance
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Communicate effectively with members, management and the Board regarding course conditions and planned works
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Promote sustainable turf management practices and continual improvement across all aspects of course maintenance
Essential Criteria
Applicants must be able to demonstrate:
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Previous experience as a Head Greenkeeper / Course Manager
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Proven experience maintaining USGA Specification Greens to a high standard
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HNC / Level 5 (or equivalent) in Greenkeeping or Sports Turf Management
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PA1, PA2 and PA6 spraying certificates
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CS30 and CS31 Chainsaw Certification (or equivalent)
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Strong knowledge of irrigation systems and water management
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Excellent understanding of modern agronomic practices
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Proven leadership, staff development and people management skills
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Experience managing budgets and departmental resources
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Excellent organisational, communication and planning skills
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A commitment to delivering exceptional standards of course presentation throughout the year
Desirable Criteria
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Experience leading significant course construction or infrastructure projects
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Knowledge of irrigation design, installation and refurbishment
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Experience with course management software and IT systems
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BIGGA membership and evidence of continued professional development
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Working towards, or committed to achieving, Master Greenkeeper accreditation
Why Harewood Downs?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive Club with a clear strategic vision and genuine commitment to investing in its future.
We offer:
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The opportunity to help lead one of Buckinghamshire's most respected private members' golf clubs
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A supportive Board and management team committed to continuous improvement
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Significant investment in course infrastructure, including the recently completed 21,000m³ storage facility and forthcoming full-course irrigation project
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The opportunity to play a leading role in one of the Club's largest ever capital investment programmes
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Competitive salary commensurate with experience
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Golf membership / playing privileges
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Uniform and PPE provided
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Support for BIGGA membership and ongoing professional development
How to Apply
Please submit:
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Your CV
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A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role, including a statement describing your approach to course conditioning, leadership and long-term course development
To Matt Mayfield, General Manager at Harewood Downs Golf Club: [email protected].
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 20th September 2026
