If you love golf and consider yourself a leader, a career in golf course management may be for you. Although it is not the largest career field, sports management opportunities are projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow at an average pace over the next decade. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn a good living. According to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the average salary for a superintendent in 2017 was nearly $90,000.
This number was even higher for superintendents with a college degree and those certified by the GCSAA. Doing a job you love and being paid well for it may sound like a fantasy, but with the right preparation and hard work, you might one day find yourself getting paid to spend time on a golf course. A number of college graduates are also opting for such vocations, as it is beneficial for a number of reasons. Compared with a regular job, sports management is not stressful, offer major scope for physical activities and promotes healthy living practices.
What a Golf Management Degree Entails:
Although anyone with the right personality, experience and skill set can manage a golf course, a few college and university programs exist that will more precisely tailor your education to fit a career in golf course management. Such preparation can provide you with a serious advantage in your career working for a reputable golf course management company.
A degree in Golf Management combines standard business education with preparation for the specific challenges that come with managing a golf course. In addition to general education requirements, students can expect to take courses on topics such as marketing, management, finance, business law, and communications. They will also likely study subjects that will come in handy when helping to run a golf course, including plant science. A Golf Management program will also provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships with nearby courses.
Getting a degree in Golf Management, therefore, will provide you with leg-up over job candidates that have only received more general training in business management. You’ll have all the benefits of the latter combined with a rarer knowledge of golf course operations and their specific needs.
Expertise is always beneficial when applying for any job. Employers looking for candidates who are already aware of what their future job entails always prefer specialization. A Golf Management Course will help you stand apart from the thousands of other applicants who are also applying to the position.
Choosing a School:
Because managing golf courses is a niche career option, there aren’t many schools that offer degrees specifically in Golf Management. However, there are a few you can choose from. The most important thing is to look for programs that have certification from the Professional Golf Association (PGA). This is the best guarantee that the program is legitimate and will help get your foot in the door of the professional golfing world.
You should also consider the school’s location. Is there a program near you, or in a place where you would be willing and able to relocate? Also, be sure to research the cost of each program, as well as any financial aid offered to students. Try to find job placement statistics and information about the satisfaction rates of former students. Draw up a list of acceptable programs and compare what they offer before deciding which one is best for you. At the end of the day, trying to find the best school will directly have an effect on your capabilities and expertise. The better the program, the more value will your certificate hold. This will ultimately translate into you being placed at a premium golf course in the future.
