At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the maintenance of a premier golf course while ensuring top-notch playing conditions.
- Company: Ashton-in-Makerfield Golf Club, a historic private members' club with a beautiful parkland course.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid BIGGA membership, pension scheme, and staff uniform with playing privileges.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment with a focus on sustainability.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on the golfing experience for members and visitors.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management and relevant spraying certificates required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Ashton-in-Makerfield Golf Club is seeking an experienced Head Greenkeeper to take control of the day-to-day operations. This is a key appointment central to our business plan of providing a quality golfing experience to all our members and visitors.
Applicants should have at least 5 years greenkeeping experience with some years in a supervisory role, together with excellent technical knowledge and the ability to achieve the highest standards of course management. The successful applicant will be required to lead and motivate a small team, possess Health & Safety knowledge, budget experience, planning skills and a passion for presenting an aesthetically pleasing product. Applicants should ideally have experience of the maintenance of machinery, irrigation systems and possess the appropriate spraying certificates.
As Head Greenkeeper, you will take full operational responsibility for the presentation, maintenance, and strategic development of the golf course and practice facilities. Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will ensure the course is managed to the highest standard while balancing environmental sustainability and modern turf management practices.
Key Responsibilities- Course Preparation: Manage the daily preparation and long-term maintenance of the course to ensure premier playing conditions.
- Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and develop the greenkeeping team, fostering a culture of pride, attention to detail, and safe working practices.
- Agronomy & Planning: Implement robust agronomic programmes (aeration, nutrition, overseeding, and water management) for our Parkland Golf Course.
- Budgetary Management: Prepare, manage, and work within the annual course maintenance and machinery budgets.
- Project Management: Oversee key course improvement projects, bunker construction, and drainage enhancements.
- H&S Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to all health and safety, COSHH, and environmental regulations.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in Sports Turf Management (or equivalent) is essential.
- Certifications: Valid PA1, PA2, and PA6 spraying certificates, alongside chainsaw qualifications.
- Experience: A proven track record as a Head Greenkeeper, Course Manager, or a strong Deputy looking to take the next step, ideally within a high-standard 18-hole facility.
- Skills: Exceptional knowledge of modern turf machinery, automated irrigation systems, and course preparation.
- Leadership: Strong communication skills to effectively manage a team and provide regular, professional updates to the Club’s management and committees.
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Paid BIGGA membership.
- Club pension scheme.
- Staff uniform and playing privileges.
Please apply to Garry Lacy: Applications in writing should include a full CV, current salary and the names of two referees. Salary will be negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. Application closing date: 31st August 2026.
Head Greenkeeper in Ashton employer: Yesgolfing
Yesgolfing is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Forres Golf Club where leadership and growth are at the forefront. With a commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and flexible working hours, we foster a culture that values both professional and personal growth, ensuring our team members thrive while delivering outstanding experiences for our members and visitors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Greenkeeper in Ashton
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Yesgolfing.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Yesgolfing.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Yesgolfing; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Greenkeeper in Ashton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Yesgolfing.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Head Greenkeeper.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Yesgolfing is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Yesgolfing a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yesgolfing
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Yesgolfing might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
