You are naive. The reality is that most professions are exactly as you describe here. Very few professions are based on legitimate merit. Most are based on bs pr networking manipulation etc. A lot of CEO's and VPs are total morons. Check out the subprime crash for thousands of examples.
That's what's great about the actual pga tour, it's based on merit not bs.
Chris,
You are mostly correct this time.
But, the golf business is FAR AHEAD of banks and financial institutions in this regard.
Take the case of a good friend of mine's nephew, who is also a good friend.
(the names are left out to protect the innocent)
He is a very good player, and became an excellent teacher, having worked with several of the nations finest instructors.
He worked his way up—like most of us—from the lowest assistant's job at a decent course, to the 1st assistant and most popular teacher at a very good country club.
He loved teaching, and one of his member/students owned a nice Driving Range that needed a full-time teacher. He was hired and as the only teacher at a busy range, going in with nearly a full book of his country club clientele,
was quickly the #1 teacher in the city.
After two full seasons, with nowhere to go but up, the range was sold for millions to develop real estate.
The young teacher knocked on every door in town, and they were ALL TO HAPPY to tell him, sorry, "
there is no room at the inn."
28 years old. Out of the business.
Now, for sure, he could have moved, or got another assistant's job, but....
If you think this happens to the #1 Car Salesman in that town, or the #1 Insurance Salesmen, or #1 Car Detailer, or #1 Fast Food Manager, you are high.
I rest my case.