Most golf courses employ both head and assistant golf professionals to help operations run smoothly and to help enforce the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) standards at the course. If you're interested in golfing and furthering your career without becoming a professional golfer, putting your business management skills to work through your golf professional career may be a better option. Consider all of the various duties an assistant golf professional is responsible for on the course before you decide whether it's the right career path for you.
Lessons
An assistant golf professional must have a good game because he'll be responsible for many of the private golf lessons for the establishment. While golf lessons can be delegated to a variety of private teachers, the assistant golf professional may teach some of the lessons himself or oversee teaching by other course employees. An assistant golf professional may also be responsible for creating and presenting exciting golf lesson plans to attract new clientele, notes the City and County of Denver. It's imperative that an assistant golf professional work on his own game so he can properly instruct others on various techniques and practices for a better game.
Maintenance
The assistant golf professional for a course will likely work under the head golf professional in order to oversee the maintenance and conformity of the course. This means not only overseeing the maintenance crew in keeping the course looking pristine but also enforcing the PGA guidelines when it comes to dress, conduct and rules at the club. An assistant golf professional may have a hand in a variety of operations at the club, from clubhouse operations to pro shop operations and inventory.
Management
The assistant golf pro works with the head golf pro to work with other employees and keep them abreast of duties and requirements on the course. The assistant golf pro may be in charge or delegated duties for golf course special events, like tournaments. She may have a variety of other employees who answer to her, such as golf instructors, event planners and pro shop employees. An assistant golf pro may also work with the head golf professional on budgeting and inventory for the club and pro shop. Because of this, a strong background in business management and accounting is often preferred.
Requirements and Salary
An assistant golf professional should hold affiliation with the PGA for at least six months before obtaining a position at a golf course, but some courses may require a shorter or longer affiliation. Degrees in business management and accounting may be desirable, but extensive experience and professionalism in golf may shine brighter on a resume. As of 2009, the mean salary for an assistant golf pro is $34,670 when considered athletic coaches for the recreation industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The addition of management responsibilities may raise the salary, but the salary will typically vary depending on the course and level of experience.
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