Golf Management

I am very curious in trying to go into golf management. I am currently going to Texas State University in San Marcos, Tx and I am curious what type of degree would be necessary to be able to manage a golf course or resort of some kind.

There is a Recreational Administration degree that they offer there and I am curious if this is something that I might want to look into before the semester starts January 18th.

From the type of classes that are offered, it looks like it might work as far as the how I can put them to use in the "real world".

Let me know if you guys know of anything that might help. I am going to call the manager at the course where I am going to work next month to see if he has some idea as to me going that route will work out in the long run..

I've been thinking about this as well.  I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management but would like to break into the golf industry in the managerial/operations capacity.  A lot of Golf Management programs I've researched require a certain playing competency which I'm not at.  I think those programs are intended for people that are interested in becoming teaching pros which I am not interested in.

By the way, the rec/sports management degree itself isn't worth a whole lot.  It by itself certainly will not go a long way to land you a job.  IF you are interested in working in golf or recreation and decide to pursue that program, make sure you take the time to network in the industry and get yourself out there even if it means you are working for free.  Once you graduate getting a job is going to be about who you know and what type of practical work experience you've gained while studying.

I found out that it can be used to manage golf and that a lot of people used this degree to do it. I spoke with the program coordinator today at the campus while before I registered for classes and she reassured me of it and even gave me a couple of business cards of recent graduates (8) in the past semester that went on to golf management. I am going to try and do the PGA PGM program after I graduate. I think what is going to help is that I am going to be working at my local course next month through college!

I guess I am not understanding, you want to be a pro/director of golf..or a food and beverage guy??   Or someone who is s a business manager for a tour player??

Some of the biggest double talkers on the planet mange golf courses and resorts.

I am wanting to manage a golf course, not a food guy....

And I'm not a double talker, I love helping people and love the game and only want to see things continue to improve for the better of the game thank you.. And my experience of course managers has been good but maybe its a southern hospitality thing lol

Get a business degree, Accounting or management, find some work in the industry to add to your resume,  being a PGA professional in my opinion....can be accomplished down the road if you need to....Most club managers I have met were not giving golf lessons on the practice tee.  In todays golf business environment, it is about the bottom line, who would know that better than an accountant.

does anyone play less golf then the manager of a golf course??

Believe it or not, since we got a new GM and new Head Pro at our course, I have never seen management and the staff play so much. It may be a quick 9 after work or a group of them practicing on the putting greens, but these guys are determined to keep their skills up so they can compete in regional tournaments.

If I happen to play during a non-peak time, there is always a staff member willing to go out and play.

It may help that lessons are outsourced and the fact that it is a private club that is generally pretty dead once all the morning groups are off by 1PM.

I know that this is a rarity, but maybe there is some hope for a few out there that love the game.

Must have a lot of wealthy members if they are paying a head pro to not give lessons. My club has a head pro and 2 assistants all of them work a lot of hours but they seem to play a decent amount. They usually get out real early or late if it's slow but they don't play as much as they would like too.

I wouldnt say our place is full of wealthy members. We call them all 30k/year millionaires. The head pro basically seems to run the pro shop. I doubt he makes much but over the years they have cut several management positions. The club takes in some money from the outside company that provides lessons onsite.

I graduated with Resort and Lodging Mgmt major and in interviews all I could talk about was golf.  I started sending resumes to courses explaining my background and career ambitions.  The way to get into golf management is to become an assistant...which means you start where you start...shop, outside services,whatever.....Work your way into the PGA GPTP and get going. Hopefully you have a course that will support you educationally and financially through the program.  Get your PGA membership and work your way up through the buisness.  Thats what I did.  There is a lot to the golf biz besides playing and teaching.  Yes the tie to play gets limited when you are workign to keep the course running but you will find time.  But if you want to get into to play more or make a ton of money than manage your expectations.  Its is a good thing to do if you can pass the playing test and complete the program.  Get it done before wife and kids pull you into the "real world"....let me know if you need anymore insight.

If you're sure about your interest in golf management, Arizona State University's Business College has a School of Professional Golf Management.  You have to have a USGA handicap of 12 or less to get admitted plus the usual academic accomplishments for admission to the University.  The assistant pro (young fellow and am sure he'll be the pro somewhere in a few years) at my club is one of their graduates and he tells me that 100% of his class found jobs in the golfing industry.  You can probably find some initial information on the program at www.asu.edu.  Hope this helps.

Thanks Wookie!

I talked with my program coordinator at Texas State and she said that they have had a lot of people go into the golfing industry, running courses, etc. and it gave me some reassurance as to picking a degree at my university without having to move out of state!

I am going to be working at a course near my home pretty soon and I can't wait. I think this will allow me to get my foot in the door and then possibly before or right after I graduate (2 years), I will try and get my PGA membership and I think that will be very attainable..

I really enjoy the game and love helping others, it would be a dream to teach and maintain operations at a course.

Thanks for everyones responses also!