I am looking for a career in the golf industry in the near future. Any ideas?

Question

I will be graduating from University of Illinois: Urbana-Champaign in May 2009. My degree is in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Administration. Following graduation, I am extremely interested in finding a career in the golf industry. I am wondering what jobs and companies I would be best off looking into and what kind of experience/qualifications they would be looking for. I have 3 years experience as a manager, caddied for 8 years, and have been involved with golf since I was 12. Let me know if you have ideas of how I could get started on a career path in the golf industry. Thanks!

Answer 1

Congratulations on getting your degree!  Now, the golf industry and finding a job. I have been involved in golf, playing, and working in various and sundry positions from the public course to the private club sector for the better part of forty years.

Realizing you have capsulized your bio information, but what were you a manager..of??  And how have you been involved in golf since you were 12 years old???  

There are many other job positions in golf other than being a golf club professional.  Are you willing to locate...and if so, what specifically can you offer a golf club..private or public?

With your business administration degree and organizational skills, you might want to look at the private golf clubs.  And, of course, the bigger the market, obviously the bigger and more esteemed country clubs.  But, also harder to get in being short on experience.  So why not Google some golf clubs, there are a great many that have websites and can be easily contacted.  Also, you might contact a local club where you are and see if they can provide you any information.  Some of the clubs have a lot of info on other PGA golf courses across the country and how to contact them.  

Right now the golf business has seen a decline in rounds played the past few years and this industry is very, very competitive as you probably all ready know.  Also, don't discount the golf club manufacturers in your search...!!!  

Good luck