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Jan 23, 2009
Many look to pursue a new career at this shaky time in our economy. Learn more about the multitude of opportunities in the golf industry.

Many people pursue a golf education because they love the game and want to turn their love of the sport into a successful career that allows them to combine work and play. It's a terrific idea, but a good education from a golf academy actually prepares you for many different careers and gives you an excellent background in a number of different disciplines. Even if you decide a golf career isn't for you, you'll still be prepared for a number of other career paths.

The primary focus of a solid education is to prepare you for any number of careers having to do with the multi-billion dollar industry, including supervisory positions, shop manager, course designer or developer, tournament planner, and dozens of other options. You will learn a variety of skills while taking courses that can be applied to a wide range of careers away from the industry of the sport. Some graduates work in the industry for a number of years, and then make their move to a different trade through promotions or new job opportunities that open up. They discover that their education has prepared them for any number of responsibilities that are applicable outside the golf industry.

An accredited institution will require students to take accounting, management and business courses to prepare them to operate and manage courses, shops and other facilities properly. These courses include instruction on bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable and many other essential skills that are invaluable in any type of retail or service industries. You may work in a pro shop or other entry level position right after graduation, but your education will also prepare you to successfully manage any type of retail store successfully as your career path grows.

The same applies to courses in food and beverage management. Your schooling will include an understanding of commercial, institutional and industrial food service so that graduates with either an associate's or bachelor's degree can efficiently manage anything from a snack bar to a private club's catering business. Of course, a graduate may decide that they want to continue in the industry, but would prefer to put his food and beverage classes to use in a fine dining restaurant rather than work on the green. Catering services that serve weddings, banquet halls and special events will be glad to hire someone who has had the experience gained while putting together a tournament.

Do you enjoy research and the sciences but don't want to give up your love of the sport? Then golf instruction can combine your love of the sciences with your favorite sport. Most people are surprised to learn that there are thousands of scientists and researchers working for equipment manufacturers across the country every year who focus on developing new and improved clubs, bags, carts, balls and other equipment. These designers, developers and equipment testers need to get a solid education in order to excel at understanding the game not only on the course, but behind the scene. They must be able to make and repair equipment, understand the aerodynamics of equipment and understand the anatomy and physiology of the human body and how it works and interacts with the equipment. All of these things are a part of a successful curriculum at many nationally ranked universities and accredited colleges.

With such a wide range of possibilities open to graduates, it's no surprise that many schools boast a high placement rate for their students within a few months of completing their program. A golf education is surprisingly versatile, combining a fascinating game with real world business skills valuable to many industries.

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