I was perusing linkedin.com yesterday and came across what I thought was a pretty thought provoking article. Someone I’m connected to through a group runs a website called Golf Operator Magazine and posted up Do You Need a PGA PRO?
The writer of the article, Martin Wellbourne, called a couple of golf courses in his area and asked the course owners, “Do you need a PGA Pro?”
The responses were varied and the overall consensus was you don’t NEED a pro, but if you hire the right PGA pro, they will definitely be a boon to the business.
This article had me thinking about myself and the courses in my area and the first question I asked myself is “If I wanted a golf lesson, would I visit one of the courses in Orlando to receive it?” My answer is no, I wouldn’t. There’s tons of facilities in the area that specialize in golf instruction which I feel are more qualified than most PGA pros you’ll find at a golf course.
This lead me to think about what a PGA Pro does if they’re not teaching and reading the comments on the “Do You Need A PGA PRO?” article made me realized that many people have very different notions about what a PGA Pro is and what their responsibilities are. Me, I’ve always considered them the folks who’s primary job is to teach golf and when they’re not teaching golf, beating the street to find new students.
Turns out, PGA or golf pro is a generic term that can be applied to many of the jobs at a golf course, from teaching and club management to sales and service. Also, the position has changed over the years and the role a golf pro played in the 70’s is completely different than the role they play now.
When you envision a PGA pro working at a golf course, what role comes to mind and given that role, do you think golf courses need them?
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