You love golf. You want to work in the golf field. You have good people skills and enjoy socializing. What golf jobs are available? Here is a list of 20 opportunities, including some golf career path ideas from the PGA, that will keep you on the green. One of them is sure to fit you to a tee!
1. Head Golf Pro – Supervisor or director of a golf shop. Head golf pros are talented players who have been successful on the professional or amateur level. Often, a business degree is required and being a member of the PGA is mandatory. You need to possess strong people skills and communication skills to give lessons to a wide variety of clients and to work with the golf shop staff. A pro may also be responsible for hiring caddies, managing a budget, and running the pro shop.
2. Golf Course Director – Person in charge of golf shop, golf range, and carts. This person oversees the entire golf course operation, which may involve the golf shop as well as golf course maintenance. A college degree in business is preferred, and the director is usually a Class A member of the PGA. Excellent management and organization skills are a must, along with an outgoing personality. This person may work on promotions and marketing strategies, too.
3. Golf Instructor – Golf Professional Training Program certification is often required. Strong communication skills are important in order to be able to listen and instruct clients on how to improve their game. Instruction will range from how to choose which club to use to stance, swinging mechanics, and putting.
4. Assistant Golf Professional – The assistant golf instructor often gives the majority of lessons. They may also spend time working on club repair, merchandising in the golf shop, inventory control, and assisting with tournament operations.
5. Executive Manager – Management professional in charge of operations, finance, and development. Reports to the owner or board of directors. Oversees and provides direction for all areas, including golf course operations, maintenance, marketing, sales, restaurant/country club, staff, and budget.
6. Golf Clinician – Person who travels to do specialized golf shows and clinics, representing a supplier. May also be a person employed by a golf course who handles all clinics, often group instruction specifically designed to cover one part of the golf game, such as chipping, putting, pre-swing, and so on, at an affordable price for all.
7. College Golf Coach – Golf coaches are employed at colleges and universities to coach golf teams. Not only are coaches required to recruit members and build a team, but they are also often in charge of team travel arrangements as well.
8. General Manager – Manages day-to-day operations of the entire golf facility, including golf course, course maintenance, clubhouse, and food and beverage. A degree in business is helpful, as experience in management and the restaurant industry. General Manager reports to the Executive Manager. However, on a smaller course, the General Manager and the Executive Manager may be one and the same.
9. Director of Instruction – Supervisor of the teaching program at a golf school. This person hires and manages the professionals who are giving lessons. Most likely, you will attend national conferences to keep up-to-date on new methods of teaching that you can then pass on to other instructors. Director will plan and evaluate the methods of instruction being used and communicate changes to other instructors.
10. Retail Sales – Experienced salesperson of golf clubs and other products working in a golf shop or sporting goods store. A career in sales can keep you close to the game and up-to-date on new equipment, apparel, and other golf merchandise. Training is sometimes available from equipment manufacturers. Knowledge of the game and previous sales experience is helpful.
11. Golf Course Architects – Design golf courses. They plan the overall design, including locations for landscaping and water features, while taking into consideration the existing terrain. They must also consider drainage, trees, erosion, and land maintenance, during and after the construction. Because a great golf course is recognized for its design and function, architects must possess a strong understanding and appreciation for the game of golf.
12. Golf Course Developer – Oversee the construction of new golf courses. Golf course development is often a multi-million dollar deal involving owners, local government zoning officers, architects, and engineers. Although some of the work is done in an office, much of the time is spent out on the work site.
13. Golf Course Maintenance – Maintain the golf course by cutting grass, landscaping, irrigating, removing storm debris, and tree trimming. The majority of work time is spent outside. Although tractors cut the grass, maintenance personnel run and maintain the tractors. Much of the job is physical labor. Universities and trade schools offer courses in golf course management, which may be required for a maintenance superintendent position.
14. Broadcast Journalism – Reporting or writing about golf and golf events for magazines, television, or the Internet. Besides graduating from college with a major in journalism, broadcast journalists have to work their way up the chain. Whether it is reporting the Master’s Tournament, play-by-play for the college golf team at a university radio station, or writing an article about the high school golf team for your local newspaper, everyone needs practice before becoming a household name in journalism.
15. Golf Manufacturer Management – Executive in golf industry manufacture or distribution for companies such as Dunlop or Titleist. As with other management or executive positions, a degree in business or management is usually required. Much of your time will be spent indoors. However, there will be opportunities to hold ‘conferences’ on the golf course to network and showcase your company’s equipment.
16. Sales Representative – Represent a manufacturer selling golf merchandise and supplies wholesale to pro shops or retail stores. You will need excellent interpersonal skills, dedication, and a love of golf to succeed. Competition for these jobs is tough. A degree in marketing, business, or management plus outstanding networking skills may help you get your golf cleat in the door. Doing an internship is a good way to get started with a prominent company.
17. Tournament Director – Coordinate, plan and oversee golf events for sponsors or associations. This person should be well-organized and a good manager. You will also need good communication skills to work with the volunteers and employees involved. Duties may include hiring staff, ensuring that the rules of the tournament are being followed, and coordinating scheduling, marketing, communications, and prizes and awards.
18. Rules Official – Officiate golf tours or events. Jobs vary depending on the level of officiating, but certification in the USGA Rules of Golf is required. May also need to coordinate and train volunteers for events.
19. Golf Equipment Specialist – You need a passion for golf and extensive knowledge of golf clubs and equipment, which may include enrollment in a golf club fitting school, such as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for athletes and sports officials are “expected to grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.” You can be one of that 22 percent with a job in golf.
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