Find Out If Golf School is the Right Career Move for You

If you've always loved the game of golf, you may be thinking that golf school is the next logical step in either preparing for a career or changing careers. Not surprisingly, with the great new interest in golf because of players like Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, there has also been increased interest in golf schools that teach students how to make a career out of their love of golf.

Before registering for a golf school, however, be sure that you really know that you want to make an actual career out of your leisure time passion. It's important to understand that very few of even the most talented players will become professional golfers on the tournament circuit. If this is the only thing you see yourself doing, you may want to rethink attending college for a golf degree.

Golf schools do focus on the game, but they also place lots of importance on what goes on off the course and behind the scenes. If you check the class curriculum you'll find that there is just as much laboratory and classroom work as time on the greens. Any good golf school knows that there are numerous ways to be involved with golf that don't require a spectacular handicap, but do require dedication, organization and an understanding of people.

Finding Out If You Are Right for Golf School

At golf school you will learn dozens of skills, including how to organize a successful tournament, pro shop management, golf club design and repair, teaching golf, etc. Perhaps you love the game but are also interested in hotel or restaurant management. A degree in golf management could be ideal and will open hundreds of opportunities around the world to you. Obviously, there's much more to attending golf school than playing. To find out if attending golf school is right for you, you may want to ponder the following statements.

Doing what you love is just as important as the salary you'll earn.
If you decide to be a golf pro for a country club or course, you will start at the bottom and have to earn your way up, even with a degree. Golf is a game of experience.

You have the skills and temperament to work with others and manage staff in a pleasing manner.
Let's face it, the only drama players want is on the course. If you are easily rattled when there are problems, you won't last long managing a golf course or resort. An even temper and the ability to put others at ease are essential.

You are good at teaching others.
You'll have the opportunity to try teaching golf at a good golf school, and you'll learn the proper techniques to instruct others. If you love to teach others new things, you could become a golf pro.

You are willing to learn golf from the ground up, not just on the green.
At golf school you'll be learning things like how golf clubs are made, what makes a successful tournament, how to manage a pro shop and various public relations roles.

You enjoy socializing with a wide range of people and personalities.
A golf career is all about contributing to the enjoyment of the game for those around you. It isn't a solitary career at all, and it isn't just about your game. If you like to socialize and are comfortable with people from all walks of life, you'll do well at golf school.

If you've thought about and agreed with the statements above, then you will probably enjoy a career in the golf industry. Your next step is to check out several of the thousands of golf schools in the United States to see which one fits best with your golf dream.

Andy West is a freelance writer for SDGA. San Diego Golf Academy is a premier golf school with five locations across the United States. To learn more about attending golf school, please visit http://www.sdga.edu .