Job in Golf

[golfpar112]

I am looking in getting a job in golf once i retire from my current job. I will be around 40 years old by then. I would like to do anything from a pro shop manager, Club Salesman to a club Pro. I am a 6 HC now just playing and not a lot of practice and just addicted to the game. Does anyone work in golf? have any Pros and Cons? Thanks

 

Mike

[Llortamaisey]

Use the search function and you will find a ton of threads on people who have asked this same question. You’re in a little different boat because you will be retired and it sounds like you won’t need money to support a family with kids. This seems like it would be just a fun gig for you, right?

 

My first reaction would have been to tell you to never work in the industry of your addiction. I can’t take credit for that insight, my drug dealer was the first one to tell me that. I have worked in the golf industry and I can say first hand that this is the most sound advice you’ll get from a drug dealer. Working in golf is cool if you like long hours, little money, and watching other people play.

 

I would look at a golf job that gets you outside, as close to the game as possible. Starter, caddy, ranger, or grounds crew would all be ways to go about it. If you take an inside job, you’ll be looking out the window all day. Once you get your foot in the door, other opportunities will pop up. Get to know the big OEM club reps once you start working at a course. They’re always looking for a tech rep to hold demos and fittings.

 

Best of luck!

[krtgolfing]

I would not recommend working the the business. I did this for many years and did not enjoy it one bit. Get paid like s***, long hours, little vacation time, and always a few people trying to get s*** for free. If I was to ever get back into the game I would probably want to be a starter as it is very low key and most people will be in a good mood. If you are really interested go for it!

[Swisstrader98]

Simple: go to LinkedIn, create a profile and then search on the 100’s of jobs out there that are related to golf.

 

This for me is like someone asking how to use the search function in Google:)

[ABARTSCHMID]

Get used to working evenings, weekends and all holidays

[BrianMcG]

If you like to never play golf and love folding shirts become a club pro.

[Ferguson]

Stay in your current field and just go do something else.

 

Golf is for fun.

[Razorback84]

I agree with with most people are saying. I know its not the same at all, but I love working and tinkering on my toys (old cars, Jeeps, and motorcycles). I work in aviation as a helicopter crewchief and for some reason I just don't find as much enjoyment when I'm working on my own toys anymore. Even though I work on helicopters, an engine is an engine, anyway you look at it.

 

I did work in the cart barn of one of the local courses when I was in HS, and that was fun being able to hit range balls or play whenever I wanted, if I wasn't working, or waiting for the last cart to get back in.

[bcflyguy1]

Since income is not really of much concern, think your best options would be working as a starter or possibly catching on as a demo tech. That way your time isn't completely eaten up.

[Fiddy3]

I’ll chime in on this. As a 40 something that worked in the automotive business for 22 years, I decided this fall to make a change. I like you, wanted to be involved in the industry and being a 8 handicap, didn’t have a lot of golf pro options jumping out at me ?So I went the retail route. Now, I’m in an interesting postion in that my city has a 13,000sq ft stand alone golf shop that has been in town 34 years, and is amazingly successful (4mil per year gross sales). My experience with customer service landed me a job and the pay is better than anyone I know that works at a course (barring a top teaching pro). If you have this option and want to make decent money, this is by far the best route. Unlike courses, my job and boss understands that we all love golf, and we have a decently flexible schedule that allows us to get out and play, unlike most course guys that work so much that they end up hating the game. The big disadvantage of being in the industry... you work golf, you talk golf, you sell golf, you recommend golf, and you attempt to play golf. At times, it’s a bit much. It’s like being a chef, when you’re done working, the last thing you want to do is go home and cook... and my game has reflected that since taking the job. My advice... play golf and enjoy it for that. Don’t work it, you’ll end up resenting that you turned a hobby into a job. ??

[2putttom]

Since income is not really of much concern, think your best options would be working as a starter or possibly catching on as a demo tech. That way your time isn't completely eaten up.

I retired and applied on line with kemper, was picked up and have been working steadily grounds crew for a decade.

[Roody]

According to the pro at my club, you'll never have time to actually play golf yourself because you'll be working during most golf-able hours. Dude is there sun-up to sundown, I don't think I've ever seen him playing golf ever.

