Recruiting and Hiring Best Practices for Golf Courses and Country Clubs

Reliable staff are the backbone of golf courses and country clubs. From groundskeepers and golf pros to servers and clubhouse attendants, the people you hire define the experience of your members and guests. A strong hiring process can help you secure top talent and protect your business from costly risks tied to discrimination, negligent hiring or compliance failures. By following the recommendations below, golf courses and country clubs can mitigate risks associated with hiring new staff.

Build Clear Job Descriptions
Start with well-defined job descriptions that outline essential duties and physical requirements. Keep language specific and relevant to job-related abilities while avoiding vague or unnecessary criteria. This ensures compliance with regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and helps attract candidates who understand what is expected of them.

Standardize the Application Process
Consistency is key. Use standardized forms and obtain written consent for background checks. Clearly explain job expectations and keep sensitive questions such as age, marital status or health history out of your process. A structured application system reduces the risk of discrimination claims and improves transparency.

Conduct Structured Interviews
Interviews should focus on skills, experience and the ability to perform essential job functions. Train managers to avoid inappropriate questions and to document candidate responses. A structured process creates fairness, minimizes bias and helps defend against potential claims.

Perform Careful Screening
Background and reference checks play an important role in protecting your club from negligent hiring claims. Keep inquiries limited to job-related details and maintain confidentiality of all information gathered. Document your process thoroughly to demonstrate due diligence.

Onboard for Success
Onboarding is more than orientation—it’s your chance to set expectations, reinforce safety standards and build long-term retention. Incorporate safety training, company policies and mentorship opportunities into onboarding programs. Well-trained employees are safer, more confident and more likely to deliver excellent service.

Manage High-Risk Roles Carefully
Certain roles require added attention. Employees who handle cash, serve alcohol or operate heavy equipment need to be vetted and trained carefully. Ensure certifications and training are up to date and provide ongoing reinforcement to protect both employees and the club.

EPLI: The Safety Net Behind Best Practices
Even the most diligent hiring process cannot eliminate every risk. Seasonal turnover, complex employment laws and heightened employee awareness mean claims are still possible. Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) provides a critical layer of protection, covering wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment and wage-related claims. Without EPLI, a single dispute can result in significant legal costs, reputational damage and disruption to club operations.

Strategic placement of EPLI coverage ensures your hiring practices are supported by financial protection. Partnering with an insurance provider that understands the golf and country club industry allows you to align your policies with your operational realities—so even when something goes wrong, your leadership and your balance sheet remain protected.

Recruiting for golf courses and country clubs is complex, and the stakes are high. With clear job descriptions, structured processes and proper onboarding, you can build a strong workforce and reduce risk. But true protection comes from pairing these practices with tailored insurance solutions. Contact Alliant today to strengthen your recruitment and risk management strategy with industry-specific coverage that keeps your people and your club protected.