How to Find University Golf Coaching Jobs

There's no magic formula to finding a golf coaching job at the university level. It's a great position that gives a golf instructor the chance to work with talented young athletes while spending much of his day on the golf course and getting paid a very nice salary. It's a position that many golf teachers aspire to. The key to finding and securing such a position is effort, production and a very solid work ethic.

Instructions

1. Ground yourself in all the skills needed to succeed in the game by playing competitively yourself. The best golf instructors are not necessarily the best golfers, but it sure doesn't hurt. A solid playing career at either the high amateur or professional level will open the eyes of athletic directors who do the hiring. If you have been a successful competitor, it usually means you know what it takes to execute all the key shots in golf. That's a great first step when going after a coaching job.

2. Start off by coaching at the high school level. Like most businessmen, golf coaches usually work their way up the ladder. A high school golf coaching job is usually not that hard to get, especially if you are willing to travel to get a job in an area where golf coaches are not plentiful. You may have to take the job as a volunteer or with very little pay. If you have your eye on a job further up the ladder, you should be willing to sacrifice to get it.

3. Go to golfing seminars put on by local teaching professionals. The basics of the game--a consistent swing, a solid mental approach and and an accurate putting stroke--never change. However, the equipment is always changing and its best to learn how modern equipment changes the game's strategy. By attending local seminars you will stay on top of your profession.

4. Stay on top of your profession and start networking. If there are local colleges in your area, talk to the golf coach and tell him about your aspirations. Ask if he or she knows of any openings and whether the university will be conducting any interviews. If so, make that phone call, tell of your experience and get your foot in the door. Interviewing for the position will only help you in the future. You will find out if you are doing the right things to get the job and what you need to do if you are not.

5. Learn how to listen. You know how to play the game and how to teach the game. However, your players may not be able to master the game very easily and in addition to any physical flaws they may have there may also be a few psychological issues. Golf is a game played with the mind and you have to be able to help your players get over their fears. Concentrate on the mental aspect of coaching and listen to your players when they talk about their concerns. Your ability to gain their confidence may ultimately mean more than your knowledge or ability to execute a stroke when it comes to holding on to the job that you wanted so badly.

Tips & Warnings

• Always network when conversing with other golf professionals. You may be in the pro shop of your local golf club talking to the teaching pro. He may know of an opening in the coaching business that may be the perfect job for you. Keep your eyes and ears open and don't be afraid to ask a local pro if he knows of any openings.

• Read as many golf magazines as possible and make sure you check out the ads in the back of the magazine since some universities will advertise their coaching openings.

• Start off by coaching at the junior high and high school levels to hone your teaching skills.