How Much You Make Working on a Golf Course | Greenskeeper Pay | Golf Maintenance Job | EP:13

Welcome back to the course! In this episode, we discuss how much money you make working on the grounds crew. An honest, realistic look at what you can expect. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinberniebarron7548]

Appreciate the video! I was in the business for 35 years! A worker for 5 years! I was an Assistant for 9 years and Superintendent for 21 years! I did not have a degree, but, just started on a local course when I was a teen! I am now a retired Golf Course Superintendent, but, the gentleman is 100% correct! If I had it to do again I would've gotten my degree! Amazing life experience! The 1 negative is that it is a lot of time away from the family! Just make it a priority to spend quality time with the family!

[@JC-lh1pj]

I'm a Florida superintendent and the turf degree is an advantage in hiring but some of the best superintendents are the guys who learned from doing and learned on the job. Experience matters more.

[@caustin4931]

Spot on topic for entry level. So true the diversity of skills and equipment necessary and utilized. I'm a retired CFO, turned cheesecake baker turned groundskeeper specializing in fairway and interim mowing. Mow for PGA event annually. I am blessed, I'll die at this job, money is irrelevant. It's the beauty, instant results, teamwork and comradery like I've never seen before in any job.

[@MoneylineMadden]

Wow. I’m 21 about to graduate college this may, am working currently and have worked part time at a golf course the entire time. Learning “trade” type skills like how to operate, basic welds, teamwork skills, etc. should I stay or pursue a career in sales?

[@caustin4931]

@@MoneylineMadden do what you are passionate about, outdoors vs indoors? Money in your pocket or eternal happiness?

[@MoneylineMadden]

@@caustin4931 probably money, I love golf course work and want to do so when I retire, but commission In sales plus it’s my degree, I think I need to pursue sales and then once again GC work. It’s not a retirement from golf work just a goodbye lol, I’m thinking next year sometime after I applied to many jobs and graduated will be the closing of golf chapter for now :(

[@ScratchyBaws]

My first greenkeepers role was doing every single job you could think of and had no experience at all apart from cutting some old grannies back lawns. I was cutting tee's/fairways my first week and cutting greens by hand second week and so on. Was working Mon - Fri 7am - 10.30pm in the summer months Sat & Sun 7am - 1pm cutting during the day then from about 3pm till late evening was seeding, top dressing, spiking, planting 12ft conifers, digging trenches, burying dead horses on the course etc etc along with spreading/spraying pig shit. Loved the job but wasn't given a single day off in 3yrs on this family run course so i looked at other career paths.

[@danlinek6302]

Just found your channel and wow I love it. You now have a new sub and I will be anticipating your videos

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks Dan! Glad you like it. Appreciate you being a sub...good to have ya! All the best to you.

[@ishannage248]

Awesome Channel man! You deserve way more subs! As a golfer I love learning about what going on in the background of these beautiful courses we play on

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks Ishan! Appreciate it dude. I like playing too. It’s strange knowing what’s going on ‘behind the scenes’ if you will. Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it.

[@Bladesofgrasslawncare]

Love the insight and honesty of it all, thanks for sharing!

[@fairwayjohn6336]

I appreciate you commenting. You have a great channel going sir. Seen a bunch of videos. Appreciate the support, means a lot.

[@blondegiant]

I work as a groundskeeper for a pubic 9 hole course with me and one person. I actually found the job quite relaxing. listen to music and cut grass at 6-2. I actually enjoy doing what I do especially as a first job. Brunswick greens, Troy, NY

[@nickc2124]

@Nathaniel Callum not sure why you would be voluntarily telling people about the crime you committed? Must be a bot...

[@cattosadness]

i just started doing the same thing as well, very relaxing and you don’t have to really talk to anyone but your team, godspeed :)

[@chosen1one930]

Working on a golf course is the best job ever. Your basically your own boss on a large team well depending on the course, my first job had 30 total, than another had only 9 so it varies. I'm a superintendent now for a private course which is way different 60 to 100 a week during the growing season. Free 3,500 Sq ft home to live in on course in case anything goes wrong. I feel like sometimes the gated community isn't to keep people out it's to keep me there working lmao. I always remember which house is which, the NFL head coach, maybe a famous actor at one time. The only thing that really sucks about golf courses is the damn board of committees and deciding what to do with the course what they don't like and so on, a tree they continue to hit balls in they want us to remove

[@xmodgaming5995]

Copper creek?

[@glennskeeper6668]

Im working as a greenskeeper for almost 7 yrs now ..and I started from the bottom doing simple work ..but as years passed I can do and work in all area and operate all kinds of machine.thanks for sharing Sir.

