If you are looking to work in the golf industry, the chances are that you love golf. Loving the game is important to work in the industry, but there are millions of people who love golf so enjoying the game is not the best way to stand out over others. If you are searching for a golf job, exploring a career in golf, or just interested in the golf industry, here are 5 expert tips for getting a golf job!

1. Get internship experience - Having a golf internship at organizations such as a PGA Section, State Golf Association or the AJGA are key to helping you stand out. Getting experience and a golf industry name on your resume from a reputable golf company can help you learn the game from an operations perspective and build a network within the industry. There are hundreds of these opportunities available across the country. The PGA WORKS Career Expo is a great place to start.
   
   
2. Get volunteer experience - If getting a golf internship is not in the cards due to a busy playing schedule or focus elsewhere, volunteer golf expertise is helpful for getting a golf job. There are thousands of volunteer opportunities available through organizations like the PGA of America, PGA Tour, First Tee, USGA and here at Nextgengolf. We look towards our ambassadors first if there is a job opening at our company. Adding volunteer experience to your resume is a great way to show interested in giving back to the game and give you an edge over other applicants. Looking to volunteer?
   
   
3. Support golf causes - Volunteering your time is free but raising money for charity will cost you time, energy, money and may be outside of your comfort zone. There are many great golf charities out there such as PGA Reach, Youth on Course, and the Evans Caddie Scholarship that raise money to help causes in golf. If you are looking to get a golf job, showing that you can sell (raise money) and are someone who is willing to “give back to the community” really helps show your character to a potential employer. Who knows, if you are really great at fundraising, you could get yourself a job as a fundraiser at one of these large non-profit golf organizations.
   
   
4. Write about golf - One of the traits I look for in job candidates is the ability to write and communicate well. This does not mean that you are an author who is writing a novel on golf architecture, rather in any golf job you will need to communicate with colleagues, customers, or members on a daily basis. Being able to communicate well, write about golf through your lens, and have an opinion on golf topics is important. Whether you are looking for a golf job or any job, working on your business writing is a skill that is valued. Want to be published on our blog?
   
   
5. Get accreditations - If you are going into the accounting field, getting your CPA is valuable, just like if you are going into the golf field, being a PGA Member is valuable. The letters PGA are cherished in golf and help boost your resume tenfold. The good news is PGA recently launched an affiliate program which allows you to remain an amateur golfer while completing Level 1 of the PGA Professional Golf Management Program which makes you an affiliate of the association. Beyond the PGA of America, the GCSAA and CMAA have accreditation programs for other golf careers in agronomy and club management. If you do not want to get specific golf accreditations, getting non-golf titles such as your CPA, MBA, or PMP for example will help set you apart from others looking to get into the golf field. Having more letters and titles after your name never hurts and always helps since it shows you are a lifelong learner and have the desire to achieve.

I hope the above expert tips for getting a golf job were helpful. If you have any interest in working for the PGA of America, check out our HQ job board to learn about opportunities to join our team.