Many youngsters that are good players with low handicaps may be considering entering the world of golf as their desired career choice, which is a pretty good idea if you want to enjoy your job, which was once your hobby, but having a career in golf can be far more than just a professional golfer. The opportunities are endless and each has their own requirements, with some needing degrees to be able to access them. We are going to talk about the careers that may not be so obvious within the golf sector.

Director of golf or operation manager

The Director of Golf is often the highest position at a golf club and will normally require both a good playing standard and a university degree. Being a director of golf, can also require you to be a professional coach to help with the academy or act as support for the professional during busy periods. A director’s job is varied, and could include the following: day to day running of the golf course, marketing, staff rotas, maintenance schedules, problem solving and team management. It is a role that is highly fulfilling but also demanding.

Green Keeper

Many of the best green keepers are good golfers, it gives them an advantage to understand how golfers want to find the golf course. It can also help when it comes to making small alterations in the design of the course that doesn´t require the specialities of a course architect. Green keepers will need to have a good knowledge of grass types, soil types and chemicals to treat certain diseases. The hours can be long and much of the time the work carried out is thankless, with the exception of perhaps the course director and some grateful members.

Caddy Master

The caddy master is often considered to be the face of the golf course and as such requires formality and a good understanding of the game to ensure the best service can be provided to the client. Often the first port of call for complaints and problems faced by customers a caddy master must have a strong character and be able to think on their feet and problem solve. Qualifications are rarely required, but a good understanding of the game is a benefit.

Marshals

Marshals are the heartbeat of a golf course, and also possibly the most hated member of staff, especially by those that are considered slow or lack a certain level of decorum on the golf course. A marshal’s job is primarily to keep the pace of play moving and be an encyclopaedia of knowledge regarding the golf course. Golfers themselves generally make the best marshals and a level of patience is essential to deal with all the problems that crop up on a daily basis.

There are many more careers that the industry has to offer and they all can be highly rewarding, plus you get the benefit of working in an industry that you love and the chance to play for free!!