Leaving Your Mark: Careers in Golf

In honor of the U.S. Open coming to Merion, I wanted to present both the types of golf organizations and the roles that exist as you consider non-big 4 team sports career opportunities.  The following list of “golf” organizations is a fairly loose interpretation in a sense that I also include equipment and apparel companies, retail organizations, and a TV network.  Additionally, the “roles” might not apply to every organization and might be unique to one or two of those listed.  Neither list is entirely complete or inclusive.

Organizations:

·         PGA Tour (including Web.com, Champions), LPGA Tour

·         European Tour, PGAs of Europe

·         USGA, Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews

·         American Junior Golf Association

·         Long Drivers of America

·         Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, International Junior Golf Tour

·         Local private and public courses and country clubs

·         The Golf Association of Philadelphia

·         The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia

·         Golf Galaxy, Golfsmith, Dick’s Sporting Goods

·         Golf Channel

·         Taylor Made, Titleist, Callaway, Adams, Nike, Cleveland, Ogio, Mizuno, Adidas and Puma

Roles:

·         Tournament Operations Manager

·         Sales and Marketing Associate

·         General Manager

·         Instructor or Professional/Assistant Professional

·         Brand Manager

·         Pro Shop Attendant

·         Social Media Coordinator

·         Membership Director

·         Food &  Beverage Director

·         Volunteer Coordinator

·         Community Relations Manager

·         Customer Service Representative

·         Course Superintendent

Because golf is an outdoor game and, generally speaking, one that is more enjoyable for all in warmer climates, many more golf opportunities  exist in the southern and western parts of the U.S. than they do on the east coast, and in particular the Philadelphia region.  However, relocation is not completely necessary as this area boasts of hundreds of organizations (including courses, ranges, etc.).   Merion hosting the U.S. Open is a prime example of that!

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Mark Gress is the Associate Director of Employer Relations for Arcadia University with a Masters Degree from Drexel University.  Mark formerly worked as Co-Op Coordinator and Manager of Employer Relations for the Steinbright Career Development Center at Drexel University.  He also has experience with Turnkey Sports and Entertainment, Philadelphia Eagles, and Drexel Athletics.

Connect with Mark Gress on LinkedIn.