If you’re a long-term passionate golfer, then it’s more likely than not that your mind has turned to turning it into a career at some point. Most, if not all, golfers who work in the industry in any capacity have found their path thanks to being obsessed with golf from a very young age (just one more reason why getting your kids into golf is one of the best things you can do for their development).
But finding ways to convert your hobby into a career is tricky, and it can be difficult to know how to get a foot in the door. In this article, we’ll give you a host of great ways to start turning your passion into a long-term career.
Of course, the most commonly known role in golf is that of the PGA professional, so we’ll start there.
Top tips for developing a career in golf.
Become a PGA Professional golfer
It’s the dream of every young golfer to become a PGA Professional golfer, but it’s not an easy path to take. Naturally, you need to be a dedicated and talented player, but beyond that you must also be actively ‘working at a golf facility under a PGA Training Professional and have a maximum handicap index of 6.4 (men) or 8.4 (women)’, according to the Professional Golfers’ Association website. You can do it as a student or a mature student, but you’ve got to be at least 18 years old to apply. The course takes upwards of three years to complete and is run through one of two higher education institutions, so you’ve got to be committed.
As a PGA Professional, you can play competitively (also called a Tour Pro) or you may wish to focus your efforts on teaching and coaching other golfers (or indeed do a combination of the two). Either way, there’s no doubt that as a PGA-accredited golfer it’s clear that you’ve earned your stripes.
Find a job at a golf club and/or driving range
Not everyone who is into golf wants to play competitively, or indeed even train through formal routes to become a teacher or coach. For some, it’s just about living and breathing golf every single day (and enjoying benefits like reduced course fees as a result!). Getting a job at your local golf club is an excellent way to learn more about the ins and outs of running a golf club. You may find yourself on the reception desk booking tee times, in the golf shop helping customers find the best golf clubs, clothing and equipment, or maybe in the restaurant (also known as the ‘19th hole’) serving food and drinks and getting involved in the post-game banter. Wherever you end up working, you can be sure that you’ll gain maximum exposure to every side of the world of golf, and there will be plenty of opportunities to work your way up the ladder, too.
Become a greenkeeper
The greenkeeper is often the unsung hero of a beautiful golf course. It takes time, expertise and meticulous attention to detail to keep the course looking its best. It’s great for those who love working outdoors, and you could start with an apprenticeship, on-the-job training or even a college course. Check out the BIGGA (British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association) website to find out more about how to train as a greenkeeper. If you love golf and nature with equal passion, this could well be the job for you.
You can do it…
Those are just three of the many ways you can forge a career in the golf industry, and we;’ve not even mentioned golf club manufacturing and engineering, working in the golf clothing industry, or even coming to work with us here at golfclubs4cash! You could consider becoming a golf journalist and/or blogger (check out our full blog library for inspiration!), a golf course landscaper, or perhaps your future lies in being a caddy to the stars!
Wherever you choose to take your golf career, you can be sure of a rewarding, stimulating and sustainable career. We wish you the best of luck, and get in touch if we can help.
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