Working in the golf industry (without a golfing background)

[3chavgolf]

Not sure if this is the appropriate sub for this post so go ahead and move if needed.

 

Hello all.

 

I grew up in a small town without a high school golf team and didn't play any junior golf either. TBH I didn't really start getting serious about golf until my early twenties (I'm 25 now). I am a decent player, averaging in the high 70's while being self taught. When I played and practiced more, I could definitely go lower.

 

I really enjoy everything about golf (equipment, instruction, etc.) and would like to pursue a golf career.

 

Could my non-golfing background keep me from getting my foot in the door? My wife and I plan on moving in the next year (if everything goes right) to the San Antonio area and I plan on getting my game in shape for the PAT until then.

 

Just wondering if there is anything I could do if my non-golfing background made it harder to get hired.

 

Or maybe I'm overthinking all of this.

 

Thanks for the help.

[BobbyLite]

“Could my non-golfing background keep me from getting my foot in the door?”

 

Equipment? No. Instruction? Probably.

 

You need a little credibility to your name in that regard. Find a club builder in your area and see if you can lend a hand just to learn.

[3chavgolf]

Thanks for the reply.

 

Anyone else have any ideas?

[ArtMBgolf]

You could work in a pro shop(cash register,tee times), golf store, course as a starter/marshal just knowing golf.

 

If you want to be an Asst Pro, teaching pro, you probably need to go to a golf management school.

[stryper]

If you end up going full time in Golf, that PAT will be the last good score you post. (Only slightly exaggerating).

[golfandfishing]

In a fairly large city like San Antonio you should be able to pick up a golf services supervisor job pretty easy. Even if you start on the bag drop at min wage + tips as long as you show up on time, don’t call in sick, don’t have relations with members wives or steal you should be a supervisor within about 5 weeks. This position is filled with guys in the PAT Tour. The job typically comes with range and playing privileges. Pass the PAT and wait for an assistant pro spot to open. Same criteria above applies, the wait is typically the next season though, not 5 weeks. Then get through the GPTP work and wait for an HP job to open when someone dies.

[ohioglfr]

“Could my non-golfing background keep me from getting my foot in the door?”

 

Equipment? No. Instruction? Probably.

 

You need a little credibility to your name in that regard. Find a club builder in your area and see if you can lend a hand just to learn.

Along with doing entry-level work, you might consider Maltby's club building school. Don't know where you're located, but if you're in or near Ohio, you might want to check into it:

 

http://ralphmaltby.com/clubmaking-academy/