How to make a career switch into the golf industry
Josh Rowles was 28 when he decided to follow his passion and swap a managerial role in a plumbing and heating company for a shot at the golf industry. Rowles turned to The PGA to help with his career change, enrolling as a student on its Foundation Degree in Professional Golf course. He also secured a position as a Trainee at Aspley Guise and Woburn Sands Golf Club in Bedfordshire.
The life changes all paid off last year for Rowles as he successfully completed the three-year course and became a fully-qualified PGA Professional. His success story was underlined with receipt of a TGI award as the leading third-year student from the East region.
“The course set me up extremely well for a future in the golf industry. The depth and breadth of knowledge that is taught makes it easier to understand not only golf coaching specifics but also how to run a successful business in golf going forward.”
PGA Professional and 2024 Trainee of the Year, Josh Rowles
How did you hear about the PGA’S Foundation Degree in Professional Golf?
I’d known about the Foundation Degree for a while through my own research online and it was always an aspiration of mine to become a PGA Pro. I was working in a different industry and (it) felt like the right time to make the jump and change career.
What was it that made you want to apply?
My previous career was extremely stressful so it was just through wanting a change of career to something that I knew I would enjoy. The Foundation Degree was the logical way to go, so I made the decision to go for it.
How easy was the application process?
Extremely easy, the process was just like applying for any course. The hardest part was finding a trainee position at a golf course.
Tell us a bit about the structure of the course…
So the course is split into four elements each year, Golf Coaching, Custom Fitting and Equipment Technology, Sports Science and Business. Throughout each of the three years you have study material, assignments and exams around each of these subjects. There is also some practical coaching and custom fitting courses that you must complete to attain your PGA accreditation.
What has been the highlight(s) of the course?
The main highlight has been studying something that’s my hobby, to make it my career. The feeling of being interested and fully invested in everything you are studying makes it a much more enjoyable experience.
How much did you enjoy your PGA residential week(s)?
The residential weeks were excellent. Being able to hear from leading PGA Professionals about their experiences in the industry and having that hands-on practical element to the course, rather than doing everything online remotely was a great experience. The social side as well was really enjoyable. Being able to meet and interact with like-minded people, who all want to achieve the same goal of becoming a golf pro, was enjoyable too.
Josh Rowles (far right) receiving a TGI award as the leading third-year student from the East region.
What sort of help have you had from your head PGA professional?
My training professional Richard Lally has been excellent. He’s helped me particularly with the coaching elements of the course. He has let me shadow some of his lessons and discuss anything I might be unsure about. He has also been flexible with my working time to allow me to study, complete assignments and exams and play in tournaments.
Have you been able to find the time to follow your playing aspirations?
It has been quite tough to play regularly when working and studying but I was able to play in a large number of tournaments to some success. There are lots of different tournaments and Pro-ams that are available in each region so the opportunities are there to play as much as you can.
What are the elements that you will most take away from your PGA Foundation Degree?
I think the main thing I will take away is the experience of studying and now working in something that was originally my hobby. Therefore it’s something I have enjoyed massively and it doesn’t really feel like work or a job.
Is there a specific sector of the golf industry that you wish to work in (retail, coaching or perhaps an international posting)?
I am pretty open to anything within the golf industry. Retail and coaching is probably the main thing, but the bonus of having PGA Professional before my name means that I have a qualification behind me that is recognisable globally within the golf industry.
To what extent do you think the course will set you up for a future in the golf in the golf industry?
The course set me up extremely well for a future in the golf industry. The depth and breadth of knowledge that is taught makes it easier to understand not only golf coaching specifics but also how to run a successful business in golf going forward.