What Does a PGA Professional Do? - Golf Jobs

When most people think about golf professionals, they picture tour players competing for huge prize funds. But there is another type of golf professional altogether, and they are the ones who keep golf clubs running day to day.

PGA Professionals are at the heart of almost every well-run golf facility. They coach on the range, run the shop, organise competitions, sort out new equipment and generally make sure your golfing experience holds together.

Had a lesson? That was probably them. Bought some balls or a new wedge? Them again. Signed up for a medal, corporate day or junior camp? Still them.

This guide explains what PGA Professionals actually do, how the role changes in different settings, how the seasons affect the job and what a typical working day looks like.

We have separate guides on how to qualify and what you can earn as a PGA Professional. This article focuses on the work itself.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

If you strip away the differences between clubs and countries, most PGA Professionals share a common core of responsibilities. These are the things that define the role almost everywhere.

Coaching and Instruction

For many PGA Professionals, coaching is the reason they chose the career in the first place. Helping people play better golf is central to the job.

Typical coaching work includes:

One-to-one lessons for players trying to fix a slice, stop a hook or add distance
Group sessions for beginners, corporate guests or golf days
Junior coaching, often focused on games and engagement as much as technique
Support for low-handicap and elite players looking for small performance gains

Modern coaching uses technology such as launch monitors, video analysis, pressure mats and simulators. The key skill, however, is not owning the latest device, but explaining what the data means in a way that makes sense to each individual.

The best coaches quickly work out what type of communication each player responds to, whether that is detailed technical explanation or a simple feeling or image. They build relationships over time, track progress and celebrate when players reach their goals, from first handicap to breaking par.

Pro Shop and Equipment Expertise

Running the professional shop is a major part of the job and takes far more time than many golfers realise.

Typical responsibilities include:

Choosing which brands and products to stock
Negotiating terms with suppliers
Pricing and merchandising
Managing stock levels so popular items are available without being over-stocked
Selling clubs, clothing, footwear, balls, trolleys and accessories

Custom fitting is now a core service. A fitting session might involve:

Putting a player on a launch monitor
Testing different heads and shafts
Tweaking lofts and lies
Matching ball choice to swing speed and spin characteristics

In the UK and Ireland especially, many PGA Professionals own or lease their shop rather than being paid a salary to run it. They operate as self-employed business owners, investing their own money in stock and keeping the profits after costs.

Workshop services add another layer: re-gripping, adjusting loft and lie, changing shafts and carrying out basic repairs. That requires a solid understanding of equipment, not just reading spec sheets.

Tournament and Event Organisation

Competitions sit at the centre of club life and PGA Professionals are usually responsible for making them happen.

That can include:

Creating the competition calendar
Setting formats and entry criteria
Preparing scorecards and starting sheets
Checking handicaps and applying playing conditions
Running the event on the day
Inputting scores and finalising results
Organising and presenting prizes

They also handle rules queries, slow-play issues and general questions on the day, often under time pressure.

Corporate and society days bring additional complexity. The professional team may:

Act as main contact for the organiser
Tailor the format to the group
Coordinate timings with catering and bar staff
Organise nearest-the-pin and long-drive challenges
Host prize-givings and welcome speeches

Golf Operations and Course Management

Beyond coaching and retail, PGA Professionals often oversee the smooth running of daily golf operations.

Typical responsibilities:

Managing the tee sheet and bookings
Supervising starters and marshals
Monitoring pace of play and dealing with bottlenecks on the course
Liaising with the greenkeeping team about course conditions and maintenance
Making decisions on play in bad weather, frost or storms

When something goes wrong on the golf side, the professional team is usually the first port of call. That might be a rules issue, a complaint, an injury on course or a clash over tee times. They are expected to deal with these calmly and efficiently while everything else continues to run.

Member and Guest Service

PGA Professionals are often the most visible staff in a golf club and set the tone for how members and guests feel about the place.

Their role in service typically includes:

Welcoming members and visitors
Answering questions about the course, club policies, equipment and rules
Playing occasional rounds with members or guests
Helping new members integrate and understand how things work
Providing guidance to visitors on where to go and what to expect

At private members’ clubs, the professional can become part of the club’s fabric, sitting on committees, advising on golf matters and representing the interests of players.

