Course Manager

British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association; Brentwood; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious golf club in Brentwood, Essex, is seeking an experienced Course Manager to lead the maintenance of its championship course. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of golf course management experience, excellent turf management skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional playing surfaces. Responsibilities include managing the greenkeeping team, ensuring ecological balance, and maintaining top-notch course presentation. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in golf course maintenance.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a high-performing team.
• Knowledge of modern turf care technologies and practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve Poa greens to championship standard.
• Develop and maintain naturalised areas balancing ecology and playability.
• Provide clear communication on course condition to the management.

Skills

Turf management expertise

Team leadership

Budget management

Communication skills

Passion for golf

Education

HNC, HND, or Degree in Turf/Sports Turf Management

PA1, PA2, and PA6 certificates

Job description

Course Manager

Thorndon Park Golf Club – Brentwood, Essex - South East

Managerial - Greenkeeper (19 November 2025)

Thorndon Park Golf Club is seeking an experienced and inspiring Course Manager to lead the continued excellence of its Harry Colt-designed championship course, proudly recognised among England’s Top 100 golf courses.

This is a unique opportunity to maintain and further enhance one of the country’s finest parkland courses, working with an established, skilled team to deliver world‑class playing conditions throughout the year. The successful candidate will oversee the management of Poa bent greens, refine the course’s turf management programmes, and uphold the Club’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and presentation at championship standard.

This role is ideal for a forward‑thinking professional who combines agronomic expertise, team leadership, and a passion for delivering exceptional playing surfaces within a historic, scenic environment and a passion for playing golf.

About Thorndon Park Golf Club

Founded in 1920 and set within a magnificent 16th‑century deer park, Thorndon Park Golf Club is one of Essex’s most prestigious golfing venues. The course, designed by the legendary Harry S. Colt, flows seamlessly through mature parkland framed by centuries‑old oaks and natural features that provide both strategic challenge and timeless beauty.

Thorndon Park’s heritage is matched by its ambition: maintaining the highest standards of course conditioning while continuing to strengthen its position within England’s Top 100 golf courses.

Key Details

• Reports to: General Manager & Greens Director
• Team: Nine full‑time staff + Course Manager
• Course: 18 holes | Practice: Driving range, short game area & putting green
• Rounds per annum: Approx 20,000
• Architect: H.S. Colt
• Agronomist: STRI
• Grass types: Poa, Fine Rye & Fescue Mix, Pure Fescue
• www.thorndonpark.com

Role Overview

• Present all 18 holes and practice areas to championship standard year‑round.
• Manage and improve Poa greens through innovative and sustainable turf management.
• Develop and maintain fescue roughs and naturalised areas, balancing ecology with playability.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the greenkeeping team to ensure operational excellence and professional growth.
• Manage budgets, resources, machinery, and irrigation systems effectively and responsibly.
• Uphold best practices in health, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Provide clear communication and reporting to the General Manager, Greens Director, and membership on course condition and strategic planning.
• Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, supporting the Club’s vision for continuous improvement.
• Oversee the wider estate presentation, including landscaping, driveways, signage, and ponds, to uphold the Club’s prestigious image.

Candidate Profile

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in golf course maintenance, including management or supervisory roles.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing team.
• Strong turf management expertise, particularly in Poa greens and parkland course environments.
• Experience managing budgets, planning maintenance programmes, and implementing sustainable practices.
• Knowledge of irrigation, drainage, pest management, and modern turf care technologies.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with confidence in liaising with management, contractors, and members.
• A genuine passion for golf and course presentation, with an eye for detail and innovation.
• Relevant qualifications (HNC, HND, or Degree in Turf/Sports Turf Management preferred).
• PA1, PA2, and PA6 certificates.
• Full UK driving licence.

Salary & Benefits

A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered, commensurate with experience and aligned with the significance of this leadership role.

How To Apply

Please submit your cover letter (written in black ink) and CV (in that order) to Iain Evans, General Manager, Thorndon Park Golf Club. [e-mail]

Your Cover Letter Should Outline

• Why you are applying for this role at this stage of your career.
• How your skills and experience align with Thorndon Park’s standards and ambitions.
• Why Brentwood and the Essex area represent an excellent fit for you and your career.

Application Deadline: Friday, 14th November 2025

Interviews Begin: Monday, 24th November 2025

For more information about Thorndon Park, visit www.thorndonpark.com