[caniac6]

I play almost everyday. I very rarely see any of our pros on the course or the range.I worked as an assistant superintendent, and I played a fair amount, but a lot of days, I just wanted to go home.

 

[BNGL]

If I may I'm an assistant super at a elite club and yes the hours are long, and sometimes extremely labor intensive...but the opportunities to play are there if you take them and make them happen. I understand family commitments etc. but either with monthly chapter events, or "corporate golf" with vendors or even just playing a few at the end of the day to unwind. Personally I play at least 18 every week, just to see how the course is playing. You can only see so much from riding around in a cart, with moisture meters, trufirms, and speed sticks. I love my job I wouldn't change anything about my career choice, other than maybe doing it sooner. I've posted on this before, there's plenty of opportunities to play. You'll meet a ton of great people though and I would encourage anyone that loves the game to look into a career in golf if they are seriously interested. Please feel free to ask any questions I'd be lad to point you in the right direction.

[596]

When I retired I started work at a golf course, basically for the free golf and get me out of the house. After 6 months part time I liked it so much I went full time. Then I went back to part time after 2-3 years. After another 6 months of part time I went extremely part time. I work about 1 hour a week. I go in extra when I feel like it. Normally in about 10am and out at 1pm once or twice a month. I think the last pay check was 3 hours in 2 weeks time.

 

Now that being said. I don't like customer service any more, I don't want to talk to people if I don't want to and I enjoy working alone and being trusted to do my job without a supervisor checking on me. I'm 62 now and don't need that. I'm a big boy and can handle it all by myself. AND I work in the maintenance department. I love working outside, whenever I feel like it.

[Matchplay10033]

Many of my friends and teammates went on to work in the golf industry. They rarely get to play golf and are slaves to long hours during the spring and summer. I too will be retired in my 40's about 7 years off and won't be working in golf.

[golfpar112]

Stay in your current field and just go do something else.

 

Golf is for fun.

 

I am in the military, they will not let me stay for ever.

[golfpar112]

Simple: go to LinkedIn, create a profile and then search on the 100’s of jobs out there that are related to golf.

 

This for me is like someone asking how to use the search function in Google:)

 

I am looking for the Pros and Cons. I am in the military and don't need a job soon so a Linkedin account will not help me. Thanks for your great help.

[golfpar112]

When I retired I started work at a golf course, basically for the free golf and get me out of the house. After 6 months part time I liked it so much I went full time. Then I went back to part time after 2-3 years. After another 6 months of part time I went extremely part time. I work about 1 hour a week. I go in extra when I feel like it. Normally in about 10am and out at 1pm once or twice a month. I think the last pay check was 3 hours in 2 weeks time.

 

Now that being said. I don't like customer service any more, I don't want to talk to people if I don't want to and I enjoy working alone and being trusted to do my job without a supervisor checking on me. I'm 62 now and don't need that. I'm a big boy and can handle it all by myself. AND I work in the maintenance department. I love working outside, whenever I feel like it.

 

Thanks man. I will message you when i have some more questions i have a lot of time before i retire from the military so i am looking in to different options.

[golfandfishing]

Stay in your current field and just go do something else.

 

Golf is for fun.

 

They should put this on a hat and pass them out on the first tee at the PAT.

[BNGL]

Stay in your current field and just go do something else.

 

Golf is for fun.

 

I am in the military, they will not let me stay for ever.

 

You're set then. Try to find a job at a course on a military installation, MWR/NAF Jobs are based on past military service (yes civilians can get jobs, but if a veteran applies your app goes to the front of the list) I worked at the golf course at Patrick in maintenance...remember those days fondly!

 

Thank you for your service best of luck!

[jslane57]

There are plenty of negatives in the golf industry, like time working, low pay, total customer service, etc. But there are plenty of positives too, like being around a game you love, working at a beautiful place, seeing all the latest and greatest golf stuff, etc. I say go for it! You will be in a position that you can quit if you don't love it. And that alone may really influence your point of view.

 

Those saying to stay away and just play golf (for fun) aren't wrong, but for many just being around the course (playing or not) is a great thing...