At resorts and destination venues, the emphasis is more like hospitality. Guests may only be visiting once and need more guidance and orientation, from explaining course strategy to coordinating with hotel and concierge teams.

Administration and Business Management

Behind the scenes, there is a significant amount of administration and business work.

Common tasks include:

Budgeting and financial reporting
Tracking retail performance and margins
Managing staff rotas and training
Running email marketing and social media
Administering booking and point-of-sale systems

Self-employed professionals who operate their own shops have an additional business layer:

Maintaining full accounts and tax returns
Holding appropriate insurance
Negotiating supplier contracts
Planning strategy for the next few years

In those cases, the role combines golf expertise with small-business management.

Different Settings and How the Role Changes

The core responsibilities above apply almost everywhere, but the day-to-day job varies a lot depending on the type of facility.

Private Members’ Clubs

Private clubs are centred on members and long-term relationships.

Typical characteristics:

You see the same golfers weekly and build a detailed understanding of their games
Competition schedules follow a fairly predictable pattern
Lesson diaries are filled with regulars
Shop sales often come from word of mouth and trust in the professional’s advice

Working patterns usually include early starts, busy weekends and long summer days. There is satisfaction in being part of a club’s culture, but it is a hands-on role.

At a glance

Main audience: Members and their guests
Key focus: Teaching, competitions, relationships, personalised service
Rhythm: Fairly predictable, with weekend peaks
Shop model: Often independently owned or leased by the professional

Resorts and Destination Golf

At resorts, the emphasis shifts towards guest experience and hospitality.

You can expect:

A high proportion of visiting golfers, often playing the course for the first time
Frequent interaction with hotel guests and concierge teams
Management of rental clubs, buggies and large group bookings
Regular corporate and society days with more formal hosting duties

Many resorts attract international visitors, so language skills and cultural awareness are important.

At a glance

Main audience: Tourists, hotel guests, international visitors
Key focus: Hospitality, orientation, group events, guest satisfaction
Rhythm: Often split shifts, avoiding very hot parts of the day in warm climates
Shop model: Usually resort-owned, with the professional on a salary

Municipal and Public Courses

Public courses tend to operate with leaner staffing and tighter budgets. The PGA Professional often covers a wide range of tasks personally.

Typical features:

Running the till and taking green fees
Managing bookings and online reservations
Delivering coaching, particularly to beginners and juniors
Helping with basic range and equipment maintenance
Organising simple, accessible competitions

The focus is more on making golf accessible and welcoming to a broad local audience.

At a glance

Main audience: Local golfers, beginners, juniors and casual players
Key focus: Accessibility, participation, hands-on operations
Rhythm: Busy weekends, variable weekdays
Shop model: Usually facility-owned with quite modest inventory

Tournament and Performance-Focused Roles

Some PGA Professionals build careers more focused on competitive golf and elite coaching.

Common routes include:

Playing regional or national PGA events and pro-ams
Acting as a rules official for elite competitions
Coaching county, national or tour-level players

Rules officials require a deep knowledge of the Rules of Golf and the confidence to make decisions under pressure. Elite coaches travel frequently, attend tournaments and training camps and work closely with high-performing players.

In the United States, club professionals can qualify to play in the PGA Championship, which showcases the standard of golf many of them still maintain alongside their club duties.

At a glance

Roles: Tournament player, elite coach, rules official
Key focus: High-level coaching, rules expertise, competitive play
Rhythm: Tournament schedules, travel, intensive training blocks

Seasonal and Environmental Variations

The role looks quite different in peak season compared with the quieter months.

Peak Season

Peak season depends on location but is typically spring and summer in the UK, Ireland and northern Europe, and spring and autumn in Mediterranean regions.

During this time:

Tee sheets are full
Lesson diaries are busy
Competitions and events run weekly, sometimes daily
Corporate and society days are frequent

Work days can be long, with early starts and late finishes, and there is often limited flexibility for weekends off during the busiest periods. Most professionals accept this as the main earning period for the year.

Off-Season

In winter in northern climates, or in the hottest summer periods in some warmer countries, on-course activity reduces.

