Golf Club General Manager Job Description

A golf club general manager's job description should define the club's operations, the decisions the GM owns and who sets direction. Use the template below as a starting point, then adapt it to your ownership, amenities and department structure.

What a golf club general manager does

The GM coordinates the club's day-to-day operation, leads department heads and translates the board's or owner's priorities into an operating plan. The exact scope depends on whether golf, grounds, dining, events and other amenities report to the GM.

Who the GM reports to

A member-owned club may have the GM report to the board through its president. An owner-operated club may report to an owner or regional leader. Identify how committees advise the operation and who has final authority, so the role does not receive conflicting instructions.

Core duties

• Lead department heads and coordinate the club's operating calendar
• Prepare and manage budgets with the board or owner
• Maintain member service and handle escalated concerns
• Oversee dining, events and other departments within the agreed scope
• Hire, coach and evaluate managers
• Report operating results and risks clearly
• Coordinate maintenance, safety and compliance responsibilities

Skills and experience to look for

Look for comparable club or hospitality operating scope, financial fluency, manager development and calm member communication. Ask candidates for examples of budget decisions, cross-department coordination and work with a board or owner. Define which golf or amenity experience is necessary for your particular club.

Golf club GM vs. clubhouse manager vs. COO

A GM may oversee the whole club operation. A clubhouse manager usually leads clubhouse service, dining and events within a narrower remit. A COO can have a broader executive role. Titles vary by club, so set responsibilities and reporting lines before comparing candidates.

Job description template

Position: Golf Club General Manager
Reports to: [Board president, owner or regional leader]
Location: [Club and market]
Scope: [Departments, amenities and operating responsibility]

Purpose
Lead the club's daily operations and department heads in line with the board's or owner's priorities.

Responsibilities
Manage the operating plan and budget. Coordinate department heads, member service, dining and events within the defined scope. Hire and develop managers. Report results, risks and recommendations. Maintain clear safety and compliance responsibilities.

Experience
Comparable hospitality or club leadership, budget ownership, manager development and effective member and board communication. Specify any required golf or amenity experience.

Compensation
[Base range, bonus, benefits and relocation terms approved by the club]

Application
[Contact, materials and confidential application process]

Golf club general manager salary

Pay depends on the actual scope, club size, amenities and reporting responsibility. A clubhouse manager benchmark is not a universal GM or COO benchmark. See our country club manager salary guide and use its role and source distinctions when setting the offer.

How clubs hire a general manager

Agree on the role scope and decision makers before interviewing. Boards may use a retained firm for the club's senior GM or COO seat; Hearthstone's private club manager recruiters focus on mid-level clubhouse managers, AGMs and department heads. See how we work as a country club recruiting firm, without treating every club title as the same job.