Golf Management: What Is It and How to Find the Right Career

Golf is a passion for tens of millions of people across the globe, and it’s also a big business – with some estimates placing its value around $84 billion. With that much money, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of job opportunities in golf for people who have an interest, and golf management is one of the best examples of that.

What is Golf Management?

Golf management is the study and practice of operating, maintaining, and managing golf courses. 

There are many different types of jobs that can technically be described as golf management. We’ll get into those in a later section. But for now, just know that golf management isn’t a single thing. It’s composed of many different types of job opportunities.

Another item to note here is that golf management is technically a specific type of hospitality management. So if you decide to study golf management, you’re likely going to learn a lot about the hospitality industry, which could give you some great backup options if you choose not to stay in the golf industry.

Sports Management Degree and Certification

If you’re interested in getting a job in golf management, then getting the right education is the first step. Most schools have a sports management degree, as it’s a multidisciplinary field that should prepare you well for a job in golf.

Some schools also have a specific golf management degree. These institutions have essentially built a sports management degree program around golf specifically. That way, you get more targeted guidance as you work towards your career goals.

You can find a career in golf with either degree. But specifically, earning a golf management degree may help you gain more specialized knowledge and stand out from the competition.

Top Golf Management Programs

The Professional Golf Association (PGA) is the standard for golf in the United States. They’ve partnered with 18 schools to offer professional golf management PGA certification degrees.

If you complete this, you get a bachelor’s degree in a golf industry-compatible major, and you become eligible to apply for PGA membership directly after graduation. The PGA says that graduates of this program currently have a 100% job placement rate.

All of this is to say that if you want a career in golf management, completing the PGA’s degree program could be your best option. To do so, you need to go to one of 18 qualifying schools, which include:

• Clemson University
• Coastal Carolina University
• University of Idaho
• University of Nevada-Las Vegas
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• New Mexico State University
• Mississippi State University

Types of Golf Management Jobs and Careers

There are several different golf careers and golf management jobs to choose from, which can include:

• Club fitters
• Caddies
• Greenskeepers
• Golf writers
• Golf retailers
• Golf teachers
• Golf directors
• Golf agents
• Sales and marketing positions for golf courses
• And more

Your salary as a golf industry professional will depend on your position. For example, a general manager at a country club or resort earns an average of $138,043.97 per year. But a golf coach makes about $58,293.36 annually.

Similarly, a head greenskeeper makes an average of $45,958, and a director of instruction at a golf facility earns an average of $81,640.83 per year.

The good news is that you have some flexibility to find a career in the golf industry that meets your lifestyle goals. Whether you want to make more than six figures or you prefer a peaceful job outdoors on the golf course, there’s an opportunity for you to pursue.

Top Golf Management Companies in the Industry

If you’re interested in a job in this industry, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the top golf course management companies. Here are some of the most popular and largest ones today:

• Troon Golf – 207 courses
• Kemper Sports – 130 courses
• ClubCorp – Over 200 courses
• American Golf Corp – 60 public courses

Getting a job with one of these companies is a fantastic way to establish your golf career. Because when a business with many locations employs you, there are usually more opportunities for you to advance your career.

How to Get Your Career in Golf Started

1. Complete Your Education

The first thing you need to do is finish your education. If you’re still applying to universities, try to go to one where you can get into the PGA’s program. Doing so could make it much easier for you to find a job once you graduate.

But don’t worry if you can’t get into the program or one of the schools that offer it. There are many job opportunities for golf professionals who graduate from other institutions.

If you’ve already finished your education and didn’t major in sports management or hospitality, that’s okay, too. You may just need to pursue a certification in sports management and potentially get some entry-level experience to get started.

2. Put Together Your Application Materials

Next, you’ll want to put together a strong resume and cover letter. These should highlight your best accomplishments with clear, strong language that’s easy for your interviewers to consume.

Remember, the people who review your applications are going to be looking at dozens, if not hundreds, of other applicants’ materials as well. So you don’t want to get to the point quickly to avoid losing their attention.

3. Find Jobs and Apply to Them With JobsInSports.Com

Finally, the last step in finding your dream job in the golf industry is creating an account with JobsInSports.com.

We maintain an up-to-date list of the latest sports jobs across the country. We’ll even send you alerts when new ones get posted. That way, you can make sure that your resume is one of the very first ones that a hiring manager sees.

So why wait? Create a free account with us today to get started.