Obviously, not every golf student's situation and goals will be the same. As a result, a golf pro school that gave your friend exactly the education she needed might not be as good a choice for you. When choosing a golf pro school, be sure to consider how the school relates to your unique needs, such as:
Does the school's curriculum support your chosen career? The golf industry actually varies rather widely, including everything from the obvious jobs such as professional golf and golf instruction, to less known positions such as golf course management, business management, and more. While what's good for the goose is good for the gander, the same does not necessarily apply in golf. A pro golfer requires a different education than a golf equipment designer or a resort manager, for example.
In short, a pro golf school needs to teach you what you need to know in order to prepare you for your chosen career. When researching schools, look over the classes offered and be sure that they will satisfy your needs. No matter how acclaimed a school is, if it doesn't teach you what you need to know, it won't do YOU any good.
Do the school's instructors have experience in your chosen career? Most respectable golf schools require their instructors to have not only an education, but also sufficient experience in the industry. However, this experience may vary quite widely from teacher to teacher. How thoroughly do you think Tiger Woods could school students on golf course management or club design? Likewise, is an instructor whose experience has been focused on landscaping and golf course maintenance really going to be able to teach you how to perfect your swing?
You wouldn't expect a math teacher to teach you how to write a story, or an English teacher to teach you how to use a microscope. The same common sense should apply when considering golf schools. Your best bet is to attend a pro golf school where you can study under teachers who have experience in your chosen career.
Is the school's location convenient? Location is a huge consideration when choosing a pro golf school. Although you may know of an excellent golf school on the East Coast, it may not be feasible for you to attend if you live in California.
Of course, many people can and do relocate for the sake of their education. However, this is not an option for everyone, as many people have jobs, families, and lives to attend to, preventing them from simply picking up and moving. If you know you cannot relocate to attend a golf pro school, be sure to only look at schools with a reasonable commute.
Can you afford to attend the school? Unfortunately, for many of us money is a major factor when pursuing an education. Scholarships and financial aid can help to take the edge off, but even so, most people will not be able to make a decision without considering cost. It may help to decide beforehand how much you can afford to pay out-of-pocket for your education, or how much you are willing to accumulate on student loans. Once you have decided on a figure, be sure to only consider schools that will stay within this range.
There are many things to consider when you are thinking about attending a golf pro school. There are obviously many factors to take into consideration that separate the good schools from the mediocre or poor schools: factors such as equipment quality, instructor requirements, and the quality of student support services. However, there are many high-ranking schools, and every one will offer its students a slightly different experience. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind your career goals and other personal needs when you are choosing a golf pro school.