[Baitkiller]

Bartender is the gig you need. Preferably at an exclusive country club. I know two guys do this, both good sticks and they always seem to be playing golf at the best tracks in town when I'm working.

[sandtrap]

I left my own company after 30 years and went all things golf, opened an online golf store, worked in a pro shop for the free golf and at a major golf retailer as a fitter for the discount. It's nice to talk golf all the time as customers are 95% happy and and you don't really have to sell. It was fun for a while and the novelty wears off when you are stocking shelves or watching tv when the shop is open and no one is coming to play golf. I played way more golf as business owner and sales guy than being in golf.

Also, at 40 you will be a kid at a golf course, almost all of the other guys are in their 70s and someone most likely has to permanently "retire" to get a job. I'm 56 and there are only 2 guys younger than me and they hope to be career guys. Good luck and thanks for your service.

[Ferguson]

You could be a sales rep that sells to golf courses. Landscape and building products, etc. Day job, and you get to know the folks at the courses.

 

There is a good one called SITEONE that's a spin off from John Deere.

 

https://siteone.com/home

[uitar9]

Stay in your current field and just go do something else.

 

Golf is for fun.

 

I am in the military, they will not let me stay for ever.

 

My wife's cousin retired from the Can military 5 years ago. He works part time now as an usher at the arena where the Oilers play, and plays his golf at the military course. Sees a little hockey, a few concerts for free and works when he wants. In the winter he often goes to Arizona and plays at a military course down there. He tells me he pays $20 a round.

 

Considering the job you do for your country, the golf should be free.

[tbowles411]

Stay in your current field and just go do something else.

 

Golf is for fun.

 

I am in the military, they will not let me stay for ever.

Nope. They certainly don't let us stay forever. PM me. A friend and I did the exact same thing. I retired 9 years ago and got into it totally by accident. I do it part time, remotely doing media and such. A friend of mine is on Terminal right now and went to work for a friend of ours in his shop in TX full time.

[medicoreMAgolfer]

Stay in your current field and just go do something else.

 

Golf is for fun.

 

I am in the military, they will not let me stay for ever.

 

1. Thank you for your service

 

2. I don't know your family situation or your geography needs, but if I were in your boat, wanted a golf career, and could move anywhere - I would move to Bandon and be a caddy. Cost of living is good, coast is beautiful, and you can make very good money. It is hard work, but very rewarding - plus it is all cash. There are a couple of other places like that, but the nice thing about Bandon is you can get loops almost 12 months a year (versus other areas that shut down). Also at Bandon, You also don't have one of those caddy companies getting a cut of your money

 

3. Another thing I know people have done in your situation around here is to become a firefighter - great hours for golfing (essentially work 24 hour shifts 2 days a week) and then get a part time job as a starter so they can golf for free and be around the game. Massachusetts gives preferential treatment to Veterans when applying for those jobs too. Firefighting is hard / dangerous life - but might be something to think about. (The newly minted USGA mid-am champion is a local firefighter)

[Carolina Golfer 2]

I guess I'm the outlier. I made the career switch two years ago from a hotel GM to work for a large Golf Management company. I'm thinking holiest I've ever been in any job. If i work more than 40 hours it's by choice.

 

My GM and Head Pro encourage us to play as much as possible. We all get in at least 18 holes a week. Most weeks I get in 27 to 36.

 

The access to go to the range or putting green befoe or after work is a huge benefit.

 

I know every position and company is different.

 

As someone else said, my only regret is I didn't make the move 15 years ago when I first had the chance.

[Santiago Golf]

Ive been in the industry since i was 14. Ive never done anything else nor do i plan on it. The most common complaint is the long hours and you dont get to play. I play all the time, pros who dont get to play fall into these catagories

1) knew when they took the job they wouldnt get to play much and were fine with it

2) They dont care about playing

3) wish they could play more but dont make time

4) always complain bout not playing

 

If a pro wants to play more they can always find another job in the industry that will allow them to play more.

 

The long hours doesnt bother me. I see it as the hard work will pay off and i can 3-4 days a week in the future and take some time off here and there. I actually enjoy spending all day at the course