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks a lot for watching. Good luck to you out on the course!

[@xyeyos.x]

i have an interview for a greenskeep position tomorrow, any tips?

[@larryc5361]

I hope you found another job..pay sucks.

[@roblowe6086]

You have a great mindset. I want to be a caddie or even work on the grounds crew. Sure would be fun to great paid to learn new skills.

[@aidanlese8575]

As a Milwaukee Country Club Full Time Seasonal Section Worker (Section 2: Holes 2, 8, 16) I appreciate someone at a lesser golf course showing the rough parts of our industry. Not everyone can work at a top 100 golf course for Randall Bradley Wagner (The goat superintendent). I make good money and occasionally my bosses my bosses treat me like I am worth it (Being alive). On the back 9 I noticed the rakes are not in the bunker. Make sure to put them in with a fist length of the handle exposed so the golfers have easy access. It is all about their enjoyment after all ;). Keep up the good work. As two lifers in this industry I hope to potentially work with you one season.

[@DicksSmallEngines]

Great video fairway John ! I’m a former head Greenkeeper/ mechanic & have worked in various roles on courses here in the uk 🇬🇧. That video is a great insight into salary banding & career paths into the industry. Well done sir. 👍🏻

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks a lot for the compliment. All the best to you over in the UK! Appreciate you watching.

[@danielhughes5517]

Good job on the videos!! 12 years on a groundscrew and this sounds familiar

[@thakooljose]

I just want to hug you fairway john. I work at ironwood in palm desert its the love for the game.

[@turfcareblog]

On more occasions than not not enough. Great video

[@edoardocastriotti]

Exactly the channel I was looking for, love your videos! Keep up the good work ;)

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Appreciate it Edoardo! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@kevinoye9585]

I am working at Nobleton Golf course in Toronto, Canada and I love it. I do everything there and I am going to be there until I cannot or do not feel like working any more. 1 good thing I have going is a part time Fitness Equipment Repair business. Great supplemental income and all it takes is around 8 hours a week to keep it running with my 4 technicians helping me out. I cannot ask for more right now. I love being outdoors, love the game and truly love the early mornings for the most part.

[@doomed2die595]

Cheers from Dawson Creek GC BC, Canada. Love seeing a proper GC garage with Toro's lol. What a lovely GC yah got there.

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks a lot! Appreciate you watching. All the best to you up there.

[@ronniecastillo6304]

I made this my career, I love golf course work, better than working at a fast food or grocery store, I love the out doors and making the place look pretty ( Beautiful )

[@glennskeeper6668]

That's true my friend it is very satisfying job..im also a greenskeeper.

[@xyeyos.x]

i have an interview for this position tomorrow, any tips?

[@scottbeaulieu8192]

Love being a greenskeeper, the pay could be better but without a turf degree I’m probably getting close to maxed out in the pay dept. second assistant position at a high volume public course (18holes, plus a 9 hole executive par 3 course) and I’m on pace to make right around 40k in Southcoast of Mass. Need to get my turf degree get a pure assistant position already.

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Nice! Thanks for sharing a little about your experience. Good luck on the course...and best of luck if you pursue that degree. Thanks for watching.

[@dsdsdsds88888]

Just love it

[@ronniecastillo6304]

I was bringing in 1500 every 2 weeks at Surrey Hills in Yukon OK. But dedication counts

[@mattgwiazda5182]

I have a full time job in a completely different field then golf but I've been working in the golf industry in one way or another but mostly grounds for 26 years now. I've done it since I was 15 and love every single minute of it. Just can't earn a living doing it full time to support my habits.⛳️🎰

[@jackfenton2271]

Somebody hired a 65 year old guy to mow fairways (me). I like the big machine. I love the sunrise. I love the wildlife. No a fan of my alarm clock going off at 5 am, but small price to pay.

[@audio8493]

I just landed a Gov admin job moved from my home and left the course. 4 months later I am miserable wife and kids noticed. Luckily we are a team and my wife supported me going back to a course (less money nut happy). Start back This Thursday. 10/21

[@laztKING75]

Sometime in the next week or so I’ll be starting my new job working grounds keeper at a course. I’m excited to be working out side.

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Congrats! Keep us posted on how you’re liking it! Good luck!

[@glennskeeper6668]

So how was your experience working on the golf course My friend...im also a greenskeeper .

