If you’ve ever searched “how much do golf pros make” or wanted to understand the average salary for golf professionals in different countries, this comprehensive guide is for you.
We explore the golf pro salary landscape across the UK, Ireland, United States, Spain, and Portugal, including how much assistant pros, head pros, teaching pros, and directors of golf typically earn.
We also cover lesson revenue, pro shop profit, bonuses, and how seasonal variations and employment models affect income.
If you're exploring your own path in golf, check out our guides on how to become a PGA professional and how to become a director of golf for a full breakdown of qualifications and career progression.
What Is the Average Golf Pro Salary?
Golf professionals typically earn a mix of base salary, lesson income, retail commissions, and bonuses.
Depending on location, employment type, and seniority, total earnings can range from modest starting salaries to six-figure packages.
What Affects Take-Home Pay?
A golf professional’s actual earnings, especially take-home pay, depend on more than just base salary.
Here are the key factors that influence total income:
Club Type
Private country clubs, high-end resorts, and exclusive member clubs typically pay more than public or municipal courses. Larger clubs with higher membership fees often offer better bonus structures.
Employment Status
- Employed pros receive a fixed salary and benefits but may have limited upside.
- Self-employed pros (especially teaching pros and pro shop operators) can earn more but must manage their own taxes, pensions, and overheads.
Lesson Income
One of the most lucrative revenue streams. Coaches may teach 25-40 sessions per week at £30-£80 (€30-€120 or $60-$150).
Freelance teaching pros can significantly exceed their base income through lessons alone.
4. Retail and Pro Shop Revenue
In the UK and Ireland, many head pros lease or own the pro shop and keep 100% of the profit.
Elsewhere, pros may receive 5-15% commission on sales.
Retail operations can add £10,000-£30,000+ annually.
5. Commissions and Bonuses
Bonuses may be awarded for:
- Meeting lesson and retail targets
- Membership recruitment
- Running successful tournaments and events
- Achieving customer satisfaction benchmarks
6. Regional Location
Golf pros in affluent areas (London, California, Algarve, Marbella) command higher fees and benefit from wealthier clientele and tipping culture.
7. Benefits and Taxation
In the US, full-time pros often receive health insurance and pensions. In Europe, most self-employed pros must arrange this independently. Local tax regimes also impact net income.
United Kingdom
- Assistant Pro: £19,000 to £27,000
- Teaching Pro (self-employed): £25,000 to £45,000+
- Head Professional: £28,000 to £50,000+
- Director of Golf: £45,000 to £70,000+
Lesson Income
UK coaches typically charge £30-£70/hour. 15-25 hours per week can yield £20,000-£40,000 annually.
Pro Shop Profit
Many UK head pros run the pro shop as an independent business. Profit depends on sales volume, brand margins, and operating costs.
What Else Affects Salary in This Region
Pros in the South East earn more due to higher lesson rates and shop revenue. Most pros are technically self-employed, operating under a club retainer plus performance-based income.
Ireland
- Assistant Pro: €25,000 to €30,000
- Teaching Pro: €30,000 to €50,000+
- Head Professional: €35,000 to €45,000+
- Director of Golf: €50,000 to €65,000+
Lesson Income
Rates range from €30-€80/hour, with high demand in urban areas.
Pro Shop Revenue
Club pros often lease and manage their own shop. Profit and commission models are similar to the UK.
What Else Affects Salary in This Region
Dublin and Killarney offer higher earnings potential. Tourism, junior coaching, and freelance instruction boost income. Many Irish pros work on flexible freelance models.
United States
- Assistant Pro: $30,000 to $45,000
- Teaching Pro: $45,000 to $75,000+, some over $100,000
- Head Professional: $60,000 to $80,000+
- Director of Golf: $80,000 to $120,000+, top roles exceed $150,000
Lesson Income
Many teaching pros keep 50-70% of fees. Lesson rates often exceed $100/hour at private clubs or performance centres.
Retail and Bonuses
US pros typically work under club-owned shop models but earn sales commissions (5-10%) and year-end performance bonuses.
What Else Affects Salary in This Region
Florida, California, and New York are the top-paying markets. Private clubs offer strong benefits, while tipping culture significantly boosts earnings.
Spain
- Assistant Pro: €28,000 to €40,000
- Teaching Pro: €45,000 to €70,000+, some exceed €90,000
- Head Professional: €50,000 to €63,000
- Director of Golf: €65,000 to €90,000+
Lesson Income
Marbella and the Costa del Sol offer €60-€120 per hour. Group sessions and tourist packages are common.
Other Income Streams
Pros may earn through golf holiday packages, fitting sessions, corporate events, or affiliate retail sales.
What Else Affects Salary in This Region
High lesson demand, English-speaking clientele, and seasonal freelance teaching make the Costa del Sol a top-earning region.
Portugal
- Assistant Pro: €25,000 to €35,000
- Teaching Pro: €40,000 to €60,000+, up to €80,000
- Head Professional: €40,000 to €55,000
- Director of Golf: €55,000 to €75,000+
Lesson Income
The Algarve is Portugal’s top region for coaching demand. Lesson rates can exceed €100/hour, with tourist packages priced at €250-€300 per day.
Other Income Streams
Corporate golf, travel partnerships, coaching weeks, and sales commissions all supplement income.
What Else Affects Salary in This Region
Tourism drives lesson volume and pricing. Freelance teaching is the norm. Many pros work intensively during spring and autumn peak months.
Why Do Golf Pros in the US Earn More?
Higher Volume of Private Clubs
With over 15,000 facilities, many private or resort-based, US clubs have larger budgets and high-paying clientele.
Commission and Bonus Systems
US pros typically:
- Retain 50-70% of lesson fees
- Receive year-end bonuses
- Earn sales commissions on merchandise and membership referrals
Broader Job Responsibilities
US head pros often manage retail, events, coaching, staffing, and budgets - making them more valuable to clubs.
Larger Market for Coaching
The private coaching market is more established in the US. Golf pros often build academies, work with elite juniors, or specialise in swing/performance analysis.
Defined Career Structure
The PGA of America’s classification system (e.g. A-1, A-6) supports career development and clearer salary brackets, giving clubs a reason to invest in long-term staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do golf professionals make?
Anywhere from £25,000 to £100,000+ depending on region, experience, and revenue streams.
What is the average salary for a golf professional?
In the UK: £28,000-£45,000
In the US: $45,000-$75,000
In Europe: €40,000-€65,000
What does a golf club professional earn?
Typically £30,000-£70,000+, combining salary, lessons, shop profit, and bonuses.
How much does a golf pro make at a country club?
US country club pros often earn $70,000-$100,000+. European equivalents range from €60,000-€90,000.
Do teaching pros earn more than head pros?
Sometimes, yes. Especially if they’re self-employed and fully booked with private clients.
What’s the best region for golf pro income?
The US leads overall. In Europe, the Algarve and Costa del Sol offer the highest coaching demand and pay.
What income streams do pros rely on?
- Base salary or retainer
- Private and group lessons
- Commission from pro shop sales
- Tournament fees
- Sponsorships or partnerships
- Bonus schemes and club incentives
Do self-employed pros earn more?
Yes, particularly if they teach full-time, run a pro shop, or coach in high-demand areas. But they also take on more risk and must manage their own benefits.
Where can I find golf pro jobs?
You can view all current PGA professional job listings here.
A golf pro’s salary is just the starting point. Their true income potential lies in how they manage lessons, retail, events, and their professional reputation.
From assistant golf pro to director of golf, the opportunity to build a six-figure career is real, especially for proactive professionals who combine coaching skill with commercial awareness.