This gives more time for:

Simulator or indoor coaching
Equipment checks and workshop jobs
Reviewing stock and planning orders
Analysing coaching programmes and business performance
Professional development and education courses
Planning next season’s coaching and marketing campaigns

The pace is steadier and there is more time for strategic thinking, rather than simply reacting to the demands of a busy tee sheet.

Weather and Disruption

Weather has a direct impact on daily plans:

Frost can delay play and force tee-time reshuffles
Heavy rain may lead to course closures or restrictions
Thunderstorms require clearing the course and monitoring safety
Extreme heat requires careful planning of start times and hydration

PGA Professionals are involved in these decisions, communicating clearly with golfers, coordinating with greenkeepers and balancing safety with the desire to keep the course open where possible.

Regional and Cultural Differences

While the fundamentals of the job are similar worldwide, structures and expectations vary between countries.

United Kingdom and Ireland

In the UK and Ireland, it is common for:

PGA Professionals to own or lease their shop as independent contractors
Lesson income and retail profit to be the main revenue sources
Professionals to have a strong voice in club decisions and committee discussions
Winter golf to continue in some form, with adjustments for weather and daylight

There is often a strong sense of tradition and continuity, and members value professionals who understand the club’s history and culture as well as its current operations.

United States

In the US:

Club professionals are more often salaried employees
The Director of Golf may manage a larger team of assistants, shop staff, starters and bag-room staff
Service expectations at higher-end clubs are very high, with a strong focus on hospitality and member recognition
The PGA of America provides structured education pathways for operations, coaching and management

The annual qualification of club professionals for the PGA Championship underlines the playing standard many still maintain.

Spain, Portugal and Other Tourism-Led Destinations

In golf destinations such as Spain and Portugal:

A large proportion of golfers are international visitors on golf holidays
Speaking multiple languages can be a significant advantage
Year-round golf creates different peak periods, often spring and autumn
Professionals work closely with tour operators and hotel partners

The role combines coaching and operations with a more visible ambassadorial and hospitality element, representing both the golf facility and the wider destination.

A Day in the Life: Sample Schedules

Every club is different, but the following examples give a sense of what a typical day might involve.

UK Club Professional in Summer

Before opening

6:30: Arrive, open up, switch on systems and check the day’s tee sheet.
Prepare competition scorecards and briefing notes, liaise with the head greenkeeper about pins and any course restrictions.
Set up the range, check balls and mats.

Morning

Greet early-morning members, handle last-minute competition entries and sell coffees and breakfast items.
Deliver a one-to-one driver lesson.
Run a focused junior session, for example sharpening short-game skills ahead of a county match.
Catch up on emails and phone calls, respond to lesson enquiries and check stock levels.

Afternoon

Carry out an iron fitting session using a launch monitor, testing shafts and adjusting lie angles.
Host a corporate group, explaining the format and timings, and coordinate with the clubhouse on catering.
Post some coaching or junior-golf content on social media.

Evening

Run a junior or group clinic.
Input competition scores, check results and update the noticeboard.
Present prizes in the bar and promote upcoming events.
Lock up, cash up and leave, often around 19:30–20:00 on busy days.

Spanish Resort Professional in Peak Season

Early morning

7:00: Review the day’s bookings with reception and concierge, noting group sizes and special requirements.
7:30: Welcome early groups, allocate buggies and rental sets, and explain key local rules.

Late morning

Deliver a private lesson to a hotel guest, perhaps switching between English and another language.
Run a complimentary clinic for guests on the short game or putting.
Check the condition of rental clubs and buggies.

Midday and afternoon

Handle email queries from tour operators and confirm details for upcoming group bookings.
Oversee a corporate shotgun start, coordinate marshals and halfway refreshments.
Run a skills challenge or nearest-the-pin contest linked to the corporate event.

Evening

Host the prize-giving and thank sponsors and organisers.
Support twilight play for members or villa owners.
Close out at around 20:00, after checking equipment and securing the shop.

