I want a career in Golf!

[threejack]

I've been playing for three months, but the more I learn the more I become infatuated with it. I am in my second year of college and a career is right around the corner. Now I am not necessarily thinking a Pro at a course (because obviously you have to be pretty established) but I really would love a career just associated with the game of golf. My degree is a Bachelors of Science in Graphic Communication with Graphic Communication program in the US (true statement). What careers are out there? And what careers are there that could combine Graphics and Golf?? Would love to hear what you guys know.

[Topper]

I'm not sure what a graphic communication person would actually do but I believe there may be possibilities associated with the following.

Maybe a job in the marketing/branding department for an equipment manufacturer.

Maybe a job with a conglomerate that owns/manages multiple golf courses.

Maybe a job at a club or resort that has a golf course associated with it.

Golf professional on this board will tell you that there is a big difference between making golf your job versus a fun diversion or hobby.  That's why my suggestions are based on jobs that might capitalize on your college degree versus a quest to become a scratch golfer and teaching professional.

[threejack]

Graphic communication is basically anyway you communicate with graphics. We learn a lot of about printing and how to run giant heidelberg presses and stuff. we also learn web design as well as graphic design. basically visual communication. marketing and branding go hand in hand with it definitely!

[johnclayton1982]

I am a lawyer.  I love to play golf.  But the reason I love it is because it is an escape from work and stress.  If I had to go play golf or not have any money, it would probably be stressful and I'd have to find something besides golf to relax.  Hobby as a job very rarely works.

I tried to work in the video game industry out of college because I really liked them.  After working in the industry about 18 months, I realized playing video games and working in the video game industry have virtually nothing to do with each other.  I suspect it is the same with golf, but people who have worked in the industry probably know better than I do.

[mdl]

@johnclayton1982,

Totally fair point, but things along the lines of what @Topper said seem like they might avoid your worries.  If @threejack's interested in going into graphic design/communication anyway, it seems doing graphics works for a business related to the golf industry would be just as interesting, work wise, as graphics stuff related to some other industry, and wouldn't (fortunately or unfortunately) turn actually playing golf into a job.  I'd think getting into marketing graphics for a club manufacturer or resort company would have a nice bonus of probably having some nice golf related perks like free/wholesale clubs, or more frequent business trips with free rounds at nice courses thrown in or the like.

To the OP, any course recs up your way.  My family's renting a house near Paso Robles for TG.  Been poking around for a good course to play with my brothers.  Was thinking of Hunter Ranch.  That a good choice?  Other recs?

[LeviTee]

Companies like ours are always looking for sales reps.

[WWBDD]

Quote:

I am in my second year of college and a career is right around the corner.

Wow ... an optimist.

[johnclayton1982]

Quote:

as graphics stuff related to some other industry, and wouldn't (fortunately or unfortunately) turn actually playing golf into a job.

Right, true, but the issue is that it is graphics stuff - not golf.  My experience is people enter into thinking it will be fun or not like work because its related to golf and be very disappointed.  Its not really unhappiness that leads to unhappiness, but missed expectations.  Part of my firm does Sports Law, and we have a big problem with new employees - they come into a "Sports Law" practice thinking its like Arliss or because they want to work "in sports" and its just like every other legal job - contract review, depositions, etc..., just so happens the contract has an athlete's name on it - and there is a very high turnover.

[walk18]

I'm a graphic designer, and there might be a few web opportunities out there, as most courses hire web firms to manage their sites. Probably not much in the way of print though. The golf industry is hurting and doesn't have a lot of marketing dollars right now.

[threejack]

haha well my degree will be very recognized in the print world. i already technically have a career with AT&T; as a 19 year old. i make pretty good money for my age and theres a lot of room for moving up. i do love cell phones as much as golf so who knows

[Harmonious]

The biggest complaint I hear from the people who work in the industry is that they rarely get a chance to play anymore. They are busy selling sweaters and clubs and giving lessons so others can play more.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by Harmonious

The biggest complaint I hear from the people who work in the industry is that they rarely get a chance to play anymore. They are busy selling sweaters and clubs and giving lessons so others can play more.

Yep. I played more when I was a college student. Without a car and the nearest course 20 miles away.

I played 50x more when I had to ride my bike three miles to the golf course.

[threejack]

Originally Posted by Harmonious

The biggest complaint I hear from the people who work in the industry is that they rarely get a chance to play anymore. They are busy selling sweaters and clubs and giving lessons so others can play more.

actually thats what my sister and her boyfriend (both pros at the country club) told me. they both said they never get to play!

Originally Posted by iacas

Yep. I played more when I was a college student. Without a car and the nearest course 20 miles away.

I played 50x more when I had to ride my bike three miles to the golf course.

thats dedication right there!

[DFerlmann]

i think being a golf pro would be so much fun, but unless you give lessons to a pro the money is not great, but if u love it then its not about the money, its about doing what you love to do. but just in case keep graphics close to you.

[DoGolf Brian]

From what I've been told, UNLV has a fairly reputable golf management program. At the very least, you may be able to gain some insider knowledge by speaking with some of their instructors...