What Are the Different Types of Golf Industry Jobs?

We’ve all heard the saying, “Find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” For golf lovers, that can mean finding a job in the golf industry. But what are the different types of golf industry jobs, and how do you get your foot in the door? 

Introduction to Golf Careers

A career in the golf industry can be rewarding in many ways. You might initially look for a job in this industry because you love to play golf, but golf as an industry offers a range of diverse opportunities that present interesting and fulfilling career paths. 

Golf jobs go beyond professional golfers. Many more people are needed to make this industry thrive. In this article, we will explore some of the golf career opportunities out there, review average salaries, and explore the typical requirements for each type of job.

Main Categories of Golf Industry Jobs

When considering a new career in the golf industry, there are several areas you can explore. Let’s get into the different golf industry jobs, from golf course operations and management to coaching and broadcasting.

1. Golf Course Operations

Jobs in golf course operations allow you to help with the day-to-day running of the course. Some common positions in golf course operations include golf course superintendents, groundskeepers, pro shop managers, and golf cart attendants.

• Golf course superintendents are responsible for maintaining and managing a golf course. They oversee turfgrass management, irrigation system management, pest and disease control, landscape maintenance, equipment and budget management, environmental stewardship, staff management, and training, course improvement and renovation, regulatory compliance, and communication and stakeholder relations. If you want to immerse yourself in the course, this career could be your perfect match.
• Groundskeepers maintain the golf course, mow fairways, roughs, and greens, alter landscaping, plant or uproot trees and shrubs, repair storm damage, and attend to the clubhouse. They report to the golf course superintendent.
• Pro shop managers are in charge of the day-to-day operation of a pro shop. This includes opening and closing the shop, managing financial reports, inventory and purchasing, and scheduling reservations. They directly supervise shop workers and focus on customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Golf cart attendants, or caddies, drive golf carts, carry golf bags, track a golfer’s ball, deliver the correct club to the golfer, and sometimes recommend clubs or strategies. Caddies may be paid hourly or tip-only, but professional caddies earn annual salaries.

2. Teaching & Coaching

If you enjoy sharing your love of golf by teaching your friends how to play, consider a job teaching or coaching golf. In these roles, you’ll provide golf lessons to golfers of all skill levels. Here are the typical responsibilities of these pros:

• PGA teaching professionals provide group and individual coaching to those wishing to learn or improve their golf game. As a PGA teaching professional, you’ll plan and deliver a series of coaching sessions tailored to each group or individual and monitor and evaluate their progress. 
• Golf coaches have similar responsibilities to PGA teaching professionals and teach a wide range of skill levels, from youth to pro-level. The goal of a golf coach is to provide instruction in the game and help their clients improve.

3. Golf Management and Administration

Do you have managerial skills and want to run a golf course? Golf management and administration jobs oversee the overall operations of golf facilities and events. Here are some typical jobs and their responsibilities:

• Country club general managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a country club, including hiring and training staff, working with board and committee members, managing food and beverage experiences, club financial management, member and staff engagement, and more. The role is vital in any country club.
• Tournament directors coordinate tournament operations, which include developing schedules, marketing, setting up courses, officiating, recruiting and training staff and volunteers, and summarizing the event after it wraps up. This job is ideal for those with event management experience.
• Junior golf administrators help plan, set up, and run junior golf tours. They might conduct pre-tournament visits, prepare player pairings, familiarize themselves with local rules, and supervise events.

4. Golf Equipment and Manufacturing

Golf lovers with manufacturing skills and experience can look into jobs in the golf equipment and manufacturing industry. Jobs under this umbrella may involve designing, producing, and selling golf equipment.

• Golf club designers engineer golf clubs for optimal performance. They may design and create drivers, irons, wedges, and putters. If you have the mind of an engineer and the heart of a golfer, this could be the career for you.
• Golf sales representatives help customers find the best equipment for their needs. They also promote services and may even play a round while pitching to customers.

