Are you looking for a rewarding career in golf? Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, Florida offers endless opportunities across the state’s top courses and resorts.
With over 1,200 golf courses, world-class resorts, and a booming golf tourism market, Florida is the ideal place to launch or advance your career in the golf industry.
Why Work in Golf in Florida?
Florida is widely recognised as the golf capital of the world and offers a uniquely rewarding environment for building a career in the sport:
- Over 1,200 golf courses: Enjoy a vast network of courses ranging from exclusive private clubs to public venues.
- World-class Resorts and Clubs: Work at renowned facilities such as TPC Sawgrass, PGA National Resort, Bay Hill Club, and Seminole Golf Club.
- Booming Golf Tourism: With a tourism market generating billions in revenue and attracting millions of visitors annually, Florida provides stable and growing job opportunities.
- Major Professional Events: High-profile tournaments like The Players Championship and the Honda Classic boost job availability and offer exciting work environments.
- Year-round Opportunities: Florida’s warm climate ensures that golf is played all year, providing continuous employment in multiple sectors.
- Diverse Career Paths: Whether you are interested in greenkeeping, coaching, hospitality, administration, or sales, the Florida golf industry has a role to match your skills.
Types of Golf Jobs in Florida
Greenkeeping and Turf Management
Work to maintain the lush fairways and pristine greens that Florida is famous for. Roles include:
- Golf Course Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents
- Greenskeepers and Turf Specialists
- Irrigation and Spray Technicians
- Equipment and Machinery Operators
These positions require practical experience and often formal training in turf management or agronomy.
Golf Coaching and PGA Professionals
Help players improve their game as a golf instructor or club professional. Opportunities include:
- PGA Certified Teaching Professionals
- Assistant Coaches and Junior Program Instructors
- Club Pro Shop Managers and Equipment Fitters
These roles often require PGA certification and a passion for teaching and mentoring.
Hospitality and Resort Roles
Join the service teams at Florida’s world-class resorts. Positions include:
- Front-of-House Staff such as Waiters, Bartenders, and Hosts
- Chefs and Kitchen Staff
- Clubhouse and Concierge Roles
- Event Coordinators for Tournaments and Weddings
Hospitality roles combine excellent customer service with the excitement of working in a vibrant, tourist-driven environment.
Club Operations and Administration
Ensure the smooth running of golf facilities by managing daily operations. Career options include:
- Club Managers and General Administrators
- Membership and Customer Service Coordinators
- Scheduling and Event Management Specialists
These positions are ideal for those with strong organisational skills and a knack for leadership.
Retail and Equipment Sales
Support the sales of golf equipment and apparel through roles in:
- Pro Shop Attendant and Sales Roles
- Club Fitting Specialists and Technicians
- Account Management for Golf Equipment Brands
A good knowledge of golf products and excellent customer service skills are essential in this growing niche.
Golf Tourism and Travel Roles
Be part of Florida’s thriving tourism industry. Roles include:
- Golf Travel Coordinators and Itinerary Planners
- Guest Services Representatives and Tour Guides
- Marketing and Sales Positions in Golf Travel Agencies
These positions cater to international and domestic visitors who travel to Florida to experience its world-class golf.
Caddying and Seasonal Positions
Take on seasonal roles that offer flexibility and the chance to work outdoors. Opportunities include:
- Professional Caddies and Forecaddies
- Seasonal Assistants in Pro Shops and Clubhouses
- Temporary Maintenance and Hospitality Roles during Peak Seasons
These roles are perfect for students, seasonal workers, or those seeking part-time employment in a beautiful setting.
Prominent Golf Employers in Florida
Florida is home to many renowned employers in the golf industry, including:
- TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach - Host of The Players Championship and a flagship resort.
- PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens - Known for its multiple championship courses and luxurious facilities.
- Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando – Arnold Palmer’s legendary golf venue.
- Trump National Doral Miami - A historic course with extensive resort amenities.
- Seminole Golf Club - A private club known for its exclusive membership.
- Country Club Groups - Management companies like Troon Golf, ClubCorp, and KemperSports operate many courses and clubs across the state.
- Professional Organisations - The PGA Tour and LPGA headquarters contribute to a broad range of golf-related employment.
- Retail and Entertainment - PGA TOUR Superstore, Topgolf, and specialised club fitting centres are also major employers.
Seasonal Hiring and Regional Variations
Florida’s golf industry experiences seasonal hiring patterns that vary by region:
- Peak Seasons: In most of Florida, peak hiring occurs in winter and early spring when visitors flock to the state for its warm weather. In South and Southeast Florida, many clubs ramp up staffing from November to April, while in the Panhandle, peak hiring may occur during summer months.
- Regional Differences:
- Central Florida (Orlando): Steady tourism creates year-round opportunities with spikes during spring and fall.
- Southeast Florida (Palm Beach/Miami): High-end clubs see major seasonal influxes during winter, with private clubs and resorts hiring additional staff to cater to affluent visitors.
- Southwest Florida (Naples): Extreme seasonal swings with heavy hiring during the winter months when snowbirds are in residence and a slowdown during the hot summer.
- Northeast Florida (Jacksonville): Relatively mild seasonality with a surge during tournament periods like The Players Championship.
- The Panhandle: Seasonal coastal resorts hire intensively during the summer, with some courses closing or reducing hours in winter.
- In-Demand Seasonal Roles: Common seasonal positions include golf shop attendants, beverage cart attendants, caddies, hospitality staff, and extra maintenance crews during periods of heavy play.
Education, Training, and Certification Pathways
Florida supports a robust educational ecosystem for aspiring golf professionals:
- University Programs:
- Florida State University (FSU) and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) offer PGA-accredited Professional Golf Management (PGM) degree programs that blend business, hospitality, and golf instruction.
- Keiser University in West Palm Beach provides associate and bachelor degree programs in Golf Management and Turfgrass Management.
- Turfgrass and Agronomy Education:
- The University of Florida (UF) offers degrees in Turfgrass Science through its College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and runs extensive research programs.
- Community and technical colleges throughout Florida provide vocational training in golf course operations and turf management.
- PGA and LPGA Training:
- Florida hosts numerous seminars, workshops, and training events by the PGA of America and LPGA, with many aspiring teaching professionals completing their certification through local PGA Sections.
- Hospitality and Business Education:
- The Rosen College of Hospitality Management at UCF in Orlando and FIU's hospitality programs in Miami prepare students for management roles in resorts and clubs.
- Certifications and Continuing Education:
- Courses and certifications from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Club Management Association (CMAA), and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) help professionals keep their skills current.
- Youth and Mentorship Programs:
- Programs such as The First Tee of Florida introduce young people to golf, often leading to part-time roles that provide a pathway into the industry.