17 Golf Course Maintenance Interview Questions and Answers

Maintaining a golf course is a complex and challenging job. From repairing divots and filling sand traps to trimming trees and mowing the fairways, golf course maintenance workers have a lot of work to do to keep the course looking its best.

If you’re thinking about applying for a job in golf course maintenance, it’s important to be prepared for the interview. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some questions and answers that you can expect to be asked in a job interview for this position. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to stand out from the competition and land the job you want.

Are you familiar with the different types of mowers used in golf course maintenance?

The interviewer may ask you questions like this to gauge your knowledge of the tools and equipment used in golf course maintenance. Use examples from your experience to highlight your expertise with mowers, as well as other types of tools and equipment commonly used in golf course maintenance.

Example: “I have worked on a variety of different sized greens throughout my career, so I am familiar with the different types of mowers that are most effective for each size. For example, when working on smaller greens, I prefer using push reel mowers because they’re quieter than gas-powered mowers and don’t require any fuel or oil changes. However, larger greens require more power, so I use gas-powered mowers instead.”

What are the different types of fertilizers used in golf course maintenance?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of golf course maintenance. It also shows the interviewer that you have experience with fertilizers and their uses in maintaining a golf course. In your answer, list the different types of fertilizer and what they’re used for.

Example: “There are three main types of fertilizers I use on a regular basis. The first is an organic fertilizer, which is made from animal or plant waste. This type of fertilizer is best for improving soil quality and increasing water retention. Next, there’s a synthetic fertilizer, which is made from chemicals. This fertilizer is good for providing nutrients to plants quickly. Finally, there’s a mineral-based fertilizer, which is made from minerals. This fertilizer is good for adding trace elements to the soil.”

How do you determine the best time to fertilize the grass on the golf course?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of when to fertilize grass and how often. Use examples from previous experience in which you knew it was time to fertilize the course’s grass or other plants.

Example: “I usually look at the weather forecast for a few days before I decide whether or not to fertilize the grass. If there is going to be rain, then I won’t fertilize because the fertilizer will wash away. However, if the weather looks dry, then I’ll know that it’s time to fertilize. In my last position, we had a lot of rain during the spring season, so I decided to fertilize the grass early. It helped the grass grow quickly and provided a beautiful golf course for our customers.”

What is the proper procedure for aerating the greens during the off-season?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of proper golf course maintenance procedures. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide a step-by-step process for aerating the greens during the off-season.

Example: “The first thing I would do is make sure that all players are out of the area and no one is on the green. Then, I would use a machine with tines to remove plugs of soil from the surface of the green. After removing the plugs, I would replace them with sand or topsoil so they don’t wash away when it rains. Finally, I would water the greens to help settle the new soil.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with an angry customer and how you resolved the issue.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a situation that could be challenging, such as an unhappy golfer or a complaint from a guest. In your answer, try to show the interviewer that you can remain calm and professional in these situations.

Example: “I once had a customer who was upset because they lost their golf ball on the course. I explained to them that we have no way of knowing where all the balls go after they’re hit. However, I offered to give them a discount on their next round of golf at our facility.”

If you could only use one tool to complete your job, what would it be and why?

This question is a great way to see how much experience you have with golf course maintenance. Employers ask this question because they want to know which tools are the most important to you and what your priorities are when it comes to completing tasks on the job. When answering this question, try to think of the tool that you use the most often or the one that allows you to complete multiple jobs at once.

Example: “If I could only use one tool, I would choose my leaf blower. This tool allows me to clear debris from greens, fairways and other areas of the course quickly. It also helps me get rid of leaves before they can damage the grass.”

What would you do if you noticed a colleague was not following safety procedures?

Golf course maintenance can be a dangerous job, so employers ask this question to make sure you know how to keep your colleagues safe. In your answer, explain that you would talk to the colleague privately and tell them why their actions are unsafe. If they do not change their behavior, you would report it to your supervisor.

Example: “I have worked with many different people in my career, so I understand that everyone learns differently. When I notice someone is doing something unsafe, I always approach them privately to give them an opportunity to learn from me. If they continue to do it after our conversation, I will report it to my supervisor so they can take appropriate action.”

How well can you communicate with colleagues who speak a different language?

Golf courses often have employees who speak different languages. Employers ask this question to make sure you can communicate with these colleagues and understand their needs. Use your answer to show that you are willing to learn a new language if necessary. Explain that you will use body language, gestures or other methods to help you communicate effectively.

Example: “I am fluent in English, but I also know some Spanish. If an employee spoke only Spanish, I would try my best to understand them. I would gesture and use hand signals to get my point across. I would also write down what they said so I could remember it later.”