5. Golf Tourism and Hospitality

Do you enjoy working with people and helping ensure excellent experiences? Consider a golf tourism and hospitality job, such as a pro shop associate, cook, or server at a golf club, resort, or hotel.

• Pro shop associates help customers find the right gear by providing excellent customer service and solid advice. They may also reserve tee times for customers.
• Cooks work in the club restaurant, preparing snacks and meals for golfers to enjoy before or after they tee off.
• Servers take orders and make food and drink recommendations to diners at a golf club restaurant. They are expected to maintain professionalism to ensure excellent service for golf club guests.

6. Golf Media and Broadcasting

If you could talk about golf all day, consider a career in golf media or broadcasting. In this field, you could be a journalist for an online or print publication or be a broadcaster commenting on national tournaments on TV. Here are some of the responsibilities you can expect.

• Golf magazines and online publishers employ journalists and creators to cover golf tournaments and general industry news for print publications. You may need a degree in journalism or a related field to enter this industry as a golf journalist.
• TV channels like the Golf Channel and NBC Sports hire broadcast journalists to report on and analyze live golf tournaments. Employers may require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree and have previous experience in broadcast media.

7. Golf Course Design and Construction

Do you dream up new golf courses in your spare time? Monetize those dreams by working in the golf course design and construction industry. Potential careers include golf course architects or construction managers who are responsible for designing, building, and renovating courses.

• Golf course architects design the layouts of golf courses to ensure they are challenging yet enjoyable. They consider the natural terrain and surrounding environment of the land and create a course accessible for all skill levels.
• Golf course construction managers oversee the construction of new courses and ensure projects stay within budget. They manage the project from start to finish to ensure everything is completed correctly and in the most efficient way possible.

Salary Expectations in the Golf Industry

Like in any industry, your salary will depend on the type of position you hold in the golf industry. Here are some average salaries for several common jobs in the golf industry.

• Golf course superintendents: According to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the average salary for this position in 2023 was $109,621, while assistant superintendents made an average of $56,299.
• PGA Golf professionals: A PGA pro's salary depends on their success. Golf Monthly reports that the average earnings for a PGA professional in 2021 totaled $1,485,055. But there’s a vast difference between a golfer who finishes the PGA Tour at the top and one who finishes at the bottom. High earners could walk away with over $10 million, while those who finish toward the bottom may earn less than $10,000.
• Golf course general managers: According to data collected by Salary.com, the average salary for a golf general manager in the U.S. is $87,639, with a salary range of $69,417 to $105,860.
• Golf equipment sales representatives: ZipRecruiter reports that golf sales reps make an average of $76,681 per year, with a total salary range of $23,000 to $141,500.
• Golf instructors: According to the career website Glassdoor, golf instructors make between $113,000 and $185,000 annually, with an average salary of $144,000.
• Golf course architects: The Economic Research Institute reports that golf course architects make an average of $90,912 per year, with a salary range of $63,275 to $110,640.
• Golf tournament directors: According to ZipRecruiter, golf tournament directors make an average salary of $63,862, ranging from $24,500 to $109,000.
• Golf marketing specialists: Glassdoor reports that the total pay for a marketing pro working for the PGA Tour ranges from $54,000 to $102,000, with a median salary of $73,000.
• Golf club fitters: According to Glassdoor, the median salary for a professional golf club fitter is $81,000, while wages can range from $62,000 to $109,000.
• Golf course construction managers: Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a golf course construction manager is $142,000, with a salary range of $107,000 to $193,000 annually.
• Golf retail store managers: According to ZipRecruiter, golf shop managers can expect to make between $19,500 and $90,000 a year, with an average annual salary of $44,347.
• Golf travel and tourism coordinators: Your salary in this position depends on your employer. According to Glassdoor, a PGA Tour coordinator makes $40,000 to $56,000 annually, with a median salary of $48,000.

All golf industry roles and salaries will vary based on employer prestige, location, and individual performance. Entry-level positions start at the lower end of the salary range, while those in senior roles can expect to earn closer to the high end.

