Description:

Job Title: Course Manager

Location: Ormskirk Golf Club, Lancashire

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Reports to: Club Secretary / Green Committee

About Ormskirk Golf Club

Founded in 1899, Ormskirk Golf Club is one of Lancashire’s premier members’ clubs. Originally a heathland layout, the course has evolved into a distinctive hybrid of heathland and tree-lined parkland, offering year-round playability and a strategic challenge that continues to attract acclaim. Widely regarded as one of the most challenging par 70 courses in the region, Ormskirk has climbed into the UK’s Top 200 golf courses list thanks to a decade of continuous improvement.

The Club has a proud history, having hosted Open Championship Qualifiers, the Carris Trophy, and a range of prestigious county and national events. With The Open returning to Royal Birkdale in 2026, Ormskirk is entering an exciting phase of development aimed at re-establishing its place in the Open Qualifying conversation. This includes ongoing work to reintroduce strategically placed heather and heathland tributes, alongside a forward-looking plan to enhance practice facilities and extend the Championship course to a formidable par 70 layout.

We now seek an experienced, passionate, and forward-thinking Course Manager to lead our greenkeeping team through this next chapter.

In recent years, the Club has demonstrated a clear commitment to both course excellence and the professional development of our team. We’ve delivered significant enhancements including a brand-new greenkeeping facility, investment in state-of-the-art blade sharpening units from Bernhard’s, and the installation of a new vehicle lift to support improved machinery maintenance and longevity. These upgrades, combined with several ongoing course improvement projects, reflect our continued ambition to elevate every aspect of Ormskirk Golf Club. We are proud to have backed our outgoing Course Manager through these developments, and we look forward to supporting the next leader who will help take our course and team to even greater heights.

The Role
 
The successful candidate will be responsible for the presentation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the golf course and practice facilities, while managing and motivating a skilled team of greenkeepers.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a blend of technical knowledge, practical ability, and strong people management skills. The Course Manager will work closely with the Green Committee and Secretary Manager to deliver the Club’s long-term vision for excellence in course conditioning and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

- Plan, coordinate, and oversee all golf course maintenance and renovation activities
- Lead, train, and develop the greenkeeping team to the highest professional standards
- Manage course presentation, ensuring consistently high-quality playing surfaces throughout the year
- Prepare and manage annual budgets for staffing, materials, and machinery
- Develop and implement sustainable turf management and environmental practices
- Liaise regularly with the Green Committee and report on course performance and development
- Maintain compliance with all Health & Safety, COSHH, and machinery regulations
- Oversee procurement and maintenance of greenkeeping equipment
- Plan for adverse weather conditions, tournaments, and special events

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

- Minimum Level 3 NVQ / Diploma in Sports Turf Management (or equivalent)
- Proven experience as a Course Manager, Head Greenkeeper, or Deputy Course Manager at a high-quality members’ club or championship venue
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills
- Demonstrable knowledge of modern turf management practices, irrigation systems, and machinery operation
- Competence in budgeting, planning, and staff supervision
- Full UK driving licence and PA1, PA2, and PA6 spraying certificates

Desirable:

- Level 4 qualification in turfgrass management or higher education equivalent
- Experience managing capital projects (e.g. bunker renovation, drainage, irrigation upgrades)
- IT literacy, including course management software and budgeting tools
- Understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and sustainable maintenance techniques
- Membership of BIGGA and evidence of ongoing professional development

Personal Attributes:

- Passionate about delivering excellence in course presentation
- Approachable, motivational, and team focused
- Organised, methodical, and forward-thinking
- Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing conditions
- Professional communicator with members and committees

What We Offer:

- Competitive salary and pension
- Support for ongoing training and professional development
- Opportunity to lead course preparations ahead of significant regional events
- A respected, stable, and supportive working environment

How to Apply: Please send a covering letter and CV outlining your experience and achievements to: Director / Green Chair

Email: mail@ormskirkgolfclub.com

Closing Date: Monday 8th December 2025