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Country clubs are more than just golf courses and clubhouse lounges. They are small communities with restaurants, pools, tennis courts, event spaces, gyms and even guest rooms. To keep all of those amenities running smoothly, clubs rely on a diverse team of people. If you’ve ever wondered what a “country club job” looks like, this guide will help you understand the roles, the work environment and the perks without making things complicated.
What Do People Want to Know About Country Club Jobs?
When people search for country club jobs, they usually have practical questions. They want to know what types of positions exist, whether you need to be a golfer to apply, what kind of experience is required and how the pay compares to other hospitality jobs. Many also want to know if working at a country club is laid back or high pressure, and whether there is room for advancement. Understanding these points can help you decide if a country club could be a good fit for you.
The Many Roles Inside a Country Club
Country clubs function like mini resorts, so there are roles for almost every interest. In food and beverage you’ll find servers, bartenders, bussers, dishwashers and kitchen staff. These jobs focus on dining rooms, banquets and poolside snack bars. Golf operations include cart attendants, bag-room staff, caddies and pro‑shop assistants. Caddies walk the course with players and often start as young as fourteen after passing a training program, but many other golf jobs involve greeting guests, maintaining carts or managing tee times.
Outside of the golf scene, clubs hire housekeepers, front‑desk staff and maintenance crews to care for guest rooms and common areas. Groundskeepers and horticulture teams keep fairways, flower beds and patios looking pristine. Athletic departments employ lifeguards, swim instructors, tennis coaches and fitness attendants. Larger clubs may even have bowling alleys, spas or children’s programs, each with its own set of staff members.
Behind the scenes there are also administrative roles. Accounting and membership services manage bills and enroll new members. Marketing teams tell the club’s story. Event planners coordinate weddings and corporate gatherings. Managers oversee departments, and a general manager or club manager keeps the whole operation running. This variety means that a country club can offer both entry‑level work and long‑term careers.
What Working at a Country Club Is Like
Country clubs are busy, lively places. Members pay significant dues and expect a high standard of service, but the atmosphere isn’t as frantic as a chain restaurant. Staff often describe the environment as professional yet friendly. Because members visit regularly, you get to know faces and build relationships. This familiarity helps with service—remembering someone’s favorite drink goes a long way—but it also means word travels fast when you do a great (or poor) job.
The pace of the work depends on the department. Servers and bartenders juggle dinners and events that can stretch into weekends and holidays. Grounds crews start early to mow fairways before golfers arrive. Caddies spend long hours walking outdoors. Administrative employees usually have more predictable daytime schedules. Across all roles, punctuality, neat appearance and a willingness to go the extra mile are highly valued. Clubs often have dress codes for staff—think pressed khakis, polo shirts and name badges—and tattoos or flashy jewelry may need covering up.
Country clubs host weddings, tournaments and holiday parties, so expect occasional spikes in activity. These events require teamwork among kitchen staff, banquet servers, maintenance crews and event planners. At the same time, slower weekday mornings might involve prepping dining rooms, cleaning equipment or restocking supplies. Being proactive and staying busy—whether it’s reorganizing a pantry or helping a colleague—shows initiative and can lead to recognition.
Benefits Beyond the Paycheck
One misconception is that country club jobs are low‑wage summer gigs. In reality, pay varies widely by role and location, but it often compares favorably to similar positions in restaurants or hotels. Servers and bartenders can earn substantial tips from an affluent clientele. Caddies at private clubs sometimes receive scholarships for college. Full‑time employees at many clubs receive health insurance, life insurance, dental and vision plans, disability coverage and retirement contributions. Some clubs offer bonuses for holidays, employee of the month recognition and referral rewards.
There are also unique perks. Staff often get free or discounted meals during their shifts and may use certain amenities, such as hitting the driving range after work or taking a dip in the pool on a day off. Working in a club exposes you to a network of members from various professions. Many workers have landed internships or job leads through casual conversations on the course or in the dining room. Clubs committed to professional development may subsidize certifications through organizations like the Club Management Association of America or send staff to workshops.
Common Misconceptions
It’s easy to romanticize or misunderstand what country club work involves. Here are a few myths:
- “You need to be a golfer to work at a country club.” Most positions don’t require golf skills. Even caddies receive training on how to carry bags, rake bunkers and keep pace.
- “Country club jobs are just for teenagers.” While many young people caddie or serve tables, clubs also employ seasoned chefs, accountants, event managers and technicians. Some employees build long careers and move into management.
- “It’s an easy, cushy job.” Clubs are beautiful places, but they demand high standards. Expect to work weekends, holidays and early mornings. Carrying golf bags, setting up banquet halls or standing on your feet all day can be physically taxing.
- “There’s no room for growth.” Because departments are smaller than in hotels, good work is more visible. Many clubs encourage advancement through mentoring, training programs and scholarships.
- “You have to know someone to get hired.” Networking helps everywhere, but most clubs post openings online. Showcasing strong customer service skills and a professional demeanor in your application matters more than having an insider connection.
Finding and Applying for Country Club Jobs
If working at a country club appeals to you, start by researching clubs in your area. Visit their websites under “careers” or “employment” sections. Job titles often include server, bartender, banquet setup, greenskeeper, caddy, lifeguard, pro‑shop attendant and accountant. Read the job descriptions carefully; some roles require certifications (lifeguards need CPR training, for example) or a minimum age.
Tailor your résumé to highlight customer service, teamwork and reliability. If you don’t have hospitality experience, emphasize transferable skills like communication, punctuality and problem‑solving. During interviews, dress neatly, arrive on time and be ready to talk about why you enjoy serving people. For seasonal roles such as caddying, expect to take a short exam or attend training sessions before you start.
If you land a position, treat it as more than a side job. Get to know colleagues, learn members’ names and observe how experienced staff handle challenging situations. Small gestures—refilling water without being asked, offering directions to a guest or volunteering for extra duties—get noticed and can lead to more responsibility. Country clubs are tight-knit communities; investing in relationships can enrich your work experience and open doors in unexpected places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of jobs are available at a country club?
- Country clubs employ servers, bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, golf-cart attendants, caddies, pro‑shop staff, groundskeepers, lifeguards, tennis coaches, housekeepers, front‑desk clerks, accountants and event planners. There are also management roles overseeing each department.
Do I need to know how to play golf to work at a country club?
- No. While familiarity with golf helps if you’re a caddie, most positions focus on hospitality or facility management. Caddie programs usually provide training on golf etiquette and course duties.
Are country club jobs full time or seasonal?
- It depends on the role and the club’s location. Northern clubs often hire seasonal groundskeepers and caddies, but positions in food service, administration and maintenance may be year‑round. Southern clubs with year‑round golf seasons offer more full‑time opportunities.
How much can I expect to earn?
- Pay varies by role and region. Servers and bartenders typically earn an hourly wage plus tips. Caddies are often paid per “loop” (round of golf), and good service can lead to generous tips or scholarships. Full‑time employees may receive benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions.
What’s the best way to get hired?
- Check the careers page on local club websites and apply for positions that match your skills. Highlight your customer service experience, show up on time for interviews, dress professionally and be ready to explain how you handle high‑end clientele. Networking with current employees can also provide valuable insights.