UK Winter, Lower-Volume Day

8:00: Open up, check for frost and confirm any delays with greenkeepers.
9:00: Use frost delay time for accounts, reviewing coaching packages or planning next season’s programmes.
10:30: Deliver a simulator lesson.
12:00: Work in the workshop: re-gripping, loft and lie checks, small repairs.
14:00: Review supplier catalogues and plan spring orders.
15:00: Attend an online CPD or PGA education session.
16:30: Close a little earlier if there are no more bookings and daylight is limited.

Key Skills, Traits and Qualities

To succeed as a PGA Professional, you need a blend of technical, personal and commercial skills.

Golf Knowledge and Playing Ability

You do not need to be a tour-standard player, but a solid playing ability, typically in single figures, helps. Members and guests expect their professional to demonstrate good technique and understand the game from experience as well as theory.

Knowledge should cover:

Swing mechanics and ball-flight principles
Short-game and putting techniques
Course management and strategy
Equipment technology and fitting principles
Rules of Golf and handicapping

Teaching and Communication

Great players are not automatically great coaches. Teaching requires:

Quickly identifying the main causes of poor shots
Knowing multiple ways to fix a problem
Explaining changes in clear, simple language
Adjusting the level of detail to suit each player
Communicating calmly and encouragingly, especially with nervous beginners

Communication skills also apply when:

Running group clinics
Explaining competition formats
Speaking at prize-givings or committee meetings
Handling difficult conversations when someone is unhappy

Customer Service and People Skills

The professional team largely defines the atmosphere in the golf shop and around the first tee.

Important traits include:

Being approachable and welcoming
Remembering names and preferences
Spotting when someone needs help without being over-bearing
Handling complaints politely and constructively
Supporting beginners and juniors so they feel comfortable at the club

Business Awareness

PGA Professionals are often responsible for revenue generation, either directly as shop owners or as managers of a club department.

Useful skills include:

Understanding margins, stock turn and cash flow
Pricing services and products sensibly
Using marketing channels such as email and social media
Designing coaching programmes that are attractive and commercially viable
Reading basic accounts and performance reports

Adaptability and Organisation

The job involves frequent switching between different tasks:

Teaching… then moving straight into shop service
Dealing with a rules query… then jumping onto the computer to update bookings
Preparing for a competition while still answering ad-hoc questions from members

Being organised, prioritising well and staying calm when plans change are all essential.

Stamina and Resilience

The role can be physically and mentally demanding at times, especially in peak season.

Professionals need to:

Be comfortable standing and walking for long periods
Maintain good energy levels when demonstrating and coaching
Stay professional and courteous even towards the end of long days
Cope with occasional criticism and high expectations
Keep themselves motivated through both busy and quieter periods

Challenges and Daily Realities

It is important to understand the less glamorous aspects of the role as well as the highlights. For most professionals, these are manageable parts of the job rather than reasons to avoid it, but they are worth being aware of.

Working Hours

Golf is busiest when many other people are off work, for example summer evenings, weekends and bank holidays. That means:

Longer days during peak months
Limited weekend time off in the main season
More flexibility for days off at quieter times of year

This pattern suits some lifestyles very well and is less ideal for others, particularly if you value traditional Monday to Friday working hours.

Working Outdoors

Much of the role takes place outdoors.

You may spend time teaching on the range in wet, cold or windy conditions, or walking the course in heat or humidity in warmer climates. With sensible clothing, hydration and sun protection, most professionals manage this comfortably, but it is a factor to consider.

Service Expectations

PGA Professionals are expected to provide a consistently high level of service.

Golfers often view the professional as:

The person who should know the answer to most golf-related questions
A trusted advisor on equipment and playing issues
The main contact for competitions and golf-related problems

That can be rewarding, but it also means maintaining a professional, friendly manner even when you are busy or under pressure.

Juggling Multiple Responsibilities

The role involves wearing several hats in one day: coach, retailer, organiser, administrator and sometimes mediator.

This can be stimulating and varied, but it also means:

Frequently switching between tasks
Being interrupted mid-job to deal with something urgent
Accepting that not everything will run exactly to schedule

Good planning, clear processes and a supportive team make this much easier to handle.

Income Patterns and Financial Responsibility

For salaried professionals, income is reasonably predictable, though there may still be performance expectations around revenue and service standards.

