About Rick Williams Expertise I am a PGA Golf Professional with 6 years of teaching experience.I believe that the golf club needs to swing on plane during the swing, thereby keeping the club face square, in order to hit a solid golf shot.Because of this belief, I am also fundamentally based in my teaching; i.e. the grip, posture and body alignment being extremely important in the overall swing.I have completed the Golf Professional Training Program (GPTP), the PGA of America's comprehensive education program.
Experience I have been teaching individual and group lessons for 6 years.I run a large junior clinic program each summer, as well as adult education classes.I am a certified Titleist Custom Club fitter, and the PGA Head Professional at Bucks County Country Club in Jamison, Pa.
I have a B.A. degree from Penn State in Parks and Recreation Management (Tourism and Marketing focus).Graduate of the PGA/GPTP program, and Class A-1 member in good standing in the PGA of America.Presently the Head Professional at Bucks County Country Club in Jamison, Pa.215-343-0350.Certified Custom Club Fitter for Titleist/Cobra.
Question My name is Jaren Mull and I am 16 years old. I enjoy golf thouroughly and would like to make a living out of it some day. But before I make any decisions, I would like to know more about this job. If you could, would you please answer the following questions.
Why did you chose this career?
How long have you been doing it?
Are you happy with where you are?Why or Why not?
What are some positives and negatives of your work?
Was it hard finding a job once you were trained?
What kind of college degree would be best for this job?
Looking back, do you wish that you would have chosen a different career?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jaren Mull
Answer Hi Jaren, and thanks for your question(s).
When I was 12 (I am 33 now), I decided I wanted to be a golf pro. Little did I know that to get to where I am today, I would go through a lot of hard work and time to get here. I love my job, and love being a member of the PGA of America.
I will answer your questions in the order you asked them.
1)I chose to be a golf pro because first and foremost, I love the game and its "essence". The spirit of the game...honesty integrity and perserverance. The rules of the game. The peacefulness of a golf course. Plus, my father died when I was 8, and he was an avid player and always held PGA Professionals in high regard. I think that had something to do with it, as well.
2)I have been in the golf business for 7 years. I was elected into the PGA of America as a full member in October of '99. I have been playing since I was 10.
3)I am happy with where I am now for the most part. I don't know if you have had a job yet, but there are always positives and negatives to what you do. I have the freedom in my job (from my general manager) to do pretty much what I want to. I run the merchandising part of our club, am the head instuctor and run all tournaments. I love to teach the most. The negatives include working for a company that at times makes it difficult to run a business successfully...budget issues, management practices, etc. Ever hear of management politics? Well, that is part of it.
4)I get to come to a wonderful office on 150 acres of beautiful grass and trees everyday! That rules. I get to teach people about a game that I love. Sometimes I laugh about getting paid for this. I can play pretty much any golf course in the world for free as a PGA Member. I can go to any tournament (Masters included) for free. I am on the Titleist staff, and get all of my equipment for free. I get great discounts on clothing and other needs. Being a golf pro these days is pretty cool.
Negatives include not being able to play that often. I love to play, but as a pro, you stay very busy. Lots of hours, seldomly a weekend off, and the pay isn't great.
5)I have been fortunate regarding finding jobs. I try to stay well connected with the golf network of people, and always keep my eyes and ears open for information concerning jobs. You never know when an opportunity will come up.
6)Definitely go to college! I am a Penn State grad, and my degree was in Park and Recreation Management (tourism and marketing). If you are going to pursue this, look into the Professional Golf Management major at some universities. It is becoming very popular and it is endorsed by the PGA of America. I can put you in touch with people at Penn State.
7)Looking back, I don't know what else I would do! I spent a bunch of years working in the hotel/restaurant industry, then as a pro. I love what I do and have no regrets. I don't ever want to work in an office and do the 9-5 thing. Not for me.
I appreciate you reading my answers and hope they give you a little insight. Good luck in your future career at whatever you decide to do!
Sincerely,
Rick Williams
PGA Head Professional
Bucks County Country Club
