Course Manager

Bolton Golf Club - Lancashire - Northern
Managerial - Greenkeeper 23 October 2026

Reports to: General Manager

Works closely with: Chairman of Greens and Greens Committee

Responsible for: Greenkeeping team, currently comprising three full-time and two part-time staff, although the staffing structure may change.
 
Purpose of the role
To lead the management, maintenance and continuing improvement of the golf course at Bolton Golf Club, ensuring it is presented to a consistently high standard throughout the year while operating within agreed staffing and financial resources.
 
The Course Manager will be a practical, hands-on leader with responsibility for the day-to-day management of the course and greenkeeping team, while also planning for the longer-term development of the course. Particular emphasis will be placed on the quality of the greens and playing surfaces, drainage and irrigation, efficient use of machinery and technology, and the overall presentation and playability of the course.
 
Key responsibilities
  • Lead, organise and motivate the greenkeeping team, setting daily and seasonal work programmes and ensuring appropriate standards of workmanship
  • Maintain and improve the greens, tees, approaches, fairways, bunkers, rough and other playing areas to a consistently high standard
  • Develop and implement appropriate agronomic programmes for greens and other playing surfaces, including aeration, top-dressing, nutrition, disease management and overseeding
  • Take particular responsibility for maintaining the quality and consistency of the greens throughout the main playing season
  • Plan and manage winter works and course-improvement projects, including drainage, tees, bunkers, paths, tree work and other infrastructure
  • Continue to improve the course’s drainage, particularly known wet areas, making effective use of both in-house resources and specialist contractors where appropriate
  • Manage the irrigation system and water resources, including the borehole, pumps and distribution system, and identify practical opportunities to improve irrigation coverage and efficiency
  • Make effective use of modern machinery and technology, including robotic mowers, and continually look for ways to improve productivity and make best use of available staffing
  • Ensure machinery is properly maintained, operated safely and replaced or upgraded in a planned and cost-effective manner
  • Manage trees, woodland, rough and vegetation to balance course presentation, playability, ecology and golfer safety
  • Take responsibility for course health and safety, including safe working practices, machinery operation, chemicals/COSHH, contractors and the interaction between golfers and greenkeeping staff
  • Ensure appropriate staff training and development, including machinery, spraying, chainsaw, excavator and other relevant qualifications
  • Manage the agreed course budget responsibly, obtaining quotations where appropriate and making recommendations for significant expenditure or capital investment
  • Maintain good relationships with suppliers, contractors and professional advisers and supervise external work undertaken on the course
  • Work closely with the General Manager, Chairman of Greens and Greens Committee, providing clear information on course conditions, priorities, expenditure and proposed improvements
  • Attend Greens Committee meetings when required and provide a concise Course Manager’s report and progress against agreed actions
  • Plan maintenance and major works around the golfing calendar, with particular attention to major competitions and important club events
  • Respond constructively to member feedback while making professional recommendations based on sound greenkeeping and agronomic principles
  • Keep abreast of developments in golf-course management, machinery, sustainability, legislation and best practice
The successful candidate
The successful candidate should be an experienced and knowledgeable greenkeeper capable of combining strong technical ability with effective people management. They should be comfortable working hands-on with the team while also taking responsibility for planning, budgets, staff development and longer-term course improvement.
 
They should demonstrate:
  • Significant greenkeeping experience, ideally including experience as a Course Manager, Deputy Course Manager or senior greenkeeper
  • Appropriate recognised greenkeeping qualifications
  • Strong knowledge of turf management and the preparation of high-quality golf greens
  • Good practical knowledge of drainage and irrigation
  • Experience of managing and developing staff
  • Good knowledge of modern golf-course machinery and an interest in new technology, including robotic mowing
  • Sound understanding of health and safety and relevant environmental responsibilities
  • Ability to plan and prioritise work within an agreed budget
  • Good organisational and communication skills
  • Ability to work constructively with the General Manager, Chairman of Greens, committees and club members
  • A practical and proactive approach, with the ability to identify problems and propose cost-effective solutions
  • Pride in course presentation and a commitment to continually improving the golfing experience at Bolton Golf Club
Overall expectation
Bolton Golf Club regards the golf course as its principal asset. The Course Manager will therefore be expected not simply to maintain the course, but to take ownership of its presentation and continuing development, making the best possible use of the people, machinery and financial resources available.
 
The aim is to provide a course that is well presented, enjoyable and challenging to play, performs as well as reasonably possible throughout the year, and continues to improve over the longer term.
 
Employee Benefits
  • Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
  • Subsidised food and drink on shift
  • Courtesy of the course
How to apply
Please send your CV to Mel Brooke at [email protected].

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