For self-employed professionals who run their own shops:

Income can be more seasonal and linked to trading conditions
Stock purchasing requires careful budgeting
Broader economic conditions can affect lesson demand and retail sales

Many embrace this as part of running their own business and plan accordingly, for example by building winter coaching programmes or diversifying income streams.

How the Role Develops Over a Career

The typical career path for a PGA Professional moves through several stages.

Assistant Professional

Early-career professionals, often still completing their PGA training, usually:

Work in the shop and on the counter
Help with bookings and competitions
Deliver a growing number of lessons, especially to beginners and juniors
Support the head professional or director of golf with day-to-day tasks

This is where they learn the foundations of both coaching and operations.

Established Professional

With several years of experience, many professionals:

Run their own coaching programmes and academies
Build a strong book of regular pupils
Take the lead on certain competitions and events
Have a significant say in shop buying and operational decisions

Some choose to specialise more in coaching, others in operations or retail.

Head Professional or Director of Golf

At senior level, the emphasis shifts towards leadership and strategy.

Responsibilities may include:

Managing a team of assistants and shop staff
Setting overall coaching, retail and operations strategy
Leading on budgets and business planning
Advising club management or boards on golf-related matters
Representing the facility within the wider golfing community

Some senior professionals also take on regional or national roles within PGA structures, mentoring new professionals and contributing to the development of the profession as a whole.

Working Relationships

PGA Professionals rarely work in isolation. They are part of a broader team that keeps the club or resort running.

Regular interactions include:

Club managers and committees: Agreeing budgets, policies, competition structures and long-term plans.
Course managers and greenkeepers: Coordinating daily set-up, maintenance schedules and feedback from golfers.
Shop staff, starters and marshals: Ensuring a consistent service standard on the first tee, in the shop and around the course.
Hospitality and catering teams: Aligning tee times and competition schedules with food and beverage service, especially for events.
Caddie masters and bag-room teams (where used): Managing flow on the first tee and ensuring a good experience for players using caddies or bag-drop services.

Good communication between all these departments is central to a smooth operation.

Summary: Teaching, Running and Supporting the Game

PGA Professionals:

Teach golfers at every level, from complete beginner to elite
Run shops, academies and sometimes entire golf operations
Organise competitions, corporate days and junior programmes
Act as a central point of contact for members, guests and staff
Help keep clubs financially healthy and welcoming to golfers

The environment changes the emphasis, but the foundations remain the same: deep knowledge of the game, strong people skills and a genuine commitment to helping others enjoy golf.

For more detail on routes into the profession and potential earnings, see:

How to Become a PGA Professional
PGA Professional Salary Guide

Quick FAQs

Do PGA Professionals still play in tournaments?

Yes. Many compete in regional PGA events, pro-ams and local competitions. In the United States, the top club professionals qualify each year for the PGA Championship, which highlights how well many still play alongside their coaching and management responsibilities.

What is the difference between a PGA Professional and a tour professional?

PGA Professionals usually earn their living by coaching, running golf operations and managing retail or business activities at clubs and resorts. Tour professionals earn primarily from tournament prize money, appearance fees and sponsorship. Some tour players hold PGA qualifications, but their main focus is competitive golf rather than club work.

Do all clubs employ a PGA Professional?

Most private members’ clubs and higher-quality public facilities do employ at least one PGA Professional. Smaller municipal courses may not have a full-time professional, instead bringing in freelance coaches or relying on non-PGA staff for day-to-day operations.

Do PGA Professionals get weekends off?

In peak season, it is uncommon for PGA Professionals to have many weekends off, because that is when most golfers want to play. Time off is more likely to fall midweek or during quieter periods. In winter, schedules can be more flexible.

Can PGA Professionals work internationally?

Yes. PGA qualifications are recognised around the world and many professionals build international careers, particularly in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Working abroad may require language skills and appropriate work visas, but is a realistic option for many.

What technology do PGA Professionals use for teaching?

Common tools include:

Launch monitors (for example TrackMan, GCQuad, FlightScope)
Video analysis software
Pressure plates or mats
Indoor simulators

Technology helps diagnose issues and illustrate changes, but it is most valuable in the hands of a coach who can translate data into clear, practical advice for the player.