Source: The Arizona Republic
After Randy Bigos graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in accounting in 1996, he worked two years as a computer programmer and consultant before sensing a dissatisfaction with his job.
Bigos began spending time on the golf course with clients. Before long, he got hooked on the camaraderie and atmosphere surrounding the sport.
"I spent so much time out on the course, I decided to make it a career," he said.
In 1998, Bigos enrolled in a two-year associate degree program in golf management at Golf Academy of Arizona, part of a nationwide chain founded in San Diego. The course cost Bigos about $20,000.
To become more employable, Bigos became certified as a PGA apprentice player and completed a separate program in tournament operations.
He has been full-time assistant pro at Western Skies Golf Club in Gilbert for two years. Duties include scheduling tee times, registering golfers for tournaments and coordinating staff efforts during course play for the 65-employee public club.
Bigos works eight-hour morning or afternoon shifts. Entry-level assistant pros make $18,000 to $20,000 per year. Bigos earns an additional $4,000 a year giving lessons and doing repairs at the club. He expects to make head pro in about five years.
Interacting with all social levels is an integral part of the position. "It's a great job for a sociable person. I've met and made friends with wonderful people from all over the country," he said.
According to Tim Eberlein, director, the majority of the academy's graduates work at private golf clubs, public golf courses or resorts as assistant golf pros. Students who attend the management program also fill positions in customer service, manufacturing and sales at clubs and golf management companies.
The appeal of a golf career is sharing the passion of the sport with clients and co-workers, Eberlein says.
"It's the never same day twice. There is the challenge of bringing together all aspects of the operation, from the game to merchandising to running tournaments and teaching ... It's all inclusive."
Scott Heideman, general manager of Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale, agrees. Heideman, who worked his way up from assistant pro to his position for the past 15 years, oversees all administrative, food and beverage, sales and marketing, and tournament play operations. He usually works six days a week, depending on tournaments at the facility.
Starting salary for general managers, $60,000 to $150,000, depends on the size of the course, number of club members, and whether the club is public or private, Heideman says.
He started as a player, but these days, "The business side of golf is almost as much fun as the game."
According to Robin Duncan, vice president of Weinman and Associates, a recent trend has been the crossover of employees from the hospitality to the golf industry.
"Hospitality employees who are tired of working odd hours often make the switch to golf clubs or resorts, where there is often less management involvement as well."
Duncan added, "In Arizona, the high demand by golfers means that business is usually steadier. It's still a cyclical industry, but the cycles are less dramatic."
With more than 250 golf courses in Arizona, competition in the industry is stiff.
"Guest relations are a critical factor," he said.
The "personal side" of the business is what drew Don Gibson to a golf career. When Gibson lost his toolmaking job to foreign outsourcing in 2002, he enrolled in the Golf Academy of Arizona's golf management program.
Gibson now works as assistant golf pro at Granite Falls Golf Club in Surprise.
"I've finally found a job I really like. This club is in a retirement community, and I've formed a personal rapport with the members. It's not just about golf. They treat me like family."