PGA status

Question
Hi Paul,
I recently moved to San Diego from the UK, where I had been working within the golfing industry. I am not a professional but love the game and have played it since I was 12 years old - my current handicap is 1 and as an amateur I played to the equivalent of US state representation. The question is at the age of 44 do you think that it's too late to gain PGA status? I have looked at the USWGF certification and it seems like a option, but a rather unsatisfactory one.....what do you think?
I have an excellent background in sales, marketing and retail, but wish to pursue another avenue, perhaps incorporating these attributes - given that the game is a corporate animal now! What steps would you recommend? Many Thanks, Grant

Answer
Dear Grant,

I apologize for taking longer than normal in answering your question.  My answer to you is definitely not.  It is NOT too late for you to change careers and make being a golf professional your life's work.  And if I were you, I would start with the PGA apprenticeship program.  I honestly don't know and therefore can't evaluate the USWGF program or any of the other golf career programs that might exist.

I know that the good clubs across the USA honor PGA trained professionals.  If you will contact the PGA of America through their website you can get all the information you'll need on getting started in their program.  You clearly have the golf skills to pass the Playing Ability Test and you have a tremendous background in business and sales. Your broad background will help you get ahead once you find a job and get started in the program.  

While it's probably more common for a person to get into the apprenticeship program at a younger age, it doesn't necessarily make them a better golf professional later on.  Too many times, they guy that becomes an assistant right out of school has only only one skill...he can play golf.  He has no background in people or business.  He has very little perspective about the real world.  You do.  It will serve you well once you get through the apprenticeship program.

The most important skill a club professional can have is interpersonal skills.  You have to enjoy people and enjoy helping people.  You can learn to run a tournament, manage the Pro Shop or make a ruling.  But if someone doesn't enjoy dealing with people, it's hard to change that.  I have a sense that you will be a great golf professional.  If I were you, I would get the PGA of America certification.  No other certification in golf really means anything.

Sincerely,

Paul Dolman
PGA Professional