If you're considering a career as a golf club general manager, or you're hiring one and want to understand the market, this guide offers everything you need to know about what general managers in golf actually earn.
In this guide, we explore golf general manager salaries in the UK, Ireland, US, Spain and Portugal, with details on:
- Average and high-end salary ranges
- Regional differences
- Employed vs self-employed models
- Bonuses, benefits and other earnings
- What affects take-home pay
What is the average golf club general manager salary?
Salaries vary widely depending on location, club type, and role complexity.
Typical ranges by country:
- UK: £35,000 - £60,000 (average ~£48,000)
- Ireland: €43,000 - €76,000 (average ~€62,600)
- USA: $60,000 - $80,000 (average ~$70,000)
- Spain: €32,000 - €57,000 (average ~€46,600)
- Portugal: €25,000 - €45,000 (average ~€34,000)
At top-tier clubs, general managers may earn:
- Over £80,000 in the UK
- Over $150,000 - $200,000 in the US
- Over €80,000 in Ireland, Spain and Portugal
High earners typically manage private clubs, resorts, or multi-course operations.
What affects take-home pay?
A general manager’s earnings are shaped by multiple factors beyond their base salary.
Club type and size
- Private members’ clubs and destination resorts generally pay more
- Larger clubs with high revenues or multiple departments command higher salaries
Employment status
- Most general managers are full-time salaried employees
- Some work as contractors or consultants, especially during club transitions or at resort properties
- Freelancers may negotiate higher fees but must manage their own taxes and benefits
Qualifications and experience
- Certified Club Manager (CCM) or membership with CMAE, CMAA or GCMA can boost pay
- Experience managing budgets, teams, and member satisfaction raises earning potential
Location
- Higher salaries in London, Dublin, Florida, Algarve, and other competitive markets
- Golf-heavy regions with tourism appeal often pay a premium
Bonuses and incentives
- Performance-based bonuses (e.g. for revenue or retention targets) are common
- Some clubs offer profit sharing or commission incentives
Perks and benefits
Often included in GM compensation:
- Pension contributions / retirement plans
- Company car or car allowance
- Private health insurance
- Housing allowance or relocation support
- Club membership privileges
- Paid CPD, events and travel expenses
United Kingdom
Salary range
- £35,000 - £60,000
- Average: ~£48,000
- High-end: £80,000+
Bonuses
- Usually 5-15% of salary
- Based on KPIs like budget control or event success
Employment
- Most GMs are salaried employees of member-owned clubs
- Interim management exists, but permanent roles dominate
Benefits
- Pension contributions
- Car allowance
- Club membership
- 25-30 days annual leave
What else affects pay
- South East/London clubs pay more
- Prestigious or historic venues pay a premium
- CMAE, CCM or GCMA credentials strengthen pay negotiation
Ireland
Salary range
- €43,000 - €76,000
- Average: ~€62,600
- High-end: €80,000+
Bonuses
- 10%+ is common at performance-based or tourist-focused clubs
Employment
- GMs are employees, typically of a club committee or resort group
- Job security is strong at stable clubs
Benefits
- Pension
- Car allowance
- Club use
- Health insurance at some clubs
What else affects pay
- Dublin clubs pay more
- Links and tournament-hosting clubs offer higher salaries
- CMAE, CMAA credentials are valued
United States
Salary range
- $60,000 - $80,000
- Average: ~$70,000
- High-end: $150,000 - $200,000+
Bonuses
- Often 10%-25% of base salary
- Based on performance, EBITDA, membership targets
- Some clubs offer profit sharing
Employment
- GMs work for private clubs, resorts or management companies
- At-will employment is common
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision
- 401(k) retirement
- Club privileges
- Company car
- CPD/travel funding
What else affects pay
- Club revenue and membership size matter most
- Prestigious clubs or resort properties pay top dollar
- CMAA credentials and networking are key to progression
Spain
Salary range
- €32,000 - €57,000
- Average: ~€46,600
- High-end: €80,000+
Bonuses
- Seasonal or event-based at resort clubs
- Smaller clubs may offer limited performance bonuses
Employment
- Most GMs are salaried staff
- Often report to resort owners or golf group directors
Benefits
- Private health insurance
- Company car
- Relocation support
- Club access
- 13th/14th month salary
What else affects pay
- Costa del Sol and Catalonia pay more
- Bilingual managers are in demand
- CMAE credentials or international experience command better offers
Portugal
Salary range
- €25,000 - €45,000
- Average: ~€34,000
- High-end: €50,000 - €70,000+
Bonuses
- Tourism-based clubs offer seasonal performance incentives
- Larger resort groups may provide commission-style structures
Employment
- Full-time employees
- Some fixed-term contracts for expat managers
Benefits
- Car or travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Housing support (in some resort roles)
- Club access
- 13th and 14th month pay
What else affects pay
- Algarve is the highest-paying region
- Tour operator partnerships can enhance value
- Multisite management pays more
- Expat hires may command a higher gross to account for relocation
FAQs
How much does a golf club general manager make?
Anywhere from £35,000 (€40,000 / $50,000) to over £150,000 (€170,000 / $200,000), depending on country, club type, and experience.
Do private clubs pay more than public ones?
Yes. Private and resort clubs tend to offer higher salaries, better benefits, and bonuses.
Do general managers usually come from golf backgrounds?
Not always. Many GMs come from hospitality or operations backgrounds. Golf industry experience helps but isn’t essential.
Do GMs receive bonuses or commissions?
Yes. Most GMs have bonuses tied to revenue, membership growth or club performance. Some also earn profit share or event incentives.
Where can I find golf club general manager jobs?
Visit our page here
How do I become a golf club general manager?
Golf club GMs often come from backgrounds in hospitality, business management, or golf operations. While there’s no single route, most successful candidates combine strong commercial skills with a deep understanding of the golf club environment.
If you want to learn more about qualifications, pathways, and what the job involves, check out our full guide: