Golf Business Careers

Sales and marketing professionals are greatly needed in almost every area of golf. Both private and public golf courses need sales and marketing experts to recruit and maintain members, promote the club or facility and develop marketing materials. The majority of sales/marketing professionals, however, are employed by either golf manufacturers or retailers in brand/product management, advertising, distribution and direct sales.

Other opportunities might be available in the areas of event marketing, media relations, copy writing or retail management.

Qualifications for these positions vary considerably. Some may require formal college training while others may primarly require hands-on experience.

Bookkeepers, accountants, auditors and financial managers are needed in various aspects of the golf industry. These include public/private courses, golf resorts, professional golfers' associations, golf manufacturers and retail businesses.

Most accounting/financial management jobs in the golf industry will require a minimum of an associates degree in accounting or finance. For higher level positions a four-year degree may be required.

Several college training programs combine education in golf-course management with hospitality/restaurant management. The reason for this is that many golf courses and resorts go beyond simply providing a golf facility. Instead, many offer on-site dining, lodging and event facilities. Therefore, a business professional will find an assortment of opportunities utilizing education or experience in hospitality or restaurant management.

Some positions may require formal education in hotel or restaurant management. Positions such as front-desk clerk or cashier may require a high school diploma and related work experience.

Operations management involves the overseeing of the activity or performance of a business. Perhaps the most common of operations management in the golf industry is that of golf course management. As golf course manager, you may be responsible for guest reservations, managing/overseeing play on the course, staff management, payroll and other accounting procedures, inventory, safety and facilities management.

Although the qualifications for this position will vary considerably depending upon the hiring entity, most often one will need formal education in either golf course management, hospitality management and/or general business management.

Various other business skills are also needed in the golf industry. Some of these opportunities may include administrative/secretarial support, human resources management, purchasing and technical support.