By Michael Cho
Special to The Toronto Sun
Although most of us think being a CPGA golf professional is simply about
playing golf, most of their work is done inside the clubhouse, not on the
fairway.
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| CPGA professional, Brian Henderson
|
Of the 3000+ members of the CPGA (Canadian Professional Golf
Association), only a fraction of them make a living playing golf on tour. The
vast majority of CPGA professionals work at golf courses, or I should
say "run" golf courses.
Brian Henderson is a Class A CPGA professional at the highly regarded,
Angus Glen golf club. For the past six years he has moved through the
ranks originally as an assistant pro to now tournament coordinator, and
he knows the rigours of the job.
"People think being a golf pro just means being a good golf player, but
there are so many facets of working at a golf course," says Henderson.
Although Henderson is qualified to be a head pro anywhere in North
America he spends most of his time organizing tournaments and events,
such as the Telus Skins Game and the upcoming Bell Canadian Open.
"Most of the tournaments that come through here are hosted by corporate
sponsors or charities, so I have to communicate with them on a different
level in order to provide what they need on and off the course."
In addition to having an economics degree from Western and a diploma in
professional golf management from Humber College, he also has experience
in the food and beverage industry, so the business-speak comes easy to him.
"It used to be that golf pros played more of a social function on the course, shaking hands and having lunch with members. But now golf professionals are responsible for so much more," says Henderson.
For 23 year old Scott Myles, an assistant pro at the busy
Don Valley
golf club, the sun rises and sets with the job. "Being a golf pro is not
a 9 to 5 occupation. You're there at six in the morning to open up the
shop and you usually don't get out of there until it gets dark."
Myles is not only busy on the course giving lessons and conducting
clinics, he also has a range of daily duties to perform such as
inventory, ordering supplies and fielding calls. "Golf professionals
have to have business knowledge, and it also doesn't hurt to have
some experience in customer service," he says.
Both CPGA professionals agree that running a golf course isn't as
glamourous as people think, but it's worth it in the end simply because
they love the game.
"Not too many people get up in the morning and look forward to going to
work. I do," gloats Henderson.
Becoming a CPGA professional
The CPGA (Canadian Professional Golf Association) enforces strict rules on membership. Not only does a player have to possess talent on the golf
course, but there is a long and rigorous academic component to the
designation:
Those who want the CPGA designation must pass a players ability test, which means a score of 155 or better within two rounds.
Completion of at least three seasons of employment under the
direction of a Class A professional.
Candidates must complete a three-year college diploma in
business, a university degree in business or Professional Golf
Management program recognized by the CPGA.
Four extensive workshops of the Canadian PGA Teaching & Coaching
Certification Program. A minimum of 36 hours of golf related seminars
ranging from the rules of golf to golf club fitting and repair.
Successful completion of a Class A examination.
(Michael Cho is a Toronto-based freelance writer who can be reached at michael_cho@rogers.com.)
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