The Machrie
Facing the Atlantic, with unbroken views of dunes, sea and sky, lies The Machrie on the Isle of Islay. A contemporary hotel with 43 beautifully designed rooms, suites and family lodges, a world-class golf links, restaurant, outside sauna and hot tub garden, screening room and modern art collection.
On Islay, “Queen of the Hebrides”, one of the easiest to reach islands off the west coast of Scotland, far-stretching empty sands, cool clear waters, adventure, awe, and a landscape teeming with wildlife await.
Discover Golf at The Machrie
An iconic Scottish championship links stretching over 7000 yards from the back tees.
An original Willie Campbell design dating back to 1891 and redesigned in 2018 by David J. Russell to modern championship standards, this course is now designed to be played in all conditions. The perfect links terrain is set on unique dunelands bordering on the magnificent Laggan Bay in Islay.
Exceptionally maintained, our course captivates all levels of golfer and tests every aspect of the game. The course offers four sets of tees suitable for all handicaps and offers generous fairways. The inspired run offs, contoured greens and revetted bunkers provide an array of shot selections around the greens, captivating every golfer’s imagination.
Our Deputy Head Greenkeeper role
Everyday your backdrop will be an iconic Scottish championship links, this course is now designed to be played in all conditions. As golf course Deputy Head Greenkeeper at The Machrie you’ll play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and playability of the course.
The responsibilities include, but are not limited to: the implementation of turf grass/plant material maintenance programs, personnel management, support on budgeting/forecasting, member relations, scheduling/maintenance and/or irrigation systems, fertilizer & pesticide applications, related recordings, compliance of regulatory issues and fulfilling the role of Head Greenkeeper in the absence of the Head Greenkeeper.
The Deputy Head Greenkeeper works closely with the Head Greenkeeper to create an environment where employees are involved and enthusiastic, with open communications and respect for themselves, members, guests, the property and ownership.
As our Deputy Head Greenkeeper you’ll be:
Basic duties:
- Daily, Weekly, Monthly supervision for all phases of Golf Maintenance, Agronomic operations, and personnel for all golf playing areas.
- Works closely with and coordinates with the Course Manager/HeadGreenkeeper on any issues related to golf course maintenance.
- Directs, supports and participates in any construction and all maintenance of the golf grounds.
- Support with landscape plans for facility grounds and implements the plan.
- Administers and enforces all Club rules, regulations and policies for staff.
- Supports and assists with membership seminars and orientations if required.
- Works closely with the Internal Team to then communicate with Senior/Top Management/Ownership to operate the Golf Course in a fiscally responsible and professional manner.
- Must be able to work independently and be a self-starting problem solver.
Primary Duties:
- Oversees (with the Head Greenkeeper) the care and maintenance of the turf, ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, natural areas, sand dunes, and water areas on the facility grounds.
- Directs and assists the staff on the planting of new vegetation, the replacement, spraying, pruning, and trimming of any trees, shrubs, sand dunes.
- Preparation of soil plant beds for aesthetically pleasing arrangements and tending to high stress areas.
- Support the management of water usage and irrigation systems and provides monthly reporting on (if applicable) retaining ponds, wells and other water source usage.
- Support Recruitment, supervises and retains maintenance staff. Conducts employee performance evaluations and exercises disciplinary action if relevant.
- Provides technical, operational and safety training for employees.
- Oversees subordinates in proper and safe operation and maintenance of mechanical and power equipment. Support plans and budgets for additional or replacement capital equipment.
- Manages and participates in the application and recording of chemical applications (fertilizers and pesticides) on the Club's grounds in compliance with all local, National, and international regulations.
- Manages and supports the control of all maintenance expenses associated with Golf Course Maintenance Operations, including payroll, supplies, chemicals, and fertilizers.
- Maintains records and completes required reporting. Order parts, supplies and equipment as needed.
- Work with Course Manager/Head Greenkeeper to schedule maintenance practices around visitor, member play and outings to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption to all players.
- Coordinates seasonal maintenance activities when necessary.
- Ensure the whole department is fully compliant, covering but not limited to COSHH, LOLER, up-to-date HR policies, SOP’s, training/education plans, internal and external audits
The skills you’ll be sharing with us:
- Knowledge of management and all agronomic maintenance of greens, fairways, roughs, natural sand dunes and potential areas of scientific interest.
- Knowledge of use and operating standards of equipment and tools used in golf course construction and maintenance work.
- Skill in recruiting, supervising, training, monitoring, evaluating and motivating personnel.
- Interpersonal skill to resolve conflict and work with supervisors, officials, employees, members and the public.
- Knowledge of safe use, mixing and application of chemicals and commercial products.
- Knowledge of the game of golf, golf rules and methods of play.
- Ability to anticipate personnel, equipment, and material requirements related to golf course maintenance and repair assignments.
- Ability and knowledge to lay out irrigation patterns, drainage patterns, construct tees and/or greens.
- 3-5 years’ experience as a Senior Greenkeeper or deputy head greenkeeper (Links Experience at Premium Venue advantageous)
- 2-year Degree or Certificate in Turf Management (or related field, such as agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science). SVQ Level 3 Golf Course Management as a minimum
- Pesticide Application License
- Prefer Certification by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, BIGGA or equivalent
- Advance computer skills required for financial reporting and control of operations, including use of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Department management through data analytics.
- A valid Driver's License.
- Flexibility to attend regional, national, international golf events, trade shows etc.
- Knowledge and experience working on/at a tournament links venue advantageous.
- Fluency in English is essential for this role due to the nature of communication with guests and colleagues
- You pick things up quickly and love mastering something new. You’ll be adaptable, curious, and always ready to grow
- Your actions inspire others, so you will lead by example
- You enjoy sharing knowledge so you will be great at training and helping others to reach their full potential.
- Ability to work under pressure Focused, steady, and solution you’ll have the ability to work under pressure.
- You’re self-motivated and proactive
- For this role your own transport will be essential
What we’ll offer you:
- A relaxed, professional place to work in a beautiful location – Islay ‘the queen’ of the Hebridean archipelago off the west coast of Scotland
- Excellent career prospects in an ever-expanding organisation
- Special rates for you and your friends & family to stay at Another Place Hotels and Watergate Bay Hotel
- Discounts for you and your friends & family to eat at our restaurants
- Team social events throughout the year
- Team assistance scheme – a dedicated helpline for support & advice on topics from mental health through to managing your finances
From discounted stays to training and development opportunities, we're all about helping our team achieve their personal and professional goals. Located above the dunes of a seven-mile beach on the Scottish island of Islay, you'll never be short on inspiration.
If you would love to join us as our Deputy Head Greenkeeper apply now and be part of our journey at The Machrie, a wonderful place to work
