The Role of a Golf Pro May Vary by Course

At the majority of golf courses, the role of the golf pro is varied and may include offering instructions as well as running the course or the sports shop, as well as greeting guests. In many cases, the club’s golf pro may have been a money-winning amateur who lost their amateur status and is forbidden by golf’s rules to play in amateur tournaments. The title in no way indicates the person’s ability to play the game, but typically, they are above average players.

The senior professional golfer at a golf club is usually referred to as the club pro, but at larger resorts or at clubs with different course the title may be director of golf. If the role of a club’s golf pro is to give lessons, they are often referred to as the teaching professional or golf instructor or coach. This group occasionally participates in a few tournaments each year against other golf pros and a few may even qualify to participate in professional tournaments.

In most instances, the title of golf pro indicates the individual has at one time qualified as a professional golfer. While maybe not good enough to join the elite, the more visible group of golfers on the professional tour, are still quite good at the game and in offering instruction to others.

The Club Pro Does Not Always Run the Pro Shop

While most golf courses sell equipment and clothing in what is affectionately referred to as the pro shop, it is not always run by the club’s golf pro. While they may have input into the merchandise offered in the shop, the business is typically owned and operated by the course management. They may at some courses, be charged with helping golfers select the right equipment for them, and some cases their role is as manager of the pro shop.

On many of the smaller golf courses, the golf pro may also be in charge of insuring the course’s condition is consistent with the company’s guidelines. Making sure the greens are cut properly and the fairways and bunkers are in top condition. Insuring the course is in the best possible shape will improve play and keep golfers coming back to the course.

At some larger facilities there may be several professionals working at the course, especially if it a popular location for lessons and while the most senior professional has the title of golf pro, the others will be referred to as assistant professionals. Their role is often determined by the golf pro at each club.