There is not a sports enthusiast out there who does not dream, at least once, of making it to the big time and becoming a career professional.  The same is true for golfers.  If you think that you have what it takes to become a PGA Golf Professional, here are some tips to help get you started.

Becoming a PGA professional can lead you to a new and exciting career in a sport that is played worldwide by over 60 million people and is rapidly growing in popularity.  You can join the ranks as a player and spend hours a day on the greens, or look into one of the other interesting careers that PGA professionals fill while they are playing the game, or choose a combination of the two.  The opportunity to make a good deal of money each year, even into the millions, is possible for the truly greats.  Or you may find your niche in running clubs, coaching, or senior management roles.

There are two main ways to become a PGA professional.  The most popular way is to become a registered assistant at a PGA recognized golf facility.  These are located all around the United States, so you should be able to find one in your general area. Trainees will complete a three year Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies, which involves study guides, assignments, and residential weeks at the National Training Academy at the PGA’s Belfry headquarters.  You will also be required to complete exams and earn coaching awards.  You will study such subjects as golf coaching, equipment technology, business management, and golf rules.

The second way is with a three year BA Honors Degree in Applied Golf Management Studies.  It is the preferred choice of golfers who want to pursue senior managerial roles.

Because of these course requirements, golf is now considered a profession with a recognized career structure, regardless of the final career chosen.  You may decide to get into the business end of the game, or try to make it by playing full time.  Regardless of your decision, you can have a rewarding career.  The job opportunities are limitless.

A PGA club professional is one option.  The responsibilities vary depending on the size of the club, but will usually include:  giving lessons, club repairs and fittings, running a club shop, handling day to day business of the club, marketing, organizing competitions, and keeping up with a green keeping staff and maintenance personnel.

If you are really good at the game of golf, you might consider passing your skill on to others as a teaching professional.  Developing good coaches is an important part of PGA training.  Many members are coaches that are respected at the highest level and get the opportunity to work with some of the world’s best golf players.  Or you could focus on the upcoming amateur players as a national coach, and teach the future pros of tomorrow.

Since PGA professionals receive training in equipment and technology, many also work as a custom-fit technician.  They are often employed by golf industry hotshots such as Ping, Calloway, and Titleist at their custom fitting centers.  Or, if they prefer to work behind the scenes, they can get jobs as club makers and repairers fixing clubs that need work or creating new ones.  Still other PGA professionals prefer the sales and retail side of golf, and chose to run pro shops or club shops at golf ranges.

As you can see, the game of golf offers a variety of careers for the professional player.  You should certainly be able to find an aspect of the game that appeals to you, and run with it as a career opportunity.

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