10 Signs You Should Work in the Golf Industry

You Have Huge Desire

No matter what part of the golf industry you are interested in, you will be much better off if you have a huge desire to be a part of it.

Although it is a big industry, the competition is stiff. Golfers love their sport, which leads many to want to build careers in the industry.

You can be leagues ahead of anyone else with a golf degree if you have a “do anything” attitude.

No matter where you get a foothold in the business, continually seek out ways you can add value above and beyond your required duties.

Industry leaders and managers are looking for people who have huge desire, the type of person who is willing to make things happen for their company and themselves.

You Have Sales Skills

There is no doubt about it. Sales skills are important in every career, especially so in the golf industry.

The reason is that golf courses, retailers and equipment makers are all trying to generate more revenue.

You will make a big impact in your career if you can drive sales revenue for whatever organization you join.

In fact, selling is a good way to get into the golf industry because it’s more important that you have a sales background than deep knowledge of the golf business.

You can learn what you need to know about the industry with a golf degree, but sales skills are not so easily taught.

Although ongoing sales training is important, sales skills are largely learned by selling.

If you are in school, it helps to get any kind of sales experience you can.

Then be able to show how the skills you garnered in those positions make you more attractive to employers looking for salespeople in the golf industry.

Some people think salespeople are loud, backslapping characters.

However, a modern salesperson takes much more of a customer-service approach.

At the same time, technology plays a much larger role in the sales process.

If you have good communication skills, are comfortable with technology and have a true desire to help customers find the right solution, you will be successful in golf sales.

You Are Willing To Relocate

While there are many positions across the golf industry open at any one time, they may not be available right now in your area.

If you are willing to relocate, you might find more positions available, and you may be able to advance faster in the business.

There are other good reasons for moving to a new location.

You will get a better understanding of the different types of golf courses, clubs and personalities that make up the game if you gain experience working in a different part of the country.

You Have Tech Skills

More than ever before, technical skills are essential for success in any business.

For a number of reasons, the golf industry is in dire need of someone with technical skills.

Part of it is generational.

Sometimes, older golfers have no knowledge about how to take advantage of the Internet, social media and content marketing.

Even further, they may not have the desire to learn.

That creates opportunities for somebody with skills in computers, online marketing, email marketing, social media, video production and more.

Despite the advancements in the golf industry in the recent years, many clubs, courses and companies still lag behind in their technical prowess.

If you have technical and computer skills, you can find a home.

While you may be working in a marketing, sales or customer service department, each of these areas has the need for technical support, and there is not always a separate department to take care of it.

This provides opportunities for someone with your background.

For example, let’s say you get a job in marketing for a company that requires a lot of technical skills.

You might be taking care of the business’ social media programs, updating the website, and sending email blasts.

At the same time, you will be called upon to maintain computer software and hardware. In this kind of position, it helps to have software skills such as Adobe Photoshop as well as Microsoft products like Word and Excel.

And with the continuing explosion of video training in the sport, it helps to have video editing and production in your background.

This is just one example.

There are a number of variations on this theme.

Your technical skills could be the key to your success in the industry.

You Want To Go Pro

As we have discussed, there are a number of positions in the golf industry that do not involve being a golf pro.

But what if you want to get into the golf industry so you can play golf?

Don’t worry.

If your desire is to become a golf professional, there are roles that involving teaching, coaching and playing golf.

For example, the position of Assistant Golf Professional relies on your golf skill set to help run the golf operation, supervise golf clinics, and manage tournaments.

In addition, you might be tasked with merchandising retail products, repairing clubs, managing the caddy program, teach junior golfers and play with club members.

It helps to have previous experience at a golf operation at some level, but is usually not required.

You may want to take the PGA Playing Ability Test, and be prepared to participate in the PGA Program.

Other desirable traits include having a golf degree and excellent communication skills.

You Have Great Communication Skills

Golf is essentially a service business. Even top professionals are providing a service to golf fans around the world.

That means that every position in industry relies to some extent on good communication skills.

However, if you are very good with interpersonal communications, writing, and public speaking, a public relations role might be a good fit for you.

Equipment manufacturers, golf courses, online golf websites and other industry factions all rely on public relations to get the word out about their products and services.

If you enjoy writing essays, press releases, media alerts and other forms of communication, a PR position might be right for you.

Another quality you should have is the ability to talk to anyone.

You should be at ease in striking up conversations with people you don’t know.

If you are an introvert, and hesitate to reach out to introduce yourself to new people, it may not be a good fit.

These positions also require that you are very organized and are able to handle a myriad of details.

At the same time, it helps to have a thick skin because there is constant pressure to perform.

On the other hand, there is a lot of variety, and no two days are the same.

You Have A Marketing Background

Marketing has moved to the foreground in the effort to build revenue at golf companies around the country.

In the past, marketing often took a backseat to sales and operations.

However, now with the explosion of the Internet, many people do all of their business online.

Industry buyers research potential vendors online for making a purchase.

Studies show that B2B buyers have completed 60 percent of their decision-making process before they even call a salesperson at a vendor.

On the retail side, golfers often book tee-times online without ever calling a course.

They also may buy clubs and equipment online that are directly shipped to their home.

Because of these changes in the habits of both business and retail buyers, golf companies need your marketing skills.

Without a strong marketing effort online and in other media, golf companies will fall by the wayside over time.

Some experts say we are in the “attention economy.”

If you can help a company get more attention, visibility and awareness about their products or services, you can find a home in the golf industry.

You Have Leadership Skills

If you have organizational and leadership skills, you may be a natural fit for a golf management position.

Job descriptions for managers at golf operations include Director of Golf, Director of Instruction, Head Golf Professional and General Manager.

There are also management jobs at equipment companies, retailers and golf travel services.

Every company needs strong leadership to set goals, motivate employees and monitor performance.

Plenty Of Jobs For Good People

No matter the economy, there will always be openings for smart, assertive employees who can help their companies expand their business, create more revenue and build a strong customer base for years to come.

Find out more about how the College of Golf at Keiser University can help you get started on your career in the golf industry. Call us today at (888) 355-4465. Contact us today!