Little Career Advice

[Heroe123]

I keep thinking about this, I've always wanted to become a golf pro at a nice golf course somewhere. Currently though working on my 7th year in the military, and plan on finishing the whole 20. I'm also working on my general classes towards a BA degree. I've seen courses you can take once you have your degree that will excel you into a level 1 and 2 of the pga checkpoints. I suppose the one thing that worries me would be, 38 married with kids and starting out as an entry level making $10 and hour / $25,000 a year. I would have full health care and a retirement from the military but would like to be a little bit more comfortable at that age. Would there be better positions for a 20 year service member with a BA in Business at a golf course or should I find something else. Just maybe work part time here and there to get free golf at the course.

Any insight would be appreciated, might change my studies a bit thats why I'm looking now before I'm commited to something.

[newtogolf]

It's hard to predict what the economy and job market will look like in 13 years. I don't know what the current job market is like for course pro's but given the economy and impact it's had on private country club's I'd say it's probably not good. You need to figure out what your retirement income will be, what income level you will want to be at when you retire, and what area you will want to live in. All those factors will impact your lifestyle.

I'm all for someone pursuing their passion, so if this is something you really want to do, then you can make adjustments to the other areas and make it work. After 20 years serving our country (thank you) it's important that you do something you really enjoy.

[double_j]

I guess it's up to you but based on the few people I know who are working on the teaching pro route, I would not want to be in that position at 38 with a family.

Figure it this way, you'll most likely start as an assistant pro who is subject to the wishes of the head pro and/or the course owners, etc. and will sometimes be treated as no more than a glorified cart boy, looper, retail worker, or low level event organizer (with the pay to match). Yes, you'll get to give lessons (provided that you get your certification) and play tons of golf but it runs the potential to get a bit frustrating for you, especially given what you will have already seen & done with your life. Also keep in mind that depending on where you live, you might need to find a different source of income in the winters.

I'm conservative by nature but I'd probably get a degree in finance/accounting/marketing, etc. and try to get a job with either a golf course management company or golf equipment company. Another option to stay close to the game in your career is to go into golf apparel sales or something similar.

Keep in mind since the university courses aren't required (but they do make things easier), you'll still have the option to go down that path should you choose. If you go straight for the PGA route with your college coursework, you'll pretty much rule out the opportunity to do anything else.

[becksfan2185]

I'll never tell anyone to go against their dreams, but if it was me there's no chance I would settle for that kind of salary at that point in my life... unless my wife could provide/contribute for the family as well. $25,000 is practically below the poverty line where I live - especially with a family - although hopefully the salary would be much more than that in 13 years.

I like your idea of going for your BA in business (finance, accounting, management) and setting your sights on working for a golf course or golf company... no clue exactly what golf-related jobs are out there but it seems like a better outlook than battling 18-year olds for an assistant pro job.

[sacm3bill]

Yes, you'll get to give lessons...

Everything in your post concurs with what I've heard about a teaching pro, except that bolded part - the impression I get is you'll be way too busy to do much actual golfing.

[TourSpoon]

My plan would be to retire and draw your pension and then work as an part-time accountant making $40-60 dollars an hour. If you are working part-time then you will have plenty of time to play golf, more than if you worked the pre-requisite 50 hours a week that I have seen to be the norm for an apprentice pro. Not only will you have more money, you can actually play golf when you want to.

[WUTiger]

Would there be better positions for a 20 year service member with a BA in Business at a golf course or should I find something else. Just maybe work part time here and there to get free golf at the course.

Must you be a club pro, or would you be happy working elsewhere in the golf industry (broadly defined)? You don't say what your military occupational specialty is. Would your MOS skills be useful in some aspect of the golf industry?

Not trying to discourage you. Just trying to broaden your options.

[Heroe123]

My AFSC would definetly not help me out in the golf industry unless I was Bill Murray chasing a gopher. I would take anything I guess in the golf industry. The biggest benefit I guess to not becoming a pro is I still get to just be a member at a course and play in the club tourny/leagues things of that nature.

[Slammin' Sam]

As a retired military officer myself I admire your passion. Getting that degree is a great idea and far be it for me to discourage you or your dreams but were I you I'd be thinking about a practicum in golf course managment. If you can't be a pro managing a golf course doesn't seem to be such a bad career choice either. With a family I understand the need to put food on the table.

Whatever you do, good luck with it!

[wrx_junki]

If you want to play a lot of golf then become a starter or ranger and be happy with less money but more golf.

[injury]

I never played golf when I was in the Air Force, but couldn't you cross train to whatever MOS takes care of the on base courses where they exist? Assuming they don't contract it out to civis.

I imagine doing something like that would mean when you separate you wouldn't be entry level. Or those jobs in the service would fall under the hotel management type stuff (had a friend going that route) which would perhaps lead to a chance at some resort type work after you get out.

[billysandy]

As UGC (user generated content) is on the up online, I am predicting that less and less people will visit their local pga pro for golf fixes. Hey, this website is a fine example of this, as people post their golf swing problems online, and get their swing analysed by a load of low cappers for free!

[normdamarine]

Well, I am going on 18 years in the Marine Corps and had a lot of the same thoughts you are having about golf/career. The 1st thing I will say to you is if it is your dream/goal to be apart of golf in the future when you retire then do not let anyone discourage your dreams. Put the effort in and make it happen. The one thing you will have above almost everyone else who is trying to do the same thing is stability. Your retirement income and medical is worth a lot... The other thing I will say is a lot can change in 13 years, A LOT! I have had a lot of thoughts about golf in my future but to be honest, my body is starting to fall apart.
The final thing I will say is to finish your education regardless of what you are going to do in your future. I am finishing my Masters in IT and it all has been paid for by the US Government, it has been a long and hard road but it will be done soon...

Wait, this is the final response, I have a few long time friends who have done the route you are referring to. One is retiring in December and will be chasing that dream. To each his own...