Description:

COURSE MANAGER VACANCY – THE COUNTY SLIGO GOLF CLUB

The Opportunity

County Sligo Golf Club, one of Ireland’s most iconic championship links courses, is inviting applications for the position of Course Manager.

This is a prestigious leadership role at one of the country’s most historic golf clubs, home to the renowned West of Ireland Championship, offering an exceptional opportunity to manage and enhance a course consistently ranked among Ireland’s finest.

The successful candidate will lead the presentation, maintenance, and long-term development of the golf course and practice facilities, ensuring that all areas are maintained to the highest standards of championship links conditioning while adhering to best practice in sustainable turf management and Irish environmental regulations. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build their own management team, with the first task being recruiting a Deputy Course Manager.

ABOUT COUNTY SLIGO GOLF CLUB

Established in 1894, County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point is a world-class links venue set along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Designed by Harry Colt, the championship course,  along with a 9-hole course and extensive practice facilities, offers dramatic coastal views, strategic design, and exceptional playing surfaces that have tested generations of golfers.

The Club has a proud tradition of hosting major events including the West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship, R&A championships, and Golf Ireland competitions. It remains committed to environmental stewardship and excellence in turf management to ensure the continued legacy of this historic course.

The championship course is currently undergoing a course improvements programme led by renowned golf course architect, Martin Ebert of Mackenzie and Ebert.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the General Manager, the Course Manager will oversee all aspects of course management, agronomy, and staff leadership.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the highest levels of presentation, playability, and environmental sustainability across all golf course and practice facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Course Maintenance & Presentation

- Plan, implement, and monitor agronomic programmes for the championship 18-hole course, 9-hole Bomore course, and practice areas, ensuring consistent high-quality playing surfaces year-round.
- Apply expert knowledge of links turf species, including fine fescue and browntop bentgrass, to optimise performance, playability, and resilience.
- Maintain naturalised roughs and environmentally sensitive areas in accordance with GEO and Golf Ireland environmental guidelines.
- Deliver consistently high presentation standards that reflect the Club’s championship reputation.

Team Leadership & Development

- Lead, motivate, and develop a skilled greenkeeping team, embedding a culture of excellence, teamwork, and continuous professional development.
- Implement staff training and appraisal programmes to ensure compliance with Irish labour law and alignment with Club standards.
- Encourage staff participation in ATPI and ILI initiatives.

Compliance & Sustainability

- Ensure full compliance with Irish Health & Safety Authority (HSA) regulations and best practice in risk assessment, equipment operation, and chemical handling.
- Oversee the Club’s Pesticide Management Plan in line with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) regulations.
- Ensure all pesticide use and storage complies with Irish legislation, only authorised products to be used by certified operators.
- Maintain accurate spray and fertiliser records, risk assessments.
- Champion sustainable practices in water management, biodiversity, waste reduction, and carbon efficiency.

Equipment & Facilities

- Manage the maintenance and replacement of turf machinery, irrigation systems, and workshop facilities.
- Oversee the care of all on-course structures including greens sheds, starter huts, signage, and on-course toilets.

Communication & Stakeholder Relations

- Maintain regular communication with members and committees regarding course condition and upcoming works, via updates, newsletters, or social media.
- Liaise with the agronomist, architect, and contractor to deliver ongoing improvement projects and ensure best practice standards.
- Act as a key representative for the Club in preparing for golf championships, working collaboratively with governing bodies and championship organisers.

Financial Management

- Prepare and manage the annual course maintenance budget, ensuring effective cost control and resource allocation.
- Report on budget performance monthly and maintain transparent records in line with Club financial procedures.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Experience & Skills

- Minimum 5 years’ experience in golf course management, with strong experience in links or coastal environments preferred.
- Proven leadership and team management ability.
- Expert understanding of turf science, soil management, and sustainable links maintenance practices.
- Competence in budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a collaborative, professional approach.
- Strong technical knowledge of irrigation, drainage, and turf machinery systems.
- Familiarity with GEO environmental certification and Irish golf environmental standards desirable.

Education & Certifications

- National Diploma, Degree, or equivalent qualification in Turfgrass / Sports Turf Management (FETAC Level 6 or higher preferred).
- DAFM recognised Pesticide Application certification - PA1, PA2a, and PA6.
- Valid First Aid, Manual Handling, and Safe Pass certificates desirable.
- Full clean Irish or EU driving licence required.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

- Passion for golf, the game’s traditions, and course presentation.
- Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and problem solving skills.
- Positive, proactive leadership style, able to motivate and inspire others.
- Commitment to professional development, innovation, and sustainability.
- Diplomacy and composure in member and committee relations.

REMUNERATION & BENEFITS

- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Pension contribution and support for professional memberships (ATPI, ILI, BIGGA).
- Continuing education and conference attendance support.
- Full golf club membership and use of facilities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit your CV and cover letter clearly outlining your suitability for the position and your vision for maintaining and advancing the course’s championship standards.

Applications should be submitted by email to:

Rachel Chiverton at Turfgrass® at rachel@turfgrass.golf

Application Deadline: Friday, 14th November 2025