Best Route to the Golf Industry

[gboldman23]

Just wondering what you all think the best route to get into the golf industry would be? I'm a junior and about a 7 handicap so i don't really think that i would be able to play in college but i really wanna get into the industry somehow. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[STagain]

you can definitely play in college.

[gboldman23]

Certainly not D1 though correct? Where would i be able to play with those scores?

[Check6]

I would first suggest you to define which aspect of the industry in which you would like to work. Touring Pro, Club Pro, Company rep (clubs, bags, hats, tee, divot tools, etc), Marketing/merchandising as the representative or the customer, Course Super.

 

The paths are somewhat different but all require school, hard work, patience, persistence and luck. Not to put to fine a point on it but your social skills should be developing throughout this process. Interpersonal communication skills are a must. In almost all aspects of your life you will find that the more people you know the luckier you get.

 

Putting together a flow chart leading to your desired result may be eye opening as you discover the wide ranging skill sets and knowledge required. Work through this process with the people currently doing the job, their insights will be invaluable. Then, are you prepared to work the scut jobs until the better jobs open?

 

I have just formally retired from a position as Head Professional/Director of Instruction after 42 years and have become Honorably Retired. The business card now says Golf Professional Emeritus and I'm playing much more golf.

 

I wish you as much fun in your future as I had in my past and am having in my present!

[DRGJR72]

I would first suggest you to define which aspect of the industry in which you would like to work. Touring Pro, Club Pro, Company rep (clubs, bags, hats, tee, divot tools, etc), Marketing/merchandising as the representative or the customer, Course Super.

 

The paths are somewhat different but all require school, hard work, patience, persistence and luck. Not to put to fine a point on it but your social skills should be developing throughout this process. Interpersonal communication skills are a must. In almost all aspects of your life you will find that the more people you know the luckier you get.

 

Putting together a flow chart leading to your desired result may be eye opening as you discover the wide ranging skill sets and knowledge required. Work through this process with the people currently doing the job, their insights will be invaluable. Then, are you prepared to work the scut jobs until the better jobs open?

 

I have just formally retired from a position as Head Professional/Director of Instruction after 42 years and have become Honorably Retired. The business card now says Golf Professional Emeritus and I'm playing much more golf.

 

I wish you as much fun in your future as I had in my past and am having in my present!

 

That is something to be proud of. I congratulate you on that title. I made it 15 years in the industry (8 as a PGA member), you made it 42, hats off to you my friend, that is an amazing accomplishment and you certainly deserve your retirement.

 

Dan

[Check6]

Thanks! I was lucky to have had either good owners or good members, sometime simultaneously, and was always able to train up and retain a good core staff. It is getting harder however and it was the right time to step into the Life Member leave me alone category.

 

I have no interest, at my advanced age, in regaining my Am status but am wondering how long it has taken you regain your status from the first re-enstatement petition. Has the USGA put you through many hurdles.

 

Rich

[gboldman23]

I'm looking to got the Company rep or superindendent route. I know those are two totally different routes but how should i go about with completing them?

[Check6]

Best advice I can give you is to talk to the reps showing up at the club to see whence they came. Many have taken very convoluted paths but they will usually have some overlaps in education and experience. Most are good talkers but even better listeners and watchers, what is the other person really saying and what's the body language.

 

Talk to your course super and/or check out the GCSAA. The below was copied from the GCSAA website

 

Sample curriculum for golf course management

A. General Education (Basic Core)

B. Major Courses

English and Communications General Science

 

* English Composition I, II

* Public Speaking or Speech

 

 

 

* Biology

* Soil Science/Plant Fertility and Nutrition

* Chemistry

* Environmental Studies

 

Mathematics Plant Sciences

 

* General Mathematics

* Algebra/Trigonometry/Geometry

* Mathematical Applications in Agriculture

* Statistics

 

 

 

* BotanyPlant Pathology

* Plant Propagation

* Principles of Turfgrass

 

Social and Behavioral Sciences Plant Management

 

* Interpersonal Communication

* Human Resources

* Human Interaction

* Psychology/Philosophy

* Political Science

* Cultural and Gender Studies

 

 

 

* Weed Identification

* Entomology/Nematology

* Safe Pesticide Management

* Integrated Pest Mangement

* Plant Physiology

 

Fine Arts and Humanities Agronomy

 

* Western Civilization

* American History

* Introduction to the Arts

* Comparative Religions

* Anthropology

* Public Relations

 

 

 

* Soils

* Physical Properties of Soils

* Environmental Quality

 

Other Horticulture

 

* The Game of Golf

* Safety and First Aid

* Club Management

* Physical Education

 

 

 

* Horticulture Science

* Turfgrass Management

* Woody Plant Materials

* Herbaceous Plant Materials

* Irrigation/Drainage Systems

* Landscape Design and Construction

* Landscape Maintenance

* Golf Course Operations

 

Business

 

 

* Economics

* Accounting

* Business Management

* Personnel Management

* Small Business Operations

* Financial Management

* Business Writing

 

Major Electives

 

 

* Genetics

* Physics

* Meteorology

* Applied Mathematics

* Range Management

* Water Control and Utilization

* Soil Conservation

* Surveying and Planning

* Business/Environmental Law

* Marketing and Sales

* Engine Technology

* Organizational Communication

* Computer Science

 

Internship or Cooperative Experience Program

 

 

* Many programs offer/require credits for working on a golf course.

 

Good luck!