[@RandomFandom1]

I mow 8 hours a day with a 30 min break, and manage the backyard section of an HOA neighborhood. I mow ponds, fields, and anywhere that needs open cut. I keep moving, and know how to stripe with the full width of a deck, not the old wheel ruts from the 64 that used to do it. This is a 72. Its rated at 7acre per hour at 8mph. I tried it, and unless its a golf green, you better slow down. The steep slope is also a problem at the pond with the saturation level of the clay soil. There are some really swampy sections between houses. The whole neighborhood has poor drainage

[@tobewilliams1515]

I am an Assistant Near Houston and the pay has increased from when I started. I have experience as a superintendent but was only making 36000 back in 2015 and now I make almost double that as an assistant

[@albertoelquetedejaelculoop4400]

I used to work in a 18 hole course, 9$hr pay😅 in lufkin Tx

[@rogermcvestibule3556]

Hi John. The days at work when I take lunch (im an Assistant Super in Canada) i have watched some of your videos. Im curious if this is a career path for you or just work for the time being? And i would like you to think about where you park when you change pins. You were in between two greenside bunkers on one hole on the back 9. I enjoying watching. Keep up the good work and congrats on the new job. Looks like a nice track, cool having a marina.

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks for watching Roger. I hope to make this a career path. I'm not good at very much in life, but feel like I'm good at this. Or, at least, I really enjoy it. I've done other things and they just weren't for me. Not sure if you saw another video...but I learned a lot of bad habits (which i know now) under another superintendent...not blaming them though...I should of known. You're right...too close to greens. I've since changed/learned a lot. Thank you for commenting...thank you for watching. I appreciate it immensely.

[@Superintendent-iy9zv]

@@fairwayjohn6336 most superintendents that are book smart are LAZY!!!! I am a superintendent in Michigan, no degree, thrown to the wolves so to speak. When I change my cups I stay 30 feet in front, just like we ask our golfers. Bottom line most book smart supers are lazy as hell. Just found your channel and subbed.

[@sargervbftw626]

First off love the vids super relaxing. What time do assistant super intendants come to work? Are they like a 7 to 3pm deal? I have a degree in environmental science and 5 years of management experience in botanical gardens in swfl supervising turf maintenance and almost all other things plant health related pathology irrigation etc. And a limited spray license do you think that would be up to snuff for a assistant superintendent position in a smallish town like Naples?

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Definitely. That would be plenty. They usually are 6:45am until about 3pm. We have 2 assistants…so they rotate weekends (6:45am - 9:15am). Good luck and keep us posted!

[@kpudzekakewir1360]

I do the same job in Dubai and the pay is just horrible. If I had 12 dollars an hour I will think am living the life. Hoping to move to a different place soon. Thanks for the video.

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Wish you all the best and hope you find your new home soon. Best of luck.

[@davidpatrick1061]

Love the videos, im a deputy head greenkeeper in the uk and we are on a Salary of 28k.

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks a lot David. Also, thanks for sharing that info as I’m sure it helps those people that are into these type of things. Best of luck to ya.

[@davidpatrick1061]

Would love to work in florida, went there last year with the family it was great. Thanks again.

[@antonyvoice2629]

Hey, where in the UK are you based? From what I've seen that's a decent salary! I'm based in the Midlands but just starting out. Looks like a great job.

[@marcbuffington8944]

God bless you buddy

[@marcmulholland596]

Like any job there are pros and cons. Your golf course is so immaculate and organised compared to the average golf course here in the UK. I guess it is best to work at a private member's course for a stress free life otherwise you have to work harder for little money. Anyways I know you have to highlight the positives and can't be completely honest. That's hierarchy and politics for you.

[@wiley11279]

Hey!? What’s your golf habit? Are you a golf nut too? I could see myself being a bill Murray/Kevin Costner kinda guy. For love of game... like the videos.

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Hey Josh - yea I love golf. Suck at it but love it. I’m going full Kevin Costner Tin Cup (my favorite movie) for this one. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@GreenBroGermany]

Have no clue if you will see this message but l have been working as Greenkeeper assistant here in Germany for 11 months now and now lll be getting a new contract in another Club.Not so good with the machines like triplex and fairway machine but beside from that l have been messing around with the other duties.Littel scared of how much they expect of me honestly in the new Club even that l explained what l can do hahaha but would love to hear ur opinion about this👍🏻🙏🏻

[@jimmyfarrell7426]

I help and mow at golf ⛳ to pay for my golf membership

[@stevepepin74]

I made $12.25 and hour about 12 years ago working full time on a team. But to be honest I didn’t care because I loved the job and the crew. I’d do it again in a second if I could. Of course for more money now a days. Side note I also had my chemical certificate and started to learn the ins and out after a few years. This was south of Chicago, IL

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks for sharing Steven! (Also, thanks a lot for watching).

