Dilemma

[Skjay101]

I'm fairly new to the boards here, but am an avid golfer. I find myself faced with a decision. Not just any decision, this is one of those big life alterers.

I was confronted by my local golf club that I play all the time, and have been a member at since I was 12. The pro is having back surgery, and is getting up there in age, and is looking to retire. The assistant pro would become the pro, and I would become the assistant, with potential to become the pro in 5-8 years time. I've only won one 'real' tournament, and its not like I could make a living off of tournament play.

Problem is is that the job would be a decrease in pay, I'd be making about 40k/year less than what I'm making now. I've got a B.B.A, and have a really good job, its stressful but pays really really well. But on the other hand, common, golf for a living? Can I pass that over?

What are your guys' thoughts? Anyone faced with this situation or a similar one before? Thanks in advance

_skjay

 

[warbirdlover]

I don't know that a club pro's job is all that "cushy" so I would say that's too much of a cut in pay to pursue...

 

[IrishGolfer]

imo Golf for fun, you will enjoy it more. Golf as a career means playing may be less fun. I wouldn't sacrifice a good salary unless you hated the job.

Unless you wanted to give it a go for 12 months and see how it works out. You can still go back to your qualifications and pick it up from there if it doesn't work out.

 

[MCDavis]

One thing I've always been told, by club pros and assistants, is that if you want to play golf, do not get a job in golf. I think BStone has said something similar in the past, but I could be wrong.

40K a year is tough.

 

[PhillyEagle]

One thing I've always been told, by club pros and assistants, is that if you want to play golf, do not get a job in golf. I think BStone has said something similar in the past, but I could be wrong.

I've heard the same exact thing from a lot of people. Any time the weather is perfect and you think it's a great opportunity to play...you'll be working instead of just playing. If you're passion is playing golf and you plan on continuing you play, I would pass on the 'new job', money aside.

 

[Skjay101]

That's kind of what I was looking at. I get alot of rounds in, and the pro shop discounts and perks like that really don't add up, my bag is already stacked, so getting stuff at cost doesn't do much for me. I'm good at golf, but I'm not a teacher of it. I think I'm going to have to stick with my Investing Advisor job. I get to play alot of golf at work as it is, collecting clients and such. At first thought, it sounded like a dream job, but getting thinking about it has me thinking otherwise.

 

[slickpitt]

Well it depends... if I didn't have a family and could afford the cut in pay I'd do it. But in my situation now, there's no way in hell I could do that.

 

[VtDivot]

I guess it depends on what the drop by 40k is from. If you are dropping from 150k to 110k then I prolly would. I have no idea what pros make, but I wouldn't take a job that would be a large sacrifice.

 

[Calhoun]

Do you like your current lifestyle? If you do then keep the job you have. I would think things would have to change with a 40 grand drop in pay.

 

[Skjay101]

The money isn't a real big issue here. 40k isn't really much of a drop, consider where I'm at right now. I'd be getting paid more than I should be to be an assistant pro. I think in the long run, where I'm at has more potential, and I did go to school to do it, so I might as well stick with it, right?

 

[MCDavis]

If the money's not an issue, you should do what makes you happiest.

 

[Slingblade61]

Club pros do not play golf.

They teach, they hump pro shop swag and they field numerous complaints from members working long hours for little pay.

My club pro plays MAYBE a dozen times during the year.

 

[The Salt Vampire]

When you turn your hobby into your job, it is not a hobby anymore.

 

[gwlee7]

Club pros do not play golf.

They teach, they hump pro shop swag and they field numerous complaints from members working long hours for little pay.

My club pro plays MAYBE a dozen times during the year.

He also has to listen to shit like "Why weren't you here on _____ at _____'o clock? Don't you ever work?" when he has probably just finished working about 120 hours in the last two weeks making sure that so and so's umbrella holder for his speed cart came in while making sure that none of the people who can't stand each other are accidently paired together in the member-member.

Being a golf pro is nothing like being a pro golfer that's for sure.

 

[JEFF4i]

Yeah, I was entertaining the idea of being a golf pro.

They don't play much, at all.