Do you love playing golf? Are you wondering if you can incorporate your favorite past time into a promising career? There are many jobs in the golf industry that can keep you associated with the sport without necessarily having to play it. This is great for those of us who love the game but aren’t quite good enough to make it to the pro level.
Keep reading to learn more about the best careers in the golf industry.
Tour Pro
One of the most coveted careers in golf is that of a Tour Pro. In order to get to this level of play, you will need to focus on training at a very young age. You will need to start in junior golf, attend one of the many golf colleges, and enter into mini-tour events.
If you are talented enough to excel at these events you will eventually make it into the PGA tour. Keep in mind that you will need to be able to have a fairly large budget or a sponsor to help you cover the costs that it will take to make it to this level.
If you wish to be a tour pro you will need to hire a golf instructor, invest in high-end equipment, pay the tournament fees, and cover the cost of traveling. When you are just getting started you should be frugal about your spending so you can achieve your long-term goals. Hopefully, once you reach the tour pro level you will be compensated well for your efforts.
Tour Caddie
If you love the game but don’t quite have the skill to become a professional you could consider being a tour caddie. This is a great way to be on the greens and doing what you love without all the added stress and pressure that the pros deal with.
As a tour caddie, you will help the golfer through their game, offering advice when needed and guidance along the way. Most caddies are also great golfers, so they know the proper golf etiquette and have intuition and understanding about the game.
A tour caddie will spend most days leading up to a tournament mapping and walking the course, determining a game plan, charting the greens, and double-checking the different yardages. They will also caddie during practice rounds for their golfer and then finally being the caddie during the tournament.
Golf Course Superintendent
As a golf course superintendent, you will in charge of managing the golf course. You will need to be able to manage your employees, control the budget, plan events, and most importantly manage the golf course itself.
This can be a tough career choice since you will be required to work in tough conditions, such as being outside a lot during the hot summer months. You will also need to be certified in turf management and knowledgeable in the use of the large machinery required to maintain the course.
Most superintendents have a degree in turf management and have achieved certification by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
PGA Certified Golf Instructor
If you love teaching others you should consider becoming a PGA certified golf instructor. Instructors are needed across the country at nearly every golf course or country club. As an instructor, you can be your own boss and determine your own teaching style, days, and hours.
This is a great way for you to be able to work in the golf industry but set your own pace. You can offer group or individual lessons, teach young kids or senior players, and even host golf-related events at your club.
If you are interested in becoming an instructor you will first have to pass a background check and pass the Playing Ability Test. You should also develop a great teaching strategy that allows you to explain the various golf concepts to the different types of audiences you will be instructing.
Event Coordinator
Country clubs and large golf organizations always seem to have an event planned which means they need someone to help create and organize the event. If you love planning events and enjoy seeing everything you worked on come together then you might want to consider a career as an event coordinator.
The clubs usually have events planned year-round, such as tournaments, demo days, PGA playability tests, and charity events. There is no formal education required to be an event coordinator but some experience will be required.
You must have strong communication skills, fine attention to detail, and the ability to work well with other people. Most event coordinators spend their days sending out emails and making calls, deciding on catering, managing volunteers, and coordinating with other departments in the club.
Groundskeeper
If you love being outside and don’t mind getting your hands dirty then a golf course maintenance job might be a great option. This position generally requires early mornings, operating landscaping equipment, and being good with your hands.
The golf course groundskeeper usually spends their day getting the course ready in the morning for the golfers who will show up later that day. You will mow the greens, rake bunkers, clear away leaves and other debris, and take care of the general aesthetic of the course.
Throughout the year you will also need to trim back any trees or shrubs that are along the course, aerate the greens, and create new holes and cover up the old ones. This job is labor-intensive but is perfect if you love working outdoors. You will also enjoy the benefit of being able to use the accommodations of the club.
Learn More About the Various Careers in the Golf Industry Today
These are some of the many careers in the golf industry that are available throughout the country. Depending on your skill level you can become a tour pro or a golf instructor. If you love the game but aren’t great at it you can lend your skills to golfers as a tour caddie.
Most golf and country clubs plan various events throughout the year and are always looking for skilled event coordinators. If you enjoy working with your hands you should also consider a career as the superintendent or groundskeeper.
