Head Greenkeeper

Job Title: Head Greenkeeper

Reports To: Greens Director / Club Manager

Location: Silkstone Golf Club, United Kingdom

Job Purpose:

To manage and maintain the golf course and associated areas to the highest possible standards of presentation and playability. The Head Greenkeeper leads the greenkeeping team, plans and implements maintenance schedules, and ensures all work complies with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Reporting to the Club Manager and Director of Greens the successful candidates key responsibilities are:

Course Maintenance & Presentation

• Plan, coordinate, and carry out all turf maintenance operations including mowing, aeration, topdressing, fertilising, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Ensure the course is presented to championship standards at all times, considering seasonal variations and play requirements.
• Maintain bunkers, tees, greens, fairways, and rough areas in line with club and tournament standards. using both modern and traditional greenkeeping practices.
• Maintaining all practice areas, including the driving range, chipping area and 2 putting greens, ensuring all areas are consistently presented to a high standard.

· Maintain a visible and approachable presence on the course, fostering positive relationships with Members and Guests

• Devise and apply sustainable pest, weed, and disease control strategies that balance environmental stewardship with course performance
• Maintain the course and practice facilities to the highest possible standard using both modern and traditional greenkeeping practices.

· Undertake renovations and project work as required

• Present the golf course and practice areas to first-class standards every day (greens, tees, fairways, surrounds, bunkers, set-up and course marking).
• Work collaboratively with Club leadership on course planning, budgeting and reporting; provide clear, proactive updates.
• Plan, manage and participate in project work such as tree planning and pruning, greens, tee and bunker renovation, seeding, path works and drainage

Team Management

• Lead, develop and motivate the Greenkeeping team; set standards, schedule rotas and champion professionalism and teamwork.
• ensuring tasks are completed safely and effectively.
• Conduct staff appraisals with the Club Manager and ensure training records are maintained.
• Develop and implement a training and development programme for the greenkeeping team.
• Hold weekly meetings with staff.
• Be flexible with working hours to meet the demands of the club and course conditions.

Machinery & Equipment

· Oversee the maintenance, servicing, and safe operation of all course machinery and equipment.

· Liaise with mechanics or external contractors for repairs and replacements.

· Keep accurate records of machinery use and maintenance schedules. reporting defects promptly and liaising with engineers as required.

· Ensure the safe storage and use of chemicals, materials, and machinery in line with statutory requirements.

· Provide and maintain safety equipment and PPE for all staff.

Planning & Administration

• Prepare and manage annual maintenance plans and budgets in conjunction with management.
• Maintain accurate records of fertiliser, pesticide, and chemical usage in line with legislation.
• Contribute to course development projects and long-term improvement plans.
• Liaise with management, golf professionals, and committees on course condition and work programmes.
• Skilled in financial oversight, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control Maintain accurate records of course works, inputs and resources.
• Plan and manage the annual nutrition and maintenance programme for the course.
• Participate in budget preparation, ordering, and financial planning for the department.
• Present annual work programmes and budget reports to the Board, attending meetings as required.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and COSHH regulations.
• Implement and enforce safe working practices across all operations.
• Promote environmentally sustainable course management, including responsible water and chemical use.
• Manage and optimise the irrigation system; implement integrated control of weeds, pests and turf diseases.

· Work closely with an agronomist to deliver a consistent, sustainable approach to course conditioning and long-term turf health.

Person Specification: About You

• A genuine passion for the game of golf and an appreciation for what today's golfers expect
• Passionate about course presentation with a track record of delivering high-quality playing surfaces and attention to detail
• Dynamic, driven, and forward-thinking, with the confidence to challenge norms and raise expectations
• Committed to ongoing professional development and staying up to date with best practices in turf and leadership

· A drive to stay current with continual professional development

· Knowledge of modern industry practices, including sustainable and environmentally friendly course management, including being and keeping up with legislation covering the use of pesticides and fertilisers

• Relevant experience, including team leadership or supervisory responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of modern greenkeeping practices, agronomy and machinery operation.
• Confidence working with modern turf technology, including automated and robotic systems.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

· Minimum Level 3 Diploma in Sports Turf Management (or equivalent).

· Proven experience as Deputy or Head Greenkeeper.

· PA1, PA2, and PA6 spraying certificates.

· Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

· Knowledge of modern greenkeeping machinery and turf management practices.

· Full UK driving licence.

· Strong timekeeping, reliability, and work ethic.

· Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings and weekends.

Desirable

• Chainsaw certification.
• Experience preparing courses for tournaments or events.
• Understanding of irrigation systems and drainage management.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, including early mornings, weekends, and public holidays as required.
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.

What We Offer

· Complimentary golf membership (after a three-month probation period).

· BIGGA membership subscription paid by the Club.

· The club offers a forward-thinking and progressive environment, with strong investment in its future and exciting opportunities for development.

· Uniform and PPE provided.

· Knowledge of irrigation systems and their maintenance requirements.

· Opportunities for training and professional development

· A supportive and friendly working environment

· Competitive salary (negotiable based on experience and qualifications).

· Opportunities for training and professional development.

· 28 days' annual leave

Salary dependent on experience

Benefits

· Free parking

· Staff Discount

· Subsidised food & drink in the Clubhouse

· Company Pension Scheme

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 27/11/2025