The Committee for Golf Club Salaries (CGCS) has recommended that wages for key golf club staff rise by four percent from January 1, 2027.
The committee said golf remains in a positive position overall, but clubs continue to face challenges recruiting and retaining the skilled people needed to meet demand. Employers are also managing increased business costs, while staff face continued pressure on household finances.
In reaching its recommendation, the CGCS considered inflationary trends and the expected increase in the National Living Wage. It highlighted the narrowing pay gap between staff on the National Living Wage and highly trained, experienced employees – a concern it has flagged in previous years, noting that staff with managerial responsibilities risk being caught up by repeated rises in the minimum wage.
This year’s four percent figure marks the smallest increase the CGCS has recommended in recent years, following seven percent for 2024, five percent for 2025 and 4.8 percent for 2026 – reflecting the gradual easing of inflationary pressure across that period, even as recruitment and retention challenges persist.
The committee has also suggested that employers consider adding a further two percent to the overall employment package for key staff from January 2027. It pointed to benefits such as private healthcare, funding for training and professional development, and a commitment to sound governance as ways clubs can support and retain employees. The additional two percent relates to the wider employment package, rather than a further recommended wage increase.
The CGCS recognised that individual clubs must make pay decisions according to their own financial and operational circumstances, but encouraged employers to consider its recommendations when reviewing salaries. The committee’s calculators, used to tailor recommendations to individual roles, take into account geographic region, facility size, core responsibilities, club rating, qualifications and experience, and currently cover the roles of golf club manager, course manager, deputy course manager and assistant greenkeeper – making the guidance directly relevant to both club management and greenkeeping staff.
The committee includes representatives from the golf club managers’ association the GCMA and greenkeeping association BIGGA, alongside other golf industry representatives and independent members.
The full CGCS statement and salary calculator are available at golfclubsalaries.org.uk.
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