The Future of Golf’s Workforce Is Here.
MAKE SMARTER AND MORE INFORMED DECISIONS FOR YOUR GOLF COURSE.
Workforce Trends: Talent Accelerator
Discover what today’s workforce expects, values, and needs—and how golf course leaders can thrive in a changing employment landscape.
As the labor market continues to evolve, driven by factors such as rising wages, evolving employee values, and a greater focus on work-life balance, it is no surprise that the golf industry faces both challenges and opportunities in attracting and retaining top talent. From frontline staff to executive leadership, every role in the golf industry is impacted by these changes.
Our 2025 Workforce Trends in Golf National Research Study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape, uncovering the expectations of working Americans, their views on career opportunities in the golf course industry, and their thoughts on the key factors influencing attraction and retention.
This study offers valuable insights into how golf course leaders can adapt to the evolving workforce. As the industry faces significant challenges, understanding these trends is essential for enhancing member experiences and building high performing teams. The findings confirmed trends, but also unlocked surprising insights.
Here were the four key findings:
KEY FINDING #1
Lack of Exposure is the Biggest Barrier to Employment
The data surrounding why people don’t consider careers at golf courses reveals a stark realization: many have never stepped foot on a golf course or understand the opportunities available. This isn’t a matter of preference but a deeper issue of visibility and awareness—essential components influencing career decisions.
If businesses want to attract top talent, they must prioritize creating pathways to awareness and engagement in their marketing and outreach strategies.
KEY FINDING #2
Employees seek meaningful, long-term career opportunities that provide stability, growth, and a sense of purpose.
1 in 2 Americans view working at a golf course positively, but still carry negative associations to employment such as temporary or seasonal, long hours, difficult customers or members and high stress.
This stigma affects how potential employees view these opportunities, often deterring long-term career interest despite the diverse roles available in the field.
KEY finding #3
Gen Z is the Most Promising Demographic for Recruitment
Gen Z represents the future workforce with 45% of Gen Z working Americans have considered working at a golf course. Bringing fresh energy, adaptability, and a strong desire for personal and professional growth. This generation prioritizes purpose-driven work, skill development, and inclusivity, making them an ideal fit for the evolving needs of golf clubs and country clubs.
The report highlights that 65% of Gen Z respondents prefer jobs that align with their personal values, and 72% are drawn to roles offering structured training and clear career pathways.
KEY FINDING #4
Work-Life Balance is Top of Mind
In today’s workforce, flexibility is no longer seen as a perk—it’s an expectation.
Across all levels of an organization, from entry-level employees to the CEO, flexible scheduling and clearly defined work-life boundaries have emerged as critical factors influencing employment decisions. These elements serve as powerful drivers of recruitment and retention.
Download the Study
THE STUDY WAS CONDUCTED BY
Bloom Golf Partners
Bloom Golf Partners is the premier executive search and business consulting firm serving the golf and club industry. We empower golf courses, private clubs, and industry leaders to build high-performing teams, streamline operations, and achieve outstanding results.
Our proven methodologies and innovative solutions stem from decades of experience collaborating with top-tier clubs, historic landmarks, and national associations. We’ve led groundbreaking employment studies, pioneered workforce strategies, and delivered measurable success in recruitment, team building, and organizational performance.
Our expertise has been featured in Golf Digest, USGA, Boardroom Magazine, GCSAA, PGA of America, CMAA, and the British International Greenskeepers Association.
Bloom Golf Partners is uniquely positioned to provide both visionary strategies and hands-on execution to help organizations attract, retain, and develop the talent they need to thrive in today’s competitive golf and club landscape.
THE STUDY WAS FIELDED BY
THE CENTER FOR GENERATIONAL KINETICS
The Center for Generational Kinetics is a custom research, speaking, and advisory firm dedicated to separating myth from truth through data.
CGK has led more than 65 research studies in multiple languages on four continents. Their clients include many of the most recognizable brands in the world as well as private equity firms and market-shaping start-ups.
CGK’s team members have been featured in hundreds of media outlets from a cover story in The New York Times to over 200 TV appearances on shows such as 60 Minutes and The Today Show.
Adweek called their President a “research guru.”
Our proven methodologies and innovative solutions stem from decades of experience collaborating with top-tier clubs, historic landmarks, and national associations. We’ve led groundbreaking employment studies, pioneered workforce strategies, and delivered measurable success in recruitment, team building, and organizational performance.
