Starter/Host

Part-Time Starter/Host

Golfzon Social Oak Brook, located in Oak Brook, IL, is pleased to announce an excellent career opportunity for a part-time Starter/Host. We are seeking a motivated individual who is interested in contributing to a positive experience for our members and guests while continuing to grow their knowledge of golf club operations. As an associate of Troon, you will contribute to a global leader in golf and community management. Compensation: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour Summary: The Starter/Host is often the first and last point of contact for our guests and plays an important role in creating a welcoming and memorable experience. This position greets guests upon arrival, manages reservations and wait times, directs guests to their assigned golf bays or dining areas, and helps maintain the overall flow of the facility. The ideal candidate is outgoing, organized, dependable, and comfortable interacting with guests while working closely with our golf, food & beverage, and management teams.

Essential Duties

• Greet arriving and departing guests warmly with a genuine smile and positive attitude.
• Check guests in and direct them to their assigned golf bay, table, bar area, or event space.
• Assist guests with understanding the GOLFZON Social experience and provide basic information regarding golf bays, food and beverage service, promotions, and facility offerings.
• Manage reservations, walk-ins, wait times, and guest flow throughout the facility.
• Maintain accurate guest and reservation information within the reservation and POS systems.
• Answer incoming telephone calls and assist with reservations, general questions, and special guest requests.
• Communicate with Starters, servers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and management to ensure a smooth guest experience.
• Remain knowledgeable about current bay rates, promotions, memberships, leagues, events, menu offerings, and general operating procedures.
• Verify membership status when applicable and ensure appropriate discounts or benefits are applied.
• Monitor guests throughout their visit and proactively assist when additional service is needed.
• Maintain visibility throughout the facility and remain easily accessible to guests, staff, and management.
• Help ensure golf bays, dining areas, host areas, and other guest-facing spaces are clean, organized, and ready for service.
• Monitor restrooms and notify the appropriate team member when cleaning or restocking is required.
• Assist service staff with bussing tables, running food, taking drink orders, resetting areas, and other duties when necessary.
• Help maintain the proper flow and timing of golf bay reservations.
• Communicate guest requests, concerns, or service issues promptly to management.
• Follow all company safety, food handling, alcohol service, and operating procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Must be upbeat, outgoing, positive, and guest-focused.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, responsible, and trustworthy.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of hospitality, restaurant, entertainment, golf, or customer service experience preferred.
• Proven customer service skills.
• Passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience with reservation or POS systems is a plus.
• Basic knowledge or interest in golf is helpful but not required.

Physical Demands

• This position frequently requires standing, walking, talking, and hearing for extended periods. Team members may occasionally be required to sit, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or climb. The position requires the ability to regularly lift and carry items weighing approximately 1030 pounds. The work environment may be moderately loud during peak business periods, events, and league play.

Certifications / Licenses

• ServSafe Food Handler certification preferred.
• TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or equivalent responsible alcohol service certification preferred or may be required based on job responsibilities.
• Must meet all New York State age requirements for handling or serving alcoholic beverages when applicable.

Job Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent people skills with a friendly, approachable attitude.
• Ability to carry on natural conversations with guests without sounding scripted or intrusive.
• Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and safety.
• Ability to communicate clearly with guests, servers, bartenders, Starters, kitchen staff, and managers.
• Ability to hear and communicate effectively in a busy and sometimes loud environment.
• Ability to answer telephone calls professionally and accurately communicate information.
• Working knowledge of POS and reservation systems preferred.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications preferred.
• Ability to learn GOLFZON Social's golf simulator operations, bay procedures, pricing, promotions, and guest policies.
• Patient and customer-oriented approach when handling guest questions or concerns.
• Strong sense of urgency while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
• Responsible, trustworthy, and committed to providing an exceptional guest experience.

Benefits & Other Compensation:

• Healthcare Benefits Medical (if determined by the ACA measurement)
• Retirement Benefits 401(k) with employer match (19 years of age and older)
• Time Off Paid time off (PTO) and leaves of absence, in accordance with Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA)
• Additional Compensation Eligible for Services

Eligibility for benefits and the specific terms, conditions, and offerings are governed by the applicable plan of documents and company policies, which may be amended at the Company's discretion.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an associate in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

About Troon: Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ, Troon is the world's largest professional club management company, that specializes in services in golf, hospitality, and residential communities. With more than 900 locations in 45+ states and 27+ countries, Troon is a leading employer in hospitality. Guided by values that emphasize being infectiously energetic, consciously kind, and humbly prosperous, Troon offers professionals the opportunity to grow and succeed within a globally respected organization.