Skills and Requirements for Golf Careers

The specific skills and requirements you need for a rewarding career in the golf industry depend on the type of job you apply for. You may only need a high school diploma as a server or pro shop associate. But if you want to become a golf club designer or a golf course architect, you’ll probably need an undergraduate degree at the very least, and a few units of landscape design. 

Mid-level roles often require a bachelor's degree in business administration, sports management, or turf management. You may need a PGA certification for teaching or club professional roles, and a GCSAA certification for specialized positions in golf course management.

Love for the sport is a must, and if you have practical experience in golf, you’ll stand out more to a potential employer. As with any job where you work with people, you will also need soft skills like customer service, communication, and leadership to succeed.

Entry-Level Positions and Career Advancement

If you’re just starting out on the career ladder, there are several entry-level positions to consider in the golf industry. These positions often give you a leg up in the industry and get your name out there at a local golf club, opening you up to career advancement in the future. Here are some common entry-level positions to consider:

• Part-time caddie/golf cart attendant
• Golf shops assistant
• Driving range attendant
• Golf course maintenance crew member
• Golf instructor assistant
• Golf club fitting assistant
• Golf tournament volunteer
• Golf marketing intern
• Golf operations intern

Are you ready to tee off your golf career? Follow these tips to boost your chances of landing your first golf industry job:

• Apply directly to local golf courses, pro shops, or retail golfing supply and accessory stores
• Build your network by volunteering at golf camps, junior programs, or local tournaments.
• Don’t worry if you lack experience—many entry-level positions don’t require it, so you can apply right away and learn on the job.

Once you’ve secured your first role, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement. Many professionals move from assistant roles to management positions, such as transitioning from assistant pro to head pro. Some caddies end up as general managers. It all depends on how good you are at your job.

Challenges and Rewards of Working in Golf

All jobs have their pros and cons, and jobs in the golf industry are no exception. Here are some of the largest challenges and rewards of working in golf.

Challenges

• Long hours: You might work long shifts back-to-back, especially during peak golf season.
• Seasonal fluctuations: Unless you live in a climate that supports year-round golf, you may have less work in the colder months.
• Lower pay in some roles: When starting out, you might make less than you’d like.

Rewards

• Working in a passion-driven industry: The most significant benefit of working in the golf industry is that you get to do something you are passionate about daily, with people who likely have the same appreciation for the sport.
• Flexibility: Depending on your job, you may have flexible hours.
• Diverse interactions: When you work in the golf industry, you’ll meet a diverse range of individuals with one common denominator—a love of golf.

Job Market Overview

• Career website Zippia projects a 20% growth rate in golf professional jobs from 2018 to 2028.
• Zippia also projects that 48,800 new jobs will be added in the golf industry over the next decade.
• The biggest challenges in the market are labor shortages and adapting to changing leisure activities.
• The golf industry offers unique opportunities due to its global reach and diverse job roles.
• Challenges for job seekers include seasonality and lower entry-level pay.

Networking and Job Search Strategies

How do you find your dream job in the golf industry? These tips will help you make connections and bring you closer to your next role.

• Attend industry events and conferences
• Join professional organizations (PGA of America, GCSAA)
• Utilize LinkedIn and golf-focused groups
• Attend golf job fairs
• Volunteer at golf tournaments or events
• Join local golf associations
• Conduct informational interviews
• Engage in online forums and social media groups
• Leverage alumni networks
• Attend professional development workshops
• Seek internships through professional organizations

Conclusion: Golf Industry Career Prospects

The golf industry offers unique career prospects for golf lovers. You can choose from various diverse roles, from course management to business-oriented positions, that fit your interests and skill set. 

While the industry does have its fair share of sand traps, it also offers growth and innovation opportunities to those with the dedication and drive to pursue long-term careers in golf. If you're a golf enthusiast seeking a unique and fulfilling career path, this industry may be your fairway.