For those looking to work in the golf industry, chances are you already love golfing. Loving the game is essential for anyone working in the industry, but millions of people also love golf, which means enjoying the game is not the best way to stand out. If you’re looking for a golf job or exploring a career in the gold industry, the following are 5 essential expert tips for getting a job in golf.
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Get some experience through internships
Interning at organizations like State Golf Association, PGA Section, or the AJGA is a great way to stand out. Getting experience from a major golf industry name and having a reputable golf company on your resume can help you learn the game from the operations perspective, and help you build a network within the industry.
There are hundreds if not thousands of opportunities available all over the country.
Acquire golf experience by volunteering
In case obtaining an internship in golf isn’t in your card probably because your focus is elsewhere or you have a busy schedule, then volunteer golf experience can be helpful when it comes to getting a golf job. There are many volunteer opportunities available via organizations like First Tee, PGA Tour, USGA, PGA of America, and even here at Nextgengolf.
Adding some volunteer experience to your resume is an awesome way to enhance your odds of a successful career in golf, as it shows that you’re actually interested in giving back to the game. This should also give you an edge over other applicants according to secondhand club supplier Surplus.net.
Support golf causes
It’s free to volunteer your time, but raising money for charity will cost you time, money, and energy, and might be way outside your comfort zone. There are several great golf charities available, including Youth on Course, PGA Reach, and Evans Caddie Scholarship that are aimed at raising money to help various causes in golf.
If you want to get a job in golf, you can boost your chances by showing that you can sell (through raising money) and that you’re a person who is willing to give back to the community.
Showing such initiative really helps highlight your character to potential employers. And who knows, if you get good at fundraising, you could get a job as a fundraiser at one of these huge non-profit organizations in the golfing industry.
Write about golf
One of the traits employers look for in job candidates is the ability to write and communicate well. This doesn’t mean that you have to author a book on something like golf architecture. Rather, in almost every job in golf, you have to communicate effectively with customers, colleagues, or members daily.
It’s important to have the ability to communicate well, write about a sport you love through your lens, and have an opinion on different golf topics. Whether you want a job in golf or make money from golf or any other job for that matter, working on your business writing is a valuable skill.
Get Accredited
People going into the accounting field have to get their CPA, in the same way, for anyone looking to get into the golf field, becoming a PGA is vital. These letters (PGA) tend to be highly cherished in golf and can help boost your resume a few times over.
Fortunately, PGA recently launched an affiliate program that lets you stay as an amateur golfer while competing in Level 1 of the PGA Professional Golf Management Program. This essentially makes you an affiliate of the association.
Aside from the PGA of America, the CMAA and GCSAA have accreditation programs for other careers in golf like club management and agronomy.
If you don’t wish to get typical golfing accreditations, obtaining non-golf-related titles like an MBA, CPA, or PMP will help set you apart from others trying to get into the golfing field. Having more titles and letters after your name has never hurt and may help as it shows you’re a lifelong learner and you have the desire to achieve.
