Career change

[Saxer2000]

I'm looking for some advice please.

I currently serve in the British Army and am due to retire from service in just over 3 years time (after 22 yrs service).

I'm still considering my options as to what career to train for but, as suggested by my wife, as a golf fanatic a career in the golf industry seems very appealing and could be very rewarding.

I'm working hard on my game to get my handicap down from 11.6 to single figures and just wondered if there was any advice someone could offer as to the opporunities out there in the industry, whether it be coaching, custom fitting or anything else.
As I say I have 3 years to prepare for civvy street (hate that phrase) and so any advice on courses too would be most helpful.

Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[colint]

Depends on your personality, skills etc but there's always the sales / promotion side of the business, either working for the larger manufacturers or one of the better courses.

I very nearly took a job working at St Andrews selling packages to amaerican, Japanese tourists etc. The job was great but didn't want to uproot the family so reluctantly backed out. Involved travelling to all over the place to golf shows around the world

Maybe it could make a decent feature for the mag, careers in the industry ?

Good luck anyway.

 

[Saxer2000]

Thankyou for your input. I agree, a feature of this topic I think would be good for the mag. I can't imagine that I'm the only one who has an interest in changing career and somehow getting involved in a sport that they love so much.

Not sure if sales would be quite my thing but it's definately something to think about and i'm open to all suggestions.

Thanks again

 

[JustOne]

You could contact Calloway and ask them directly. I think to teach you have to become PGA qualified and that means 3 years at least working on minimal wage... as well as getting your handicap down to 4 or below.

 

[Saxer2000]

3 yrs minimal wage? wow that's tricky lol

 

[HomerJSimpson]

What about green keeping. Being in the army I'm sure early mornings and physical activity won't be any shock to your system.

 

[Adjani]

You could use some of that three years trying to reduce the size of that picture in your posts

 

[Smiffy]

Golf club manager/secretary? It's a job I've always fancied and I understand it is very well paid. You get to meet other players and are basically at the course all the time so can get to play frequently.

 

[bobmac]

Saxer,
I was in the same situation as you 9 years, except I was in the RAF and was off 5.
I decided to go for it, got down to 4
Spent 3 years working in a pro shop on admittedly a low wage but great perks.
I boosted my low wage by teaching, so quite good in the end.
You need to have 5 O levels which must include maths and English
To pass the PGA course which is now a Foundation degree, linked with Birmingham Uni, you need to pass all 8 modules which include, business, sports science, IT, club repairs, rules, teaching, etc.
But when you do qualify, the qualification is recognised worldwide and will open many doors for you.
You also get free golf everywhere you go and very cheap equipment.
I'm not saying is all doom and gloom, but it is hard work and lots of 'homework'
If you want more info, pm me
Good luck