Play at Work: Employment Options in the Golf Industry

If you love to putt, you can combine work andmanagers go on to own their own resorts, for
play by getting a job in the golf industry. Whileexample, and many instructors successfully publish
many people never consider this as a potential jobtheir own books or informational products. In this
market unless they qualify for the PGA, the truthfield, there are always many opportunities to
is that this niche field hires many thousands ofmove up. Of course, you can also enjoy a good
people each year. The United States has moresalary and enjoy spending time on golf as well.
than 18,000 golf courses. Golf instruction schools,This wealth of choices can also be a stumbling
golf publications, speciality retailers, and specialityblock, though, especially if you are not sure which
television channels all provide additional work in thejobs might suit you best. Before you start
golf industry as well.job-hunting, you may want to take stock.
There are many types of jobs in the golfCarefully consider your golfing and job
industry. Some of these jobs are entrepreneurial.experiences to see whether there is a type of
If you have a desire to run a business, you canemployment that is especially appropriate to your
lease or own golf courses or act as a generalskills. Consider, too, whether you are willing to
manager or owner of a speciality resort or hotel.work around something you love. If you enjoy
You can also create a very profitable business byplaying golf every weekend, decide if you really
starting a golf industry retail operation or by sellingenjoy working on or near the green each day.
golf merchandise. There is a huge market inTake careful stock of your long-term goals and
novelties, clothing, and other items that golfersplans before you decide.
need. Inventing, designing, and selling theseConsider getting in touch with some professionals
products are all great options for start-ups.in the golf industry to ask them about their jobs.
If you play an excellent game, you may becomeThis will give you a chance to see what
involved in instruction, either by teaching theemployment in this field is like. Casual interviews
game or by producing information products aboutmay even lead to unexpected job leads.
the game. You can work in television, write aInterviews with professionals in the field to ask
column, create books, or sell audio or videotapesabout the profession can be a powerful way to
that help others play well. You can even becometap into the hidden job market.
a golf coach or golf recruiter, helping individuals toConsider, also, that you may need additional
improve their game or helping schools uncovertraining or education in order to get some types
golfing talent while earning a living yourself.of golfing jobs. If you want to sell retail products,
If these options do not appeal to you, you mayfor example, it may not be enough that you love
be interested in the service aspect of the golfthe game. You may need to train in the art of
industry. You can take one of the superintendent,selling, as well. Many of the well paying managerial
manager, or other positions available at resorts,and ownership jobs may require some business
hotels, and golf courses. You can become a salestraining. If you want to work at a resort or hotel,
representative or the manager of a golf productyou may need a certificate in the hospitality
line. You can become an assistant to golfindustry to even be considered for a position.
professionals. There are also jobs for those whoAgain, speaking to someone already in the golf
would enjoy grooming or maintaining greens andindustry can be your best way to determine
equipment.what you need in order to be successful in this
The good news, obviously, is that there are manyfield. With a little effort and a little ingenuity, you
options for employment in the golf industry. Plus,should be able to combine your love of golf with
when you choose employment in this field, youyour need for a job.
enjoy lots of possibilities for promotion. Many