Golf Starter

Role Overview

The Golf Starter owns the first tee — the point where the day's tee sheet either runs smoothly or falls apart. This role confirms who is playing, when they go out, in what order, and with which caddy, so that groups leave on schedule and the course keeps flowing without pile-ups at the first hole. It is a front-facing operations position that blends scheduling discipline, rule enforcement, and courteous hosting, and it sets the tone for how members and guests experience their entire round.

Key Responsibilities

• Check each group against the day's tee sheet, confirm names and group sizes, and release players at their allotted times.
• Confirm that green fees, guest charges, and other playing fees have been settled before any player is allowed to tee off.
• Control the running order at the first tee, keeping waiting groups informed and preventing late arrivals or unregistered players from being slotted in out of turn.
• Adjust the sequence when play falls behind or runs ahead of schedule, coordinating with the golf operations team to protect pace of play across the field.
• Assign caddies to players according to availability, group size, and rotation order, and flag shortages to the caddy master or supervisor promptly.
• Brief players on local rules, current course conditions, pin placements, and any temporary restrictions before they strike their opening shot.
• Uphold club standards on dress, conduct, and etiquette around the starting area, referring disputes or persistent breaches to the golf operations supervisor.
• Maintain the starter's records for the shift — actual tee-off times, no-shows, late groups, and caddy allocations — and keep the starting area, signage, scorecards, and tee markers stocked and presentable.

Requirements & Qualifications

• KCSE or an equivalent secondary-school qualification.
• One to two years' relevant experience in golf operations, sports, hospitality, club administration, customer service, or a comparable environment.
• Practical golf knowledge: how a round is played, basic rules and etiquette, and a general understanding of course layout and how play moves through it.
• Familiarity with tee-time schedules, player sequencing, and first-tee starting procedures.
• Working understanding of caddy deployment and day-to-day player flow on a busy course.
• Confident, courteous communication with members, guests, and caddies — able to hold a firm line on order of play and club rules without becoming confrontational.
• Comfortable keeping simple operational records and reading schedules, tee sheets, and assignment logs accurately.
• Awareness of health and safety requirements around the course and starting area. R&A Rules School Level 1 and 2, customer-service training, or first-aid certification are an added advantage.