Do you have experience working with landscaping tools?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with specific tools that are commonly used in golf course maintenance. Use your answer to share which landscaping tools you have worked with and how often you use them. You can also mention any additional skills you have related to working with these types of tools, such as repairing or maintaining them.

Example: “I have a lot of experience using landscaping tools like shovels, rakes, hedge trimmers and leaf blowers. I’ve been working as a groundskeeper for the past five years, so I’m familiar with all of the different tools we use on our golf course. In my previous position, I was responsible for maintaining most of the landscaping equipment, including sharpening blades and replacing parts when necessary.”

When is it appropriate to call a repairperson?

This question can help interviewers understand your decision-making process and how you prioritize tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation in which you called for repairs or maintenance on the golf course.

Example: “When I first started working as a greenskeeper, I noticed that one of our putting greens was starting to develop brown spots. I knew that if we didn’t treat it soon, the entire green would become unusable. So, I called my supervisor to ask what I should do. He told me to call a repairperson immediately because he wanted to avoid losing any more greens. The repairperson came out right away and treated the damaged area before it could spread.”

We want to improve our customer service. Tell me about a strategy you would use to do so.

Customer service is an important part of any job, especially in the golf industry. Interviewers may ask this question to see how you would improve customer service at their course. In your answer, explain a strategy that you used or plan to use to improve customer service.

Example: “I believe one way to improve customer service is by making sure our employees are happy and healthy. I have worked for courses where we had high turnover rates because employees weren’t happy with their work environment. To solve this problem, I started a team-building program where we could all get to know each other better. We also did fun activities like bowling and miniature golfing. This helped us create stronger relationships and improved employee morale.”

Describe your experience with using fertilizer spreaders.

This question can help interviewers understand your experience with a specific piece of equipment that’s commonly used in golf course maintenance. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your skills and abilities when using fertilizer spreaders.

Example: “I’ve worked on several different types of golf courses, so I have experience using many different kinds of fertilizer spreaders. In my last position, I was responsible for spreading fertilizer twice per week during the spring and summer months. I had to make sure I didn’t over-fertilize any areas because it could cause damage to the grass or other plants. I also had to be careful not to under-fertilize certain areas because it would negatively impact the health of the grass.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the job. They want to know what makes you a good fit for their organization and how you can contribute to its success. Before your interview, make a list of all your relevant skills and experiences that relate to this position. Think about which ones are most important for this role and highlight them in your answer.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this position because I have extensive experience working on golf courses. In my previous role as a greenskeeper, I learned many valuable skills that help me perform well in this industry. For example, I understand the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem while also ensuring the safety of players. I also have excellent communication skills, so I can work with other team members to solve problems.”

Which golf courses do you currently work at?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your experience and skills. You can answer this question by naming the golf courses you work at, what your role is there and any other relevant information.

Example: “I currently work at two different golf courses. One of them is a public course that I maintain as a groundskeeper. The other one is a private course where I am also responsible for landscaping and irrigation systems. Both courses have their own unique challenges, but I enjoy working in both environments.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of lawn care?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of lawn care and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should show that you understand what’s important in maintaining a golf course, such as safety and aesthetics.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of lawn care is keeping it safe for players. I always make sure to check my mowers before starting them and keep all moving parts well-oiled so they don’t pose a threat to anyone on the course. Another important part of lawn care is making sure the grass looks good. I’ve been working with different types of grasses for years now, so I know which ones are best for certain conditions.”

How often should you mow the greens?

Mowing the greens is one of the most important maintenance tasks on a golf course. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you know how often you should mow and when it’s appropriate to do so. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of proper mowing techniques and the importance of maintaining healthy turfgrass.

Example: “I recommend mowing the greens once every two weeks during peak season, but I also understand that sometimes circumstances require more frequent mowing. For example, if there are areas where the grass is growing too long or if we have an unusually hot week, then I would adjust my schedule accordingly. Maintaining healthy turfgrass is essential for ensuring the safety of our players, so I always err on the side of caution.”

There is a storm coming. What would you do?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills. Storms can be unpredictable, so it’s important that you have the ability to think on your feet and make quick decisions. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure the safety of everyone at the golf course during the storm.

Example: “If there was a storm coming, I would first check in with my supervisor to see if they had any specific instructions for me. Then, I would go around the grounds to make sure all equipment was secure and locked away. I would also make sure all loose items were put away or stored safely. Finally, I would make sure all staff members were aware of the situation and where to meet up if we got separated.”