What It’s Like Working at a Country Club

Working at a country club is a great way to earn money in a lively, fun environment. There are all sorts of specific positions available, and most workers find a niche that matches their preferences. Before starting out, you’ll want to learn a bit about what working at a country club is like. Here, we’ve answered some basic questions so you’ll know what to expect.

What’s my work environment like?

Country clubs are sprawling venues that usually include a golf course, a restaurant, and other amenities. Members pay an annual fee to use the facilities, and many clubs are both luxurious and exclusive. Special events are commonplace at a country club, so staff members should expect to help out with conferences, weddings, and parties. 

For workers, country clubs offer a fast-paced environment. You have to work hard, but you also enjoy the support of your colleagues. Serving members and hosting events are communal efforts, and employees learn to work together to get the job done. This collaborative aspect of the job makes country clubs great for making lifelong friends at work.

What’s it like working at a country club?

Many country club workers report being satisfied with their jobs. Expectations are often high, but meeting them can be extremely rewarding. Workers are expected to dress and act in a professional manner. Cleanliness, politeness, and punctuality are vital signs of respect toward the members and their guests. By working hard, cooperating with your colleagues, and adapting to changing circumstances, you can provide excellent service and earn the praise of members and management alike. 

Do you need a high school diploma to work at a country club?

The education level necessary to work at a country club depends on the position and club in question. Some country clubs will expect a high school diploma or an equivalent certification for certain jobs, especially those in management or related to technical fields. With that being said, plenty of positions are open to those without diplomas.

How many people work in the gig economy?

The gig economy, composed of contractors and self-employed workers, currently includes about 59 million people – or 36% of all American workers. In 2021, 9% of American workers used a gig-work app or platform to secure work. The gig economy is only growing as people prioritize flexibility and control when making career decisions. 

How old do you have to be to work in a country club?

While each establishment has its own rules and customs, there’s no single minimum age for working at a country club. The youngest workers at clubs are often caddies, some of whom are only 14 years old. Bussers can also be quite young, while cooks and drivers tend to be older. Bartenders and servers must be 18 or 21 in most states because they come into contact with alcohol.  

Positions available at country clubs

Country clubs are complex operations that offer many types of services simultaneously. While the specific positions available will depend on the amenities offered by a particular club, most establishments hire at least some workers to fill the following roles:

Busser: Clears dishes and silverware to make room for another group of patrons at a table.

Bartender: Serves drinks to guests and members. Must know how to mix drinks, serve beverages, and charm the upscale clientele.

Dishwasher: Washes dishes, pots, and pans. The work is hard and fast-paced, but the lack of public interaction appeals to some workers. 

Server: Waits on members and guests, both in the regular restaurant/dining room and during special events. 

Attendant: Helps golfers prepare for outings by cleaning carts, carrying bags, and attending to any other personal needs.

Line Cook: Prepares food to order for guests and members. The work is intense, but skilled cooks receive ample praise from thankful managers and colleagues. 

Prep Cook: Chops, dices, and mixes the ingredients necessary for a day’s worth of food preparation. 

Driver: Moves work vehicles around the grounds and brings golf carts for members. 

Valet: Helps people park their cars. The job requires patience and grace, but it’s never boring and often well-appreciated by guests. 

Caddy: Carries golf bags for golfers and offers advice out on the course. Requires a working knowledge of golf, a sociable nature, and a willingness to spend countless hours outside. 

Advice from a country club expert 

Jobble’s Director of Marketing, Julia Ryder, breaks down the top four career tips you should follow while working at a country club:

Growing up in a summer destination spot like Cape Cod, I’ve had the privilege of working at some of the most beautiful country clubs in the area. One that holds a special place in my heart is The Ridge Club located in Sandwich, MA. As a former snack bar and beverage cart girl, I want to share a few tips I picked up on and off the fairway.

Tip #1: Arrive on time

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s not always easy—especially in the summer when it’s hot out and you have to wake up early. When you are working at a country club, the early bird most certainly gets the worm. That means that if you’re responsible for opening up the snack bar, loading the beverage cart, or caddying, you do not want to make paying customers wait for you! That’s how you end up making the wrong impression and lose the members’ respect. It’s also important to make sure you follow the uniform requirements and look your personal best. There’s nothing worse than showing up with wrinkled khakis and stained polos because you were rushing. Take the time to look good.

Tip #2: Remember the members

It’s important to be friendly and outgoing when working at a country club. You’ll be interacting with members, other employees, and even guests—and your personality can make or break your day.

When you’re working at a country club, it’s important to remember that you are there to serve the members. They pay a lot of money for their membership, so they expect the best service possible.

That means remembering your regulars’ names and greeting them on the golf course with their favorite beverage or sandwich. If you have time, it’s always nice to chat with them about their plans for the day or what they’ve been up to since you last saw them.

Tip #3: Always stay busy

If you want to get promoted or earn more money, it’s important to stay busy. If you see that things are slowing down during the day, don’t be afraid to take on extra tasks—especially on a rainy day. This can be anything from reorganizing dry stock to cleaning out the fridge. The more work you do, the more your manager will notice. 

Tip #4: Network

Often the best business deals happen on the golf course, and the same is true for networking. You might not be playing with members on the course or lounging with them poolside at the clubhouse, but you will be introduced to members with many different experiences and backgrounds. From professional basketball players to neurosurgeons to tech entrepreneurs, these players can connect you with life-changing internships and job opportunities, and from time to time, they can help you score free tickets to a play-off game!

All in all, working at a country club is a great opportunity for those who are seeking a steady, flexible schedule. It’s also a great place to begin your career if you want to get into the food and beverage industry and make excellent earnings. 

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About the Author: Ben Clabault is a freelance writer from Sandwich, Massachusetts. He has spent much of his adult life traveling through Latin America. He currently lives with his fiance in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. His areas of expertise include travel, marketing, SaaS, and global cultures. You can find his work on Copyfolio and reach out to him on LinkedIn.