Some industries seem to be especially resistant to the effects of a downturn in the economy. A number of reasons could exist for golf being one of those industries, but the fact that it has the reputation as a sport for the wealthy certainly ranks up there. If you are looking to get into an industry that is among the last to be negatively impacted by economic downturns, then it only makes sense to look for an industry where the majority of participants are among the last to feel the hurt. Golf is most definitely one of those so consider these employment possibilities in the world of golf.
Professional Golfer
Even those on the lowest level of the PGA Tour make a good living. Obviously, the top of the heap in the golf industry is the professional duffer and just as obviously you cannot expect to play at that level if you are just now starting out. Unless you are reading this on a break from kindergarten class. On the other hand, if you have exhibited an affinity for the game, dig in and commit like you never have before. If you are good enough to make the pro tour, you will be among the last to feel any negative impact from future economic policies of Presidents named Bush.
You might also be interested to know that the PGA has a program in place for those who are talented but not quite up to the level of a PGA veteran. The Class A Professional Golfer can find employment under the auspices of the PGA doing a variety of tasks that are given the gloss of being associated with the PGA. A Class A Professional can avoid economic downturns by doing things that range from giving lessons on the tour to hosting either private seminars or public events associated with the PGA.
Caddy
Those fellas who lug around the bag for PGA pros are just as much at the top of their profession as the guys getting all the glory. You have to start young and learn the game because best caddies are more than just bag carriers. They can become an integral part of the success of the golfer. When you rise to that sphere of influence, the compensation reflects the experience and if you can’t get by on a few hundred thousand dollars a year, then you have bigger problems than learning how to be a great caddy. Not all golf courses and country clubs still utilize caddies, but if you love the game of golf but don’t have the natural born talent, you should still do you all you can to snag a job. Learn the game, be respectful and, above all, keep any secrets you hear secret.
Greenskeeper
In addition to steady work, the greenskeeper occasionally gets to blow up gophers. Okay, so Bill Murray is no more authentic as a greenskeeper in “Caddyshack” than he is as ghostbuster. The truth is that the greenskeeper, which may also be known as the groundskeeper, is an essential part of keeping a golf course profitable enough to make the golf industry prenaturally resistant to economic downturns. The higher the profile of the course, the more money those involve in keeping it in shape can expect to make. Obviously, any golf course that is going to be given national exposure as a result of being a stop on the PGA Tour is the place you want to be if you want to make the best money. Just be sure you have the talent it takes to keep the course beautiful to the eye and playable to the pros. High end financial possibilities for those working at the most prestigious country clubs can easily make it into the six figure range per year,but the median salary is just above $22,000 because of the vast discrepancy between what it takes to keep a Par 3 course in shape and what it takes to keep a PGA course in shape.
Golf Writer
One thing to keep in mind about golfers is that they are, as a collective group, an obsessive creature. You don’t have to be a professional to look to every source to improve your game, learn about the latest technology or find the greatest courses you can afford to play. If you know the game of golf, can stay ahead of the learning curve and can provide information in an accessible way, you will have a readership ready to hang on your every word. Those with a penchant for writing and a knowledge of the game can expect to withstand economic downturns until things get catastrophic.
