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Some of the world's best golfers offer individual golf academies
to teach, instruct, and lead prospective golfers to play at
their best. These schools are a valuable opportunity for golf
enthusiasts of all ages to sharpen their skills and master
fundamental techniques in golf. Golf academies may also be valuable for those interested in working
within the business side of the industry; this may
include positions such as a golf retail manager, professional
golf coach, or even a golf journalist.
Why Attend a Golf
School?
Golf schools offer students the opportunity to train, work with, and learn from
professional instructors and sometimes even golfers themselves.
Individualized training programs allow students to master the perfect swing, and
develop their skills and abilities with one-on-one feedback and direction. Instruction usually takes place on the course, and some academies also
include a video tutorial or presentation segment so that students can watch,
learn, and review techniques with ease. Students learn both the methodology and
mechanics of the golf swing, and can work on different techniques throughout the
course of study.
Choosing the right school involves learning what types of golf instruction
and course programs are available and how much time a student is able to commit
to their career education. As with any other professional sports training,
golf requires ongoing practice, instruction, and feedback from professionals.
Mastering the technique takes time and practice, and golf schools and
related programs can help students learn and develop fundamental skills to work
towards becoming a professional.
Career Choices
Available After Golf School
Graduates can explore a variety of attractive positions in the
field as a:
-
Professional golfer (PGA or LPGA professional)
- Golf course
manager
-
Professional golf instructor
- Golf retail
manager or supervisor
- Golf
journalist
- Golf
driving range operator
- Sales rep
for golf equipment or manufacturing company
- Player's
agent
-
Ball-recovery diver
- Country
club caddie
Golf Career
Education and Training
A golf academy is generally located on a resort property where a golf club with
lodging facilities is available for all students. Many professional golfers have
invested in academies around the world, enabling students of all ages to
enjoy the surroundings and become skilled with their techniques after
appropriate instruction.
Academies offer students a chance to explore different courses and settings
as they complete their career education training program, and enjoy the
company of other professionals in the industry. One-on-one private lessons are
just one option at a golf academy; instruction in a group setting and training through videos and tutorials are also a part of many school
packages and instructional programs.
Some students attend a golf academy to learn more about the
business. The business side of golf includes the areas of retail, professional
instruction, and event planning. Golf course management is a growing industry,
especially with the increase of resort properties and golf enthusiasts around
the world. Course management programs may accompany a resort or hospitality
degree, but attending a school can help the student become
proficient in the operations and management of the business with hands-on
experience.
What Types of
Courses are Available with a Golf Training Program?
Some golf
academies offer personalized lesson plans, while others offer a
fixed training program for both professional and 'hobby' golfers. Common
courses of study may include:
-
Understanding the Golf Swing
- Golf Swing
Methods
- Range Use
- Video Swing
Analysis
- Practice
Time
Common courses of
study for those interested in the business aspect include:
-
Introduction to Marketing
- Physiology
of Exercise
- Tournament
Golf
-
Organization of Golf Tournaments
- Rules of
Golf
- Fitness for
Golf
- Golf Shop
Operations
- Principles
of Club Design
Golf Schools
Accreditation
Golf academies
may be accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and
Schools, while other schools are accredited by the Master Club-Maker
organization based on the school's founder.
Earning Potential
and Employment Prospects with a Golf Career Education
A
golf career education can open up many exciting opportunities, but practice and continuous effort is necessary to be successful in this
field. Becoming a professional golfer requires diligent effort and training
throughout the career; attending a golf school is only the first
step toward becoming a paid professional, and skill levels will vary by
individual. Those who pursue a career in the areas of professional
instruction, managing a golf shop or retail store, or simply serving as a golf
course manager may find lucrative and rewarding career potential in the long
term. Some resort managers can also earn a bachelor's degree in
Recreational Sport Management or Sport Marketing to enter the field.
Salary and compensation varies widely depending on the position. The average
salary range for a golf course manager can range from $45,000 to $59,000
depending on location, while a professional golfer may earn anywhere from
$250,000 to $1M. The National Golf Foundation reports the median income for a
driving range owner or operator is $39,000, while a golf sales representative
can earn between $50,000 and $500,000+. Golf caddies earn between $20,000 and
$25,000 per year, and this largely depends on the golfer and team they are
working with.
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