[@waltergarcia5467]

Nice vid there jhon. Been working on a golf course for the past 12 years. Trying to move up in the latter and trying to became an assistant. Finishing up school but I’m in Massachusetts. And maybe thinking of moving to Texas. I know your not in Texas but what are the normal hours that u usually work during a week and I’m assuming you work all year round? I would apréciate if you could enlighten me how things work down south

[@xxdropdeadxx6679]

About 40 a week an 80 in total for paycheck for me in Austin tx

[@waltergarcia5467]

What’s the pay if u don’t mind sharing

[@xxdropdeadxx6679]

@@waltergarcia5467 I’m currently making 13.50 per hour n 20 for over time

[@waltergarcia5467]

Thanks for the info. Like I’ve said i don’t know the hours you guys work there. I’m sure it’s way different because of the heat? Or do you guys work 8 hour shifts every day?

[@xxdropdeadxx6679]

@@waltergarcia5467 8 hours every day except Thursdays n Fridays 6 hours on those days n on weekends just prep n leave n each check is about 82 per check but I’m currently doing 97/101 hours per check doing over time but I recommend you to try n go for a newer golf course it will have better equipment n most likely a ton more workers would probably mean a bit less money not sure I work at a private golf course but I’m it’s over 30 years old we don’t have many new equipment or have equipment that would make certain jobs much easier to do but what it usually means for us is that we don’t necessarily have to do everything perfectly it’s not prestige as new golf course but I’m my opinion it’s looking really good for being a old golf course I personally enjoy working here only problem I have is the heat specially when I do extra hours… anyway let me know if u wanna know anything else

[@kove]

What do you do in the winter time, oh wait never mind. 😅

[@extraterrestrialgripetg8611]

12 bucks!! That would suck :( ,but i got hired today and getting 20 an hour , but this is in California 🙏 i just cant imagine working for 12 bucks

[@odyssey5816]

I work for the Ritz golf club, it’s a private one and yea man I’ve been there for couple of months and the pay is honestly not good considering I use all mowers making $12 :(

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks for watching bud...the pay isn’t great. You’re 100% right. Your skills will translate to something better though...promise you that. Appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@scottbeaulieu8192]

That’s really the least liable part of the course maintenance though... no offense. Learn to be an irrigation tech and be responsible for watering and drainage on the course, learn to and get your license to spray and be responsible for deploying chemicals on the course.... you get paid based off supply and demand, and to be fair anyone and push a mower, rake bunkers, weed eat, collect fallen debris from trees, edge garden beds and bunkers... etc. anyone off the street with minimal training can be taught to replace your position. There’s less people who know irrigation , etc etc therefore there’s less people that can replace that position/experience.

[@gavinfoster8988]

its a life style , not just a job imo. no i dont use the free golf either. if your after a good salary and normal working hours/week , this isnt for you . if you like the outdoors in your free time and dont mind getting soaked , it may be the job for you

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Thanks for watching and the comments. Greatly appreciate you sharing all your insights. All the best to you.

[@PHX2K23]

are you an assistant superintendent?

[@strosity]

Health benefits!?! I dont get anything but the wage im paid. No overtime, no holiday pay, no nothing. City job.

[@christopherkolbe7304]

I've never seen a tree in a bunker, so weird!

[@yahayalikambobinodudu3043]

Hope you please give me an opportunity to work with you guys am foing the same job here in middle east but the terms and conditions not fair on africans please

[@johnhamilton9229]

If I had to return to the workforce, I would rather have a job that’s enjoyable and adjust my budget, than to do something that pays more but not as fulfilling. Plus you have lots of balls. 😁

[@tavcifur]

Are the work hours 6am to 2:30pm?

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Usually 6:45am to 3:30pm and weekends are 6:45am to 9:30am Thanks for watching!

[@ostodreel1418]

I started today and my pay is $14 an hour but I have experience on landscaping

[@fairwayjohn6336]

Awesome. Congrats on the new job! 👊

[@ostodreel1418]

@@fairwayjohn6336 thanks man 👊

[@go2JAmar]

Regular 80 hrs a week?

[@edwinfuentes1043]

how to work there?

[@nathanielwilbanks3734]

I’m short the answer is underpaid for the miracles were expected to accomplish every day with little to no appreciation

[@shahzebkhan-mi1zn]

I am pro fational golf game my rainking top 10 you give me job 😢😢

[@andrewokafor9628]

Do you make money off tips?

[@nilswinter7195]

No

[@user-kf1kq8uf5x]

As a Green's keeper myself we don't get tips.

[@andrewokafor9628]

@@user-kf1kq8uf5x i got hired and yeah i see now