Getting started in the golf industry

[sonomajake]

I recently was laid off from a bank management job and I was interested in getting a job in the golf industry. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on how I would go about doing this? Would I have to go back to school first? Im not even sure what jobs are really out there. But I would need to make around 40 to 50k per year. I live in the bay area and we have a ton of courses so I imagine theres something out there. Thanks in advance.

[TetsuJin]

Sorry to hear you got recently laid off...

What is it specifically that you want to do for the golf industry?

I am also interested in starting a golf company and have been doing a lot of research on the issue myself. I checked Callaway Golf's financial statements and sales are down 15% this year. There are other factors I have been looking at, but the market is not too strong right now. The US market is the largest, but also seems the toughest right now...
I am living in Japan and sales of golf apparel have been increasing from the recent success and popularity of Ryo Ishikawa. We are experiencing a similar effect that Tiger had on the US market. Maybe apparel might be something interesting for you.

Anyway, if you have a specific sector of the industry that you are interested in please post it. Maybe we can help you get the ball rolling ;) (golf puns!)

[saevel25]

Well a down market is a good time to start, especially when housing and land properties are low. You can buy alot of start up materials for cheaper price than they use to be. But you might have to work hard to break even for the first few years.

[Ben]

I recently was laid off from a bank management job and I was interested in getting a job in the golf industry. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on how I would go about doing this? Would I have to go back to school first? Im not even sure what jobs are really out there.

oooh, good luck with that. The golf business is renowned for paying very little. That is unless you get a job as the Head Pro or GM somewhere, but that does take one of two things. Your PGA Class A certification (3 years). Or experience in the the golf business. THose are two positions one doens't just walk into.

You could also make that amount if you are a teaching pro. But that takes building up a client base and also a course willing to take on another teacher. Which more often than not is unlikely, because they ]ve already got teaching pros on staff and they don't want a new guy coming in scalping clents. That being said, I'm here. I got my start by chance, I sent my resume to every private club in the area. Got a few call backs, and landed one. A case of right place/right time. I am not making 40-50k a year though... Another way to make some kind of money in this business would be to land a job as a sales rep for one of the manufacturers. But, that takes serious connections. My Callaway rep was with Odyssey for years and got bumped up when Callaway bought Odyssey. Like also mentioned by others, perhaps you can find some niche idea to market to the industry. Clubs, apparel, equipment... ?

[shades9323]

What do you want to do? Equipment side or course management side?

[treebound]

For that kind of money you're going to have to approach it from a financial management and business perspective and play up your banking background. Just my 2cents from someone not in the industry, for now.

[sonomajake]

I have a lot of sales experience so I think I might be able to try the equipment route. I also have management experience though, but I think its true its very hard to become a course manager. Any thoughts on where to look for a job with an equipment manufacturer? Im wondering if I might have to go back to school for this...

[double_j]

I have a lot of sales experience so I think I might be able to try the equipment route. I also have management experience though, but I think its true its very hard to become a course manager. Any thoughts on where to look for a job with an equipment manufacturer? Im wondering if I might have to go back to school for this...

It's no different than any other job - find something you're interested in doing, look for opportunities that match your interests and background, then apply. If you find that your background doesn't match what's required, then you may have to change some things up.

Best case scenario - find a job similar to what you were doing but only do it for a golf company (e.g., manufacturer, facility management company, etc.). You may not be on the front lines but at least you'll be in the right environment.

[Ben]

I have a lot of sales experience so I think I might be able to try the equipment route. I also have management experience though, but I think its true its very hard to become a course manager. Any thoughts on where to look for a job with an equipment manufacturer? Im wondering if I might have to go back to school for this...

I don't know if you're up for relocation, but TaylorMade and Callaway, as well as a bunch of other smaller companies are headquartered in Carlsbad, CA. Carlsbad, by the way, is a beautiful part of the state. By no means a bad place to move to.

[mattttt25]

Any chance you're a hot chick? Could easily make $50k in the DC area tending bar at the 19th hole.

[GolfTools]

Jake, I'm new to this forum, in fact I just joined after reading your post. I too am looking to make a career in the golf industry and could use a rep, even if it was a part time venture or in conjunction with other lines you might end up representing. I actually started making custom golf tools and ball markers several years ago, but things always got in the way, and I never really devoted any serious time to the project. I'm not going to go into a whole lot of detail, because I don't want to be spamming the forums with my product, but please drop me an email or private message and I'll send you some details.