Our team are seasoned professionals with deep experience in golf and club management. We understand the challenges your club faces – and we’re here to provide the expertise and support you need.
Workforce challenges and the global talent pull
Recruitment and staff retention remain among the greatest challenges facing clubs today – especially for specialised positions such as superintendents and senior management professionals. Gen Z represents the most promising talent pool, yet their priorities differ from those of previous generations.
They seek purpose-driven roles, inclusive environments, work-life balance, continuous skill development and transparent career progression. When these needs go unmet, outdated workplace cultures and perceptions of high-stress or short-term employment often lead to high turnover.
Another major retention challenge is the allure of overseas opportunities. Young professionals are increasingly drawn to international roles in dynamic markets such as Asia, the Middle East and Europe, where higher salaries, faster career growth and exposure to innovative operations are common. This global movement can lead to talent “brain drain,” leaving domestic roles struggling to compete when they lack compelling incentives and growth potential.
Prioritising succession, training and development
To address these challenges, clubs must shift focus to people strategies – creating pipelines that foster loyalty, continuity and innovation.
Succession planning is a top priority, especially given ageing leadership in key roles such as GMs and superintendents. Proactive planning prevents disruptions, preserves institutional knowledge and builds member confidence. Best practices include the early identification of high potentials, 360-degree feedback, proactive performance reviews, formalised growth plans with milestones, honest coaching and alignment with long-term strategy.
Clubs that treat this as strategic (not a crisis-driven, reactionary response) avoid costly turnover and ensure seamless transitions.
Cultivating a welcoming culture
Attracting and retaining younger professionals requires moving from traditional hierarchies to inclusive, supportive environments. Emphasise mentorship, flexible scheduling, wellness initiatives and spaces for input. Introducing young professionals to the key decision-making committees and processes helps to bridge generational gaps, fosters belonging, gives recognition and brings fresh energy to serve evolving memberships.
Investing in career development and training
Career development combats turnover by viewing roles as ladders, not temporary stops. Offer mentorship, skill workshops, investing in industry certifications or education programmes, cross-departmental rotations, transparent progression paths and ongoing feedback. Clubs prioritising these see improved morale, loyalty and resilience against shortages.
These people-focused approaches – strong succession, intentional culture and robust training – create high-performing teams that drive revenue and member satisfaction.
How we can help
At Global Talent Solutions, we specialise in connecting clubs with visionary leaders who excel in these areas, with proven expertise in efficient operational management, revenue strategies, cultural transformation and talent development. We go beyond executive placement: our tailored ‘future leaders’ Global Internship Initiative directly tackles succession, culture-building, career development, training and retention challenges.
Partnering with the 59club Academy to launch our Global Internship Initiative
Designed for aspiring young professionals in the golf and country club sector, the programme offers hands-on international experience (addressing the “abroad” interest without permanent relocation), rotations across operations (golf ops, events, F&B, agronomy), one-on-one mentorship and industry-leading education and leadership development. Participants build networks, gain practical skills, and transition into full-time roles at partner clubs – while clubs create a ready pipeline that enhances learning, reduces attrition and strengthens stability. If your club is navigating these trends and needs support in leadership hiring or building a stronger talent foundation, reach out. Let’s discuss how our executive search and internship programme can position your club for sustained success.
Email sean@globaltalentsolutions.net
