Teaching professional?

[TN94z]

With all of the talk I have seen lately about turning pro and a golf career, it got me thinking about getting paid for something you love. What does it take to become a golf teacher? Obviously it is knowing the swing, but other than that is it just word of mouth and credibility? Must you be able to go out and shoot in the 60s to have anyone have faith in you? Is there a school that these guys go to?


What about club fitting? Are there schools you go to for that? Is it just an experience thing? I know there are certifications, but what all is exactly involved?

[CG031]

With all of the talk I have seen lately about turning pro and a golf career, it got me thinking about getting paid for something you love.

You go to PGM school and have to pass the PAT. I think it's like two 78's or under that to pass. So you have to be a decent player, but not be able to shoot in the 60's...not even close to that. In PGM school you are taught the swing and fundamentals and all that, and have to study it.

You can study it while being a PGA apprientence, or a Asst. Pro at a club...that's what one kid I knew did instead of going to colleges. Numerous colleges, specifically down south, offer the PGM program at their school. My friend is heading down to NC State to do it next year. I was also told by a previous instructor of mine that there are fewer Head Pro jobs at clubs because they are being run by major golf companies like Billy Casper Golf, or Kemper Sports, for example. So, Head Pro's used to give lessons, and make money on the 'Pro' shop sellings. But now that it's run by these companies they don't, so these jobs are being cut down each year. MOST, not all, but most asst. pro's or head pro's don't make a GREAT living. You can certainly live off it, and it's a fun job if you're obsessed about golf, but it's a ton hours in the Pro Shop, and tedious things like that when your a assistant pro. Being a Head Pro is a much better job, higher salary and better hours. I know a few asst. pro's who barely have time to play because they are always working. They don't give many lessons either because a lot of those lessons go to the head pro at the club. I hope this helps you gain more understanding of it.

[TN94z]

Very good post. I was just curious about the specifics. Thanks man

[CG031]

Very good post. I was just curious about the specifics. Thanks man

Thanks, I'm not expert on the topic it's just I knew a few friends who have gone into the program, and know of a few of my friends who just graduated high school who are going to college for it.

I considered it, but the fact that it's tough to make money(I know that shouldn't be someones main concern if they like what they're doing), really turned me off to it... Plus, it's a TON of hours in a Pro-Shop doing 'high school-ish' things like ringing people up, taking tee times, doing an occassional lesson would be cool, but you rarely get time to play/work on your game.

[RemyM]

http://pgajobfinder.pgalinks.com/hel...o.cfm?ctc=1676