Tips to Get into a Golf Course Management Career
Golf course management seems like a dream job. Some people get to work in the sport they love every day.
And depending on your career path, you get to spend a lot of time outdoors.
What’s not to love?
For many people in the golf industry, it is a great career, but like all industries, you need to prepare your education, experience and networking skills to build toward that successful career.
Here are some tips to get into a golf course management career and make it flourish.
Formal Education
A golf management degree will give you a leg up on your competition.
It gives you differentiation in a crowded market.
Experience is important, but a degree shows employers you possess certain skills they desire.
First, completing the degree itself shows you are serious about the industry, have perseverance and patience, and have developed important time management skills.
You also gain critical thinking, leadership and communication skills.
Understand Business
A golf management degree program is broad and challenging, taking you through topics you’ll use your entire career including Tournament Management, Club Management and The Business of Golf.
Knowledge of these subjects will serve you well no matter what career path you choose because you will better understand several aspects of the golf industry.
Knowledge is Career Power
Degrees also help you if you want to become a golf superintendent.
Today’s golf course and country club owners demand superior turf standards on tight budgets.
You’ll oversee the labor, machinery, materials and budget allocation.
Your responsibilities include turf management, health and safety, power, irrigation and environmental management.
A degree will give you a deeper background in these areas.
Get on the Job Experience
Education is important because it sets the table for long term growth.
Experience is equally important as it puts you in real world situations so you can learn to apply your skills.
Entry-level jobs at golf courses, ranges, and clubs are invaluable.
You’ll see the industry up close, and watch how the moving parts fit together.
You’ll also learn soft skills like how to work on a team, follow directions, follow-up, and communicate with managers.
Start Where You Are but Get Started
You don’t necessarily have to work at a golf course to get experience.
Golf is part the recreation and hospitality industry, so any experience you gain at resorts, tourism companies, other sports, or travel companies is highly applicable to the golf industry.
If you can’t find something in golf, broaden your scope.
Similarly, if you are interested in turf management, you can gain experience in related industries like environmental science.
Observe and Evaluate
No matter where you get experience, take the opportunity to learn by observing the people who have the management jobs you would like to have some day.
You’ll learn a lot by evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, and thinking about how you would handle the situations they face.
It’s a simple way to learn different methods of management, leadership, negotiation and coaching.
You’ll also get a better understanding of what you like about different jobs.
Network and Build Relationships
Finally, remember that people are constantly forming opinions about you everywhere you go, from instructors and fellow students at school to the staff and workers at the golf club.
Work efficiently and effectively with a good attitude, and treat all people with respect and consideration — they will be more likely to recommend you for better jobs and opportunities all along the way.
Use these tips and suggestions, and you are well on your way to a promising career in golf.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards your golf management career, Contact us today at (888) 355-4465.
