Mature Age PGA Traineeships. Should I or shouldn't I?

[tifob]

I'm 34 and am seriously considering doing a PGA traineeship.

I live on a golf course, am able to practice at night, and have a deep desire to pursue a career in golf. I don't have grandiose dreams of becoming a touring pro; or even going to Q school. I do however have the inner belief and natural talent to be very, very good at the game.

What I'm really looking for is a change of career. One that has longevity and can enable me to coach in my later years. My current profession has a limited life-span. I'm passionate about golf and extremely dedicated to the process of improvement.

On the off chance that I'm able to continue to improve, (as I have been) during my traineeship - and beyond. I hope that one day I'm able to be competitive in in state or national comps.

My question however are to those how may have undertaken such a path.

How hard is it to actually find work after the traineeship? How much money could a PGA pro make medium based golf clubs around Australia?

[sms316]

You don't need to be much of a golfer to pass the playing component of a traineeship.

What you need to ask yourself is what you want to do afterwards. If you have a desire to teach, then by all means go for it. If you just want to play pro ams and lesser events then go to Tour School (or whatever they call it these days).

[Dotty]

Tourfit would be best to answer that.

You may need to send him a PM. (He doesn't log on much now that he is working full-time outside the golf industry.)

[Captain Nemo]

Follow your dreams......

[spanner039]

your nuts!! oh and follow your dream

Can you afford it? last time i looked trainees got paid about the same as the kids that picked up range balls

[tifob]

You don't need to be much of a golfer to pass the playing component of a traineeship. What you need to ask yourself is what you want to do afterwards. If you have a desire to teach, then by all means go for it. If you just want to play pro ams and lesser events then go to Tour School (or whatever they call it these days).

Yeah I'd love to coach. I've studied linguistics and personal coaching. So it's something I'm familiar with and passionate about.

[tifob]

your nuts!! oh and follow your dream Can you afford it? last time i looked trainees got paid about the same as the kids that picked up range balls

I have heard that you can negotiate your wage with each particular club if they're flexible. I've been told by the pga that not all clubs pay the base wage for first second or third years. It would be a struggle at 13ph but I have a spouse who is willing to support me a little

[tifob]

Tourfit would be best to answer that. You may need to send him a PM. (He doesn't log on much now that he is working full-time outside the golf industry.)

Cheers dotty

[Shadesy]

How good are you at up selling pies?

[tifob]

How good are oh are at up selling pies?

Pretty good I'm a chef by trade lol

[wazandnic]

How good are oh are at up selling pies?

Should this be in the drunk thread?

[backintheswing]

What are you playing off now?

[tifob]

3

[3oneday]

If you were + something I'd say go for it.

[spanner039]

I have a spouse who is willing to support me a little

Wow !!! how did you find one of them?

[markTHEblake]

You want to spend 3 years doing Slave labour?

You are better off doing the PGA IGI program. I understand it is Austudy funded

[Dotty]

Yossarian has nearly finished his IGA traineeship.

[JADO75]

I've got a mate that is 30 going for an interview next week, he has the talent, wife is somewhat understanding & he doesn't want to have regrets later that he didn't give it a go. It's a big call mate, best of luck whichever way you go. You could practise or 16 years & try the Seniors Tour?

[markTHEblake]

Plenty of older guys are doing the IGI program. And most people doing it are choppers

[backintheswing]

If you are off 3 in Mackay, you won't make the 11 man Div 1 pennant side.

Be prepared to work 12 hour days at a minimum, and work every Weekend. Our trainee at my club has Monday and Tuesday off.

The club pros I have known are bored out of their brains in the proshop. Most of them are betting all day on their betting accounts to pass the time while they sell kitkats.

If you really want to do it, go for it, but at least have some idea of the other side of things.

[PerryGroves]

Yossarian has nearly finished his IGA traineeship.

Not true Dotty, I saw his year 2 results, appalling, he will be repeating.

[tifob]

Hands up if you actually did a traineeship? So I can get a better idea of those who are jaded and those who are well informed.

[backintheswing]

I am not jaded, just saying that I am off 4, can't make a country pennant team and you are off 3 and want to turn pro.

If you want to do it, go for it. If you land a head pro job somewhere in 10 years time, you will make a good living, no doubt.

I just wouldn't be expecting to make a lot of cash in pro-ams in the meantime.

[tifob]

No, I said I was considering a PGA traineeship. For which I'm still seeking knowledgeable advice. I also never said that I thought you, or anyone specifically, were jaded. Funny how you were quick to respond, like someone who may be jaded about something though. Appreciate your input.

[backintheswing]

You are considering doing a PGA traineeship, which, at the end of it, gives you status as a professional golfer. So yes, your aim is to become a golf pro. Doing the traineeship is the step to becoming a pro.

Anyway, all the best with it. If you want to do it, then do it. I wouldn't take any advice from us on here. Ask someone who knows you really well, knows your game and can give an honest assessment of your chances.