Sports Management vs. Sports Marketing: Which Path Is Right for Golf?
Interested in making a career out of your interest in all things golf? Perhaps you envision yourself managing a golf course, instructing golf students, or even overseeing major golf tournaments. If this type of work appeals to you, it may be time to pursue a formal education in sports management or even sports marketing. A degree could provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills that you need to take part in this thriving industry.
Read on as we compare the similarities, differences, and potential applications of a sports management and sports marketing degree, so you can be better positioned to choose between the two.
What Is Sports Management?
Before diving deeper into sports management vs. sports marketing degrees, it’s essential to understand sports marketing and what it entails in the golf industry.
Sports Management in Golf
Sports management in golf refers to the business side of the sport. Golf sports management professionals are those who handle the day-to-day operations that keep the sport going, be it at the recreational or professional level.
Those in golf management may take on a wide range of roles. Some may work as golf course managers, whereas others may offer golf coaching and instruction to players who want to improve their game. Others still may be focused solely on planning and executing events (such as tournaments).
Regardless of the exact role, sports management in golf is centered on the idea of sport as a business; a strong knowledge of leadership, business acumen, and finance is required.
Core Responsibilities in Sports Management
If you decide to enter a career in golf sports management, what kinds of duties can you expect? Ultimately, this will boil down to your exact role, but there are some typical responsibilities that sports managers often hold in this field.
Operational Management and Facility Oversight
Many sports managers in golf may assume important operational roles, overseeing the day-to-day functions of golf facilities (including golf courses and ranges). These professionals may be responsible for everyday tasks such as:
- Course maintenance (including turf management and renovations)
- Equipment management
- Tournament planning and logistics
- Overseeing staff
You can learn more about careers in golf facility management (including tournament director, golf resort manager, and more) here:
Financial Management and Budgeting
Golf sports managers are also responsible for carrying out the financial management and budgeting tasks that keep facilities and even entire organizations running smoothly. For example, these management professionals may oversee the budget and finances of a golf course, ensuring that the facility stays on budget while taking measures to attract players. Budgeting tasks may also include meeting and negotiating contracts with vendors to enhance the player’s experience while protecting the facility’s bottom line.
What Is Sports Marketing?
When exploring sports marketing, it can be helpful to view sports/golf marketing as a subdivision of management. More specifically, sports marketing in golf focuses on the promotion of related products/services and the development of golf-related businesses, whether these are golf courses, special events, or golf equipment brands.
Brand Development and Promotion
Marketers in golf are responsible for building and developing brands to improve awareness and overall reputation in the market. They’re always looking for creative ways to set their offerings apart from those of their competitors through dedicated marketing strategies on social media, television, and beyond.
Marketers in golf may work to promote specific facilities (such as golf courses), special events, equipment brands, or individual athletes to drive revenue and growth.
Sponsorship and Partnership Management
Sponsorships and partnerships are a central aspect of marketing in golf. Therefore, those interested in sports marketing should understand how to secure the best sponsors for tournaments, facilities, and even individual players as a means of increasing funding and exposure to the market. Learn more about the diverse career opportunities available in golf advertising and marketing here:
Differences Between Sports Management and Sports Marketing in Golf
When comparing sports management vs. sports marketing, there exist some notable differences to be aware of as you decide which path may be suitable for you.
Operational Focus vs. Promotional Focus
In sports management, there is greater emphasis on overall business operations, the facility, events, and the brand. This may include overseeing the day-to-day happenings, hiring, and finances of a golf-based brand or business, potentially with some marketing and advertising thrown into the mix. In sports marketing roles, however, the primary focus is on building and promoting brands through various channels.
Sports Management
By getting into a career in sports management, you’ll be working “behind the scenes” to make everything happen.
Day-to-Day Operations, Resource Management, Logistics
From overseeing operations at a golf course to ensuring your teams have everything they need to run smoothly, sports managers are responsible for the everyday logistics of running a golf-based business.
Focus on the “Behind-the-Scenes” Operations
Rather than being in a public-facing position, golf sports managers tend to work quietly behind the scenes as they put their business acumen, problem-solving, and organizational skills to work.
Sports Marketing
Embarking on a career in sports marketing, you’ll play a crucial role in building brands and engaging target audiences.
Creating Brand Awareness, Driving Sales, Engaging Audiences
Sports marketers in golf may work for facilities (like golf courses or training schools). In some cases, they may even assist with special events, such as tournaments or specific leagues and athletes. Regardless, these professionals aim to drive brand awareness and engage audiences while driving sales through social media marketing and other mediums.
Focus on the “Front-Facing” Brand and Customer Experience
Compared to sports managers, sports marketers are typically more public-facing. Because their work directly affects customer experience, they’re often active in event promotion, athlete marketing, and other front-facing campaigns where they engage directly with their target audiences.
Similarities Between Sports Management and Sports Marketing in Golf
Despite notable differences, there remain notable similarities between sports management and marketing in golf, especially regarding the skills needed to succeed.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Both sports marketers and managers should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. No matter if you’re engaging with potential customers or leading stakeholders, the ability to work well with others is an absolute must.
Building and Maintaining Strong Relationships
Relationship management is another key skill in both sports management and marketing. Golf facility managers, for instance, need to build and maintain professional relationships with players, vendors, and employees. Meanwhile, marketing experts must effectively manage relationships to forge partnerships and sponsorship deals.
Developing and Implementing Strategic Plans
Both sports marketing and management require a “big picture” mindset that includes long-term strategic planning. These professionals must be confident in their ability to create actionable plans that work toward measurable objectives over time.
Choosing the Right Path for Your Golf Career or Business
With all the above considerations in mind, how can you decide whether a career in golf marketing or management is ideal for you?
Identifying Your Strengths and Passions
First, think about what compels you most about a potential career in golf. Do you find yourself fascinated by the ins and outs of running a golf course? Do you feel more passionate about spreading the enjoyment of the game to as many people as possible? Assessing your strengths and interests, you can get a better feeling for which path to choose.
Considering Your Long-Term Career Aspirations
Where do you see yourself working in five, ten, or even twenty years? If you can envision yourself owning your golf course, maybe your calling exists in sports management. If you see yourself thriving as a marketing director or PR manager, then a career in marketing may be right for you.
Adapting to Technological Advancements
No matter which path you choose, the sports industry is full of exciting new technologies and innovations to adapt to. From the recent application of artificial intelligence (AI) to marketing campaigns to the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for course management, the next advancements are always right around the corner.
Learn More at Keiser University’s College of Golf and Sports Management
Both sports marketing and sports management degrees can provide excellent opportunities for students to learn the ins and outs of their favorite sports. However, if you’re interested in a career that is more focused on business, Keiser University is proud to offer a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management (Leadership Track), and a Master of Science in Sport Management and Operations (MSSMO). Each program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for leadership positions in the sports industry. Get in touch to request information or apply today!
Learn more! Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
