So, today I became an American statistic...

[Steve Greffen]

It could, however, Jim, be his ticket to happiness. To make that transition though you need time, money, and a support team. (or be out of college as a bachelor!) It doesn't help that you are transitioning in a bad economy.

The other thing I would say is that make sure it is what you want. You have to be a people person. Just because you like golf and your buddies do and you like your pro and you think Brian is cool doesn't mean that those are the only people you will deal with. Ask these guys in the business and they will tell you how many disgruntled people you deal with. That is true with most service industries so if you are used to it fine. Being fresh into it though a positive outlook is very helpful. The sales side is just that, selling to those that may say no to you and the pressure to perform. (becoming harder these days)

All that being said I have been working at clubs for over 20 years at all levels and I wouldn't do anything else! Best of luck.

Steve

 

[kmmcnabb]

Good luck Micah.

I wanted to add my two cents and then off I go. I am a career Army guy (don't let the Air Force guy scare you). I got into the Army in college where they offered money that I needed since I was working my way through and had a wife (luckily no kids).

My plan was to pay back the time and get out. Period. My dad had been in during Korea and Vietnam so I knew enough I thought.

I went on active duty in 1984 and have been in ever since. I got my Master's Degree and Ph.D. on the Army along with training to do a whole bunch of stuff just in case. I am currently a professor at West Point and most of my students go off to Medical School on Uncle Sam. Please don't get me wrong, being in any military is dangerous at times but also very, very rewarding. Don't sell it short if you can't find something right away.

My brother-in-law was in the Air Force and he played on the AF golf team for 8 years and also coached for a few years. There are opportunities out there if you are honest, hardworking, drug free, and flexible.

So I guess my advice is to look at all your options but don't be afraid to try something different and don't let your preconceptions about something decide your fate. You decide your fate and don't give up. You may end up with something you don't like for a while but pay the bills and something else will come up. It always does. Honest, hard working, folks with integrity are getting harder and harder to find. Be that person and you will be amazed at the things that come up.

I agree with a few of the comments out there about the golf industry. There are many folks looking to do work in that area and the economy will get worse before it gets better so don't hand all your hopes there just yet. You are young, so be patient.

Anyway. Another my two cents from another military guy who has deployed 6 times in his career and can still run a few 20 years olds into the ground. Well, it is getting harder every year. My golf game. Well, it still sucks but I play blades to spite myself. On the upside, I play with a lot of high ranking guys since I am probably the easiest to beat. Brian is doing his best but I may be untrainable.

Good luck.

 

[kmmcnabb]

hand should read hang. Boy, I am still not a typist.

 

[dashfan87]

Thanks to everyone again for their support. Im going to PM martin, and Im not looking to make the big time, just want to make a dollar and support my family.

 

[cmartingolf]

Today's golf work force...

I've hired at least a hundreds (probably two hundred) young men and a couple dozen young women during my years as the lead professional at three nice clubs.

I'd say 10 percent of those employees were/are All Stars. Some of my bag boys and assistants from the past have better jobs and make more dough than me and I'm darn proud of them. They earned it and I'm happy to be associated with them.

50 percent did the job well enough to keep the job. Generally these were are all nice folks that filled voids and helped keep the wheel moving along. I don't think the golf industry was in their blood.

40 percent felt they were owed something beyond the opportunity? They were detractors and found that their opportunity dried up. I try and identify this type quickly as they can bury a good operation.

The key is to be in the 10%. When you have folks in that group, it's easy to bend over backwards to ensure they stay employed, move up the ladder, get good placements in other locations, etc. This is a small golf world we live in, and those that truly give of themselves can do well and have a lot of fullfilment.

 

[dashfan87]

awesome, thanks martin. I still would like to PM you, just to talk about the golf world, and stuff. I have found that there are a lot of really good guys in the industry, a pro that had never met me gave my dad a card because he heard my dad talking about me wanting to get into the golf industry, and told him I could call him anytime to learn about what it takes...

 

[cmartingolf]

Anytime.