Summary:

Calgary’s golf industry offers a range of career opportunities, from teaching professionals and general managers to golf shop staff, event coordinators, club fitters, greens crews, and junior coaches. Each role requires its own mix of skills, such as communication, leadership, technical knowledge, or turf management. Average pay varies widely, while many positions also provide perks like playing privileges and equipment discounts.

Calgary has a thriving golf community, and behind every well-run club or manicured course is a team of dedicated professionals. If you want a way to turn your passion for the game into a career, the golf industry in this city offers a wide range of opportunities. But each one requires its own skills, training, and personality.

Running a club like The Winston takes all kinds of talent, and we’ve cultivated one of the best teams in the city by knowing exactly what skills matter most for every role. Below, we show you some of the most popular golf jobs in Calgary, along with the core competencies needed for each one and what you can expect in terms of pay and benefits. Keep reading and prepare to take the next step towards making golf your livelihood.

CPGA Professional: Turning Players Into Better Golfers

Golf professionals are at the heart of player development. They work with all kinds of players who are serious about improving their game, from beginners learning the basics to competitive golfers refining their skills.

Beyond personal playing abilities, PGA of Canada professionals must be able to inspire confidence and make lessons enjoyable. This requires strong social instincts as well as a deep understanding of the game.

Additionally, golf professionals are the ones at most clubs who perform club fitting duties for members. This involves using technology like launch monitors to analyze each member’s swing and recommend appropriate equipment to support their game. It requires encyclopedic knowledge of golf clubs as well as the game itself.

Learn More about Club Fitting Here: The Dos & Don’ts of Buying Used Golf Clubs in Calgary

Core Skills Required

• Strong Playing Ability: Students look for credibility. A high level of personal skill helps establish trust.

• Clear Communication: Golf professionals must be able to explain complex swing mechanics in simple, actionable terms.

• Patience: Getting better at golf takes time. Professionals must encourage steady progress without discouraging students.

• Adaptability: Every student learns differently, so professionals must be flexible enough to tailor their approach for different learning styles.

Read More about Becoming a Golf Professional: How to Join the PGA of Canada: A Guide for Aspiring Pros

General Manager: Keeping the Club Running Smoothly

General managers oversee the entire operation of a golf facility. They’re responsible for everything from member satisfaction and staffing to budgeting and long-term planning.

A good manager makes sure the club runs efficiently while creating an environment where both members and employees feel valued.

Core Skills Required

• Leadership: Managers must coordinate and guide staff across multiple departments.

• Financial Skills: Strong budgeting and operational skills keep the club profitable and efficient.

• Customer Service: Managers must often deal directly with members to ensure positive experiences.

• Problem-Solving: Unforeseen challenges like weather delays and staff shortages require quick, confident decisions to keep operations running smoothly for guests.

Golf Shop Attendants: The First Line of Member Service

Golf shop staff are often the first people golfers interact with when they arrive at the course. They manage bookings, sell equipment and apparel, and provide advice to players. It’s a role that combines customer service with retail know-how and specific product knowledge related to golf.

Core Skills Required

• Sales Knowledge: Staff should be comfortable recommending apparel, and accessories (although club fittings and recommendations are still carried out by golf professionals.

• Attention to Detail: Managing tee sheets and processing transactions requires accuracy.

• Interpersonal Skills: A warm, approachable manner helps create a welcoming atmosphere.

• Golf Familiarity: Understanding the game allows staff to provide useful, informed advice.

Golf Backshop Staff: Silent But Essential Support

A lot of the work that happens on a golf course during a typical day isn’t obvious to members because it’s happening in the background. The people who do jobs like maintaining golf carts, managing the driving range, handling bag drop services, or washing balls are part of the Backshop staff. Backshop positions typically have titles like Back Shop Attendant or Golf Services Attendant.

Core Skills Required

• Time Management: Staff need to keep up with cart demand, ball washing schedules, and range maintenance.

• Reliability: These roles are often early-morning starts and require consistency and punctuality.

• Teamwork: Backshop staff support one another and coordinate with pro shop and turf teams.

• Situational Awareness: Staff must stay alert and organized to handle peak times and ensure smooth operations.

• Physical Fitness: Lifting bags, pushing carts, and being on your feet for hours requires stamina.

Event Coordinator: Planning Tournaments and Special Events

From charity tournaments to weddings and corporate outings, event coordinators bring the club’s biggest occasions to life. They handle logistics, manage vendors, and ensure every detail is accounted for so guests enjoy a seamless experience.

In some clubs, this job is bundled in with the manager’s responsibilities. Other clubs have their own event coordinators or hospitality managers.

Core Skills Required

• Organization: Coordinators juggle many moving parts, often under tight timelines.

• Communication: Serving as the link between clients, staff, and vendors requires clarity.

• Creativity: Memorable events rely on fresh ideas and engaging experiences.

• Calm Under Pressure: Last-minute changes happen often, and coordinators must adapt smoothly.

Greens Crew: Maintaining the Course Experience

Greenskeepers and grounds staff are responsible for the playability and beauty of the course. Their work ensures golfers enjoy consistent conditions and memorable rounds, from smooth greens to well-kept fairways and bunkers.

Core Skills Required

• Physical Endurance: Early mornings and physical labor demand stamina and reliability.

• Turf Knowledge: Understanding grasses, soils, and seasonal care practices is essential.

• Equipment Operation: Crew members use specialized mowers and irrigation systems daily.

• Teamwork: Maintenance is collaborative, requiring coordination and consistency.

Junior Program Coach: Inspiring the Next Generation

CPGA Coaches still need to be certified by the PGA of Canada, so they are typically PGA professionals (see above). Just like pros who teach adults, they must balance instruction with encouragement so that their students can build skills while learning to love the game. But working with younger players often requires different considerations and a unique approach.

Core Skills Required

• Patience: Young golfers progress at different speeds and need steady encouragement.

• Instructional Skill: Coaches must break down fundamentals into engaging, age-appropriate lessons.

• Safety Awareness: Ensuring a safe environment helps kids focus on learning and enjoyment.

• Motivation: Inspiring enthusiasm for golf encourages long-term participation.

Read More: Kids Golf Lessons in Calgary: What to Know Before They Start

Common Benefits of Working at a Golf Club

Whether you’re starting your career in golf or switching from a different industry, working at a golf club comes with more than just a paycheck. Many positions offer additional perks that make them especially appealing to those who love the game or want a vibrant seasonal job.

Here are some of the most common benefits:

• Special Tee Times or Discounted Golf: Most clubs offer staff tee times or discounted play privileges.

• Staff Meals: Employees often receive meal discounts or free lunches during shifts.

• Flexible Scheduling: Ideal for students, retirees, or those balancing other commitments.

• Outdoor Work Environment: Many roles let you spend your workday outside, especially on the greens crew or backshop team.

• Networking Opportunities: Meet business professionals, coaches, and community leaders who are members of the club.

• Seasonal Employment: Perfect for those looking to supplement income during the spring and summer months.

• Employee Discounts: Savings on merchandise, apparel, and sometimes lessons or club fittings.

See Also: 10 Hidden Benefits of Buying a Golf Membership in Calgary

Explore Golf Career Opportunities at The Winston Golf Club

Golf clubs and courses rely on many different people to create a memorable experience for guests. From teaching pros to managers, groundskeeping crews, and more, each role fulfills an essential function while providing opportunities to stay connected to the sport and the community around it.

At The Winston Golf Club, we’re proud to offer opportunities for people who want to build a career in Calgary’s golf industry. If you want to make golf an even bigger part of your life, we invite you to explore the open positions on our website and get in touch with us if you see one that interests you.