A professional golfer is not the only occupation to be held within the golf industry. There are a variety of other jobs available. Here is a list of them:
Club Caddie
You must know the game of golf to hold this position, as well as the etiquette. Oftentimes, golfers refer to their caddie to discuss the next steps and moves. To start in this position will cost you $25 to $100 to purchase appropriate shoes for the position. PERKS: Caddying at those fancy golf clubs usually means the ability to play there once or twice a week. You can have the opportunity to work with celebrities and get tipped quite well. DOWNS: Heavy bags can wreak havoc on your body. Golfers who don’t tip. Rainy weather that keeps you from working. No benefits. INCOME: $20,000 to $25,000 per year.
Driving Range Owner/Operator
No experience is necessary, but it could be helpful to know and understand how to run a business. This job is more than a hobby. The start-up costs for this job can get quite up there. PERKS: Time to work on your own game will build friendships during your 75-hour workweeks. DOWNS: Your job is your life. Long working hours are the norm. Vacations don’t occur very often. Little or no mental stimulation. Lots and lots of grass cutting. INCOME: Median income is $39,000, but those who run well-established and fancy ranges have the opportunity to make a six-figure income.
Ball Recovery Diver
Of course, scuba diving experience could be a necessity. You have to love the water and enjoy spending lots of time in it. Start-up costs can be around $300 for the necessary equipment. PERKS: Not many. Except for the amazing looks you would possibly get. Maybe even offers to purchase some of the balls you recover. DOWNS: The possibility of drowning, being eaten by an alligator, or being bitten by snakes is common. No benefits. INCOME: $50,000
Player’s Agent
Legal and/or business training is important and a variety of other thick-skinned personality traits. No start-up costs. PERKS: Top agents of top players are quite often pampered and adored. DOWNS: Clients call at all hours of the day and night. Not a lot of personal time and your salary depending upon someone else. INCOME: This is based upon the percentage of the client’s salary, so it can range. Top agents make up to six-figure income.
Course Owner/Operator/Developer
Experience in engineering and business is required. Start-up costs range from $250,000 to multi-millions. PERKS: The feeling of a sincere job well done when you the satisfied looks on the players’ faces. DOWNS: A very high-risk endeavor could leave you bankrupt. INCOME: Some owners are struggling to make an income.
Independent Accessory Manufacturer
Knowledge of machine tools and materials as well as being a good salesman are important. Start-up costs range from $10,000 to $25,000 in equipment and materials. PERKS: This job doesn’t require much time or effort. DOWNS: You are the one-man show. INCOME: Possibility to earn $250,000.
SUMMARY: Love the game of golf? Don’t think you can make it as a professional? Try some of these other golfing occupations.
