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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Golf Shop Manager

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

Retail ManagementHospitalitySports & Recreation

🎯 Role Definition

As a Golf Shop Manager, you are the face of our golf operations and the driving force behind our retail success. You will be responsible for creating a welcoming and professional environment for all members and guests, while meticulously managing the day-to-day business of the golf shop. This leadership position requires a unique blend of retail acumen, operational expertise, a passion for the game of golf, and a commitment to exceptional service. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader who can inspire a team, manage sophisticated inventory, and contribute significantly to the club's overall financial health and reputation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Assistant Golf Professional / Assistant Pro
  • High-End Retail Manager or Buyer
  • Lead Golf Shop Associate

Advancement To:

  • Director of Golf
  • Head Golf Professional
  • General Manager or Club Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Tournament Director
  • Clubhouse Manager
  • Membership Director

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Oversee the entire lifecycle of retail merchandise, including product selection, sourcing, ordering, and receiving, ensuring a product mix that aligns with member preferences and market trends.
  • Develop and execute innovative visual merchandising strategies and displays to create an engaging shopping environment and maximize sales potential.
  • Manage a comprehensive inventory control system, conducting regular cycle counts and physical inventories to maintain accuracy and minimize shrinkage.
  • Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise all golf shop staff, fostering a culture of exceptional customer service, product knowledge, and teamwork.
  • Establish and monitor sales goals for the golf shop and staff, implementing incentive programs and promotional strategies to drive revenue growth.
  • Manage the daily tee sheet and reservation system (e.g., ForeTees), maximizing course utilization while ensuring a smooth and organized pace of play for members and guests.
  • Develop and manage the annual golf shop budget, including revenue forecasting, expense control, and analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) like turn rates and margins.
  • Process and reconcile daily sales, returns, and special orders through the Point of Sale (POS) system, ensuring accuracy in all financial transactions.
  • Plan, promote, and execute member tournaments and corporate golf outings in coordination with the Head Golf Professional and events team.
  • Maintain a deep understanding of all golf products, including hard goods, soft goods, and accessories, providing expert advice and conducting club-fitting sessions.
  • Address and resolve member and guest inquiries, concerns, and complaints with professionalism and a commitment to service recovery.
  • Develop strong relationships with vendors and sales representatives to negotiate favorable pricing, terms, and exclusive product opportunities.
  • Implement and manage special order programs for hard goods and apparel, ensuring timely communication and fulfillment for customers.
  • Coordinate demo days and trunk shows with key vendors to drive engagement and introduce new products to the membership.
  • Ensure the golf shop, storage areas, and club repair workshop are kept clean, organized, and professional in appearance at all times.
  • Manage the club's handicap system (e.g., GHIN), ensuring compliance with USGA regulations and assisting members with score posting.
  • Oversee the rental club fleet and golf cart fleet operations, managing maintenance schedules, cleaning, and reservation logistics.
  • Stay current with golf industry trends, new product technologies, and fashion to continuously evolve the shop's offerings.
  • Enforce all club rules and regulations consistently and courteously, particularly those related to dress code, pace of play, and course etiquette.
  • Lead regular staff meetings to communicate sales goals, product information, upcoming events, and service standards.
  • Prepare detailed sales analysis and performance reports for the Director of Golf and club leadership.
  • Oversee the club repair service, managing grip replacement, re-shafting, and other minor repairs, or coordinating with a dedicated technician.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate with the marketing department to develop promotional materials, email campaigns, and social media content for the golf shop and related events.
  • Assist the Director of Golf and Head Professional with strategic planning and long-term operational improvements.
  • Represent the club professionally at PGA section meetings, industry trade shows, and other external functions.
  • Participate in club-wide manager meetings to ensure cohesive operations and communication across all departments.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Proficiency with golf-specific POS software such as Jonas, ForeTees, or Clubessential.
  • Tournament Management Software: Experience running events using platforms like Golf Genius or BlueGolf.
  • Inventory Management: Expertise in tracking, ordering, and reporting on retail inventory, including turnover and margin analysis.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Strong skills in Excel for budgeting and reporting, as well as Word and Outlook for communications.
  • USGA Handicap System: Knowledge of managing a handicap system like GHIN.
  • Club Fitting & Repair: Technical knowledge of golf equipment, including club fitting principles and basic club repair skills (gripping, etc.).
  • Merchandising & Display: Proven ability to create visually appealing and effective retail displays.

Soft Skills

  • Leadership & Staff Development: Ability to hire, train, motivate, and manage a high-performing team.
  • Exceptional Customer Service: A genuine desire to serve and create an outstanding experience for every member and guest.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with members, staff, and vendors.
  • Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, P&L statements, and retail financial metrics.
  • Problem-Solving: The ability to think quickly and calmly to resolve operational challenges and customer issues.
  • Sales & Negotiation: A natural sales ability and strong negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers.
  • Organization & Time Management: Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Hospitality Management
  • Marketing
  • PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of progressive experience in a golf retail or pro shop environment, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory or management capacity.

Preferred: PGA of America Member or Associate in good standing is highly desirable. Experience at a private club or high-end resort is a significant asset.

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