Golf Academy of America - Carolinas...?

[Gioguy21]

So, I've done some soul searching in the last few months and at the age of 24 have decided that what I'm doing now is stable, but not what I love. I work for the government currently and have the ability to take up to a year and a half off with no pay while maintaining a job slot in case I'd like to come back. That being said, I have interest in going back to school for golf, as club pro/director and was wondering if anyone can help me out with a few questions I have about the Golf Academy of America in South Carolina, or any other professional golf schools.

Specifically I'm wondering who out there has been to any schools, which they went to, what field they are in now and if it is something that is worth it, ie. salary when graduated, networking, etc. any help would be immensely appreciated.

-Paul G

[bong_crosby]

Paul,

I don't think there are any GAA students or grads on this board. I posted a question similar to yours but didn't get any responses. With that said, I will be a GAA San Diego student beginning this September and am super stoked.

If you are near the campus, take a tour. I visited the Phoenix campus and decided GAA Phoenix wasn't for me. Then I talked to the people in San Diego and their energy and excitement convinced me that was the school I should attend. Even though they may not admit it, all their campuses are not created equal.

I think you hit the nail on the head with the networking thing. Near the Carlsbad campus they have the Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade companies. As part of the instruction, students get to go on "field trips" to the factories, a great chance to rub elbows with people in the biz.

I'm not sure how much weight a GAA degree carries in the golf industry but one of the docs I read claimed a 96% placement rate for grads. Stats can be skewed - I guess I should call and get clarification on that one.

Before I applied, I dug around on the internet and could only find one disgruntled student and that person was pretty vague. That's a good sign.

I heard Myrtle Beach was a great GAA site. Good luck on your decision.

[Gioguy21]

Paul,

The only problem I have so far is that I'm essentially putting my 65k salary on hold for a year to do this. I'd be relocating for the year while I'm there, since South Carolina is a bit far of a commute from the Poconos in PA lol. I've heard great things about the SC campus but I was wondering what others ideas of it were. I already have a degree, so hopefully I may not have to take the 16 months they're talking about. So this goes into another question since there may or may not be people from GAA students/alumni people here...for those of you who are in the industry (reps/pros/directors/etc), what is the typical starting salary for a pro/rep/assistant pro/director of operations? Obviously this is different per locale, region and such but I'm just looking for generals here. anyone?

[TheWookie]

You are young and if you have the ability go for it. You will be hard pressed to get a gig in the business right out @65k. Think more around $10/hr. There are also lessons which bump up you income but you really have to work the line to get some substantial income. I was a PGA pro for about 5 years out of college and I am extremely happy I was able to have that experience. You might also look into jumping into a shop assistant job, pass the PAT and get going on the GPTP. We recruited from the SDGA and they do have some good club and PGA connections. You will also get that by participating in local events as pro from your club...do what you can while your young...opportunities get slimmeras you get older.