Do I need golf experience to work at a course?

Question

I'm 16 and I'm applying for a job at my local golf course. I'm probably going to be cleaning carts and picking the driving range. When I asked the manager for a job, he asked if I played golf. I told him I only play for recreation and I'm only a beginner. The last time I played a round of golf was 2 years ago and I've only played about three times, but I've been to the driving range a couple of times. I'm just wondering if my lack of golf experience would affect my chances of getting hired.

Answer 1

You need little to no experience to work at a course if you are confined to range , cleaning carts, washing member's clubs, and doing odd cleanup jobs. The club usually hires young people because it gives them work experience, they have the summer to work and a sense of belonging. It also gives them a chance to save some money for future needs.

Answer 2

Knowing the courtesy rules in golf would be a plus, but at your age on the job training will take care of that.  I think you will be OK.

Answer 3

Not really, but I would definately play more.  It will make conversations with players more enjoyable, and will help you get tips.  Also, cleaning a cart is not playing golf...so I would say learn as much as you can if you get the job- play the course so you know it- and study the game, players, and rules.  My last peice of advice...always be courteous...you'll have frustrated golfers coming off the course sometimes, and remember it's not you...it was the game so QTIP it.

QTIP means Quit taking it personally- little customer service thing.

Answer 4

you will be fine, and also if you ever get interested in playing you get to play for free. that what my buddy does he picks up the balls at night and he plays during the day for free. lucky punk. lol

Answer 5

You should easily be hired. They are always looking for help. Whatever you end up doing, get books about golf and study up. Know golf history, clubs and how they are made, balls and how they are made and what makes them different from each other. What type of grass is on the course you work at. Which holes are the toughest and which holes are the easiest. Voulunteer for everything and become a wealth of golf knowledge. This will only make you move up the ladder faster.

Answer 6

Not at all, everyone needs to start somewhere.

Answer 7

Your lack of golf experience should not in and of itself be a reason to deny you a job at your local course.  At better courses the job you describe would fall into the "outside services" or 'guest services" categories.  In addition to cleaning carts you'll probably be humping golf clubs for guests, setting up the carts (score cards/tees/towels etc); cleaning golf clubs, driving the picker if your course has a range.  None of the above really requires you to have a knowledge of golf.  You will learn about the game though.  Most f your co-workers will be golfers and hopefully you'll get hooked on it too.