If hearing the word “golf” brings to mind images of ritzy country clubs and posh members-only facilities, it may be time to update your understanding of the sport. Although the upscale golf market is definitely still going strong, the industry has undergone a radical expansion in recent years. Today, there are clubs and courses that serve every segment of the market – and that means more opportunities for hospitality industry job seekers looking to break into the industry.
An Industry on the Upswing
The massive popularity of superstar golfers like Tiger Woods has brought this once-obscure pastime into prime-time popularity. The global golf industry now generates more than $70 billion in annual revenues – more than the motion picture industry and the music recording industry combined. The last decade has seen the construction of thousands of new golf-focused facilities worldwide.
Most of these golf courses and clubs are paired with restaurants, clubhouses, quick-service diners, event halls, and catering facilities, and many are also associated with resorts, hotels, conference centers, casinos, and other lodging options. Bottom line? The golf industry is booming, and the need for experienced hospitality workers is at an all-time high.
Is Today’s Golf Industry Right for You?
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional hospitality industry work, the golf industry just might offer the change of pace you’re looking for. With over 40,000 courses and clubs worldwide and over half of those in North America alone, chances are good that a golf facility near you is hiring. Here are some helpful hints to help you figure out if the golf industry is the right place for you.
Are you friendly and outgoing?
Most hospitality industry workers are extroverts who love small talk and chit-chat. In the golf club industry, you’ll probably be called on to serve large groups of merrymakers and to cheer up players who are down on their luck. A great personality will help you connect with all the different types of people you’ll encounter in a day’s work at your local golf course.
Do you like the idea of working in a natural setting?
Gently rolling hills, lush greens, and pristinely kept grounds – when it comes to natural beauty, it doesn’t get much better than a golf course. If you like the idea of working in a gorgeous resort setting, this industry might be perfect for you. But do keep in mind that hospitality positions in the golf industry sometimes require outdoor service, often in a wide range of weather conditions.
Can you pick up the lingo and etiquette?
If you’ve ever spent time around a golfer, you know that they can be passionate about their favorite pastime. Golf culture comes with its own set of rules and taboos – even its own unique jargon – and if you can manage to pick up enough to be able to connect with your customers, you’ll be more successful.
Are you a morning person?
Although most golf clubs and courses offer their employees a wide range of shifts and schedules, many facilities open before dawn in order to be prepared for tee times as early as 6:00 a.m. If you’re a night owl, you might need to ask about scheduling alternatives before you sign up for a position in the industry.
Does seasonal work appeal to you?
While some golf courses are year-round facilities, others are open during the temperate months of late spring, summer, and early autumn. If you live in a region with a colder climate and four distinct seasons, the golf industry work that is available year-round might be limited. Check around for schedule specifics in your neck of the woods.
Great career opportunities are ‘par for the course’ in today’s golf industry. If you’re a hospitality industry worker who is looking for a change of scenery, check it out!