How frequently do you play golf? Do you use this game as a means to reduce stress, to enjoy a bit of the fresh air and even to walk away with a tidy sum of money as a result of winning the occasional wager? If so, you are certainly not alone. Millions of men and women consider themselves to be amateur golfers and they spend hours upon the course each week.
However, do you sometimes find yourself asking the question “wouldn’t it be great if I could actually make money while doing what I enjoy?”. This sentiment is more common than you may think. While no one is claiming that you will become an overnight millionaire, the fact of the matter is that there are indeed many ways in which you can create a side hustle while still keeping on top of your game. Let’s take a look at six sure-fire suggestions to keep in mind as well as the benefits of each. The chances are high that you will be pleasantly surprised with the options at your disposal.
1. Become a Professional or a Semi-Professional Golfer
Although this first tip may sound like a bit of a no-brainer, it still needs to be mentioned before moving on. There are countless talented golfers who never take the next step and actually begin to earn money. This can arise from several reasons. Perhaps they are afraid to play in front of large crowds of people or they do not handle pressure well. They might not have the time or they could simply feel that they are not good enough. However, that you do not have to play on the level of Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus to turn a slight profit. This is even more relevant when referring to semi-professional leagues. After all, even the true legends of golf had to start somewhere.
The main issue here is that such a dream will take time to realise. As opposed to some films which have been made about golf, the best in the business have endured a long and rocky road in order to reach the pinnacle of their careers. Although the prizes associated with smaller tournaments may be a bit paltry and you are likely to come across some less-than-attractive rewards, the best things come to those who wait. If you are willing to make the commitment and should you have the talent, you could very well begin to rise through the ranks.
So, keep an eye out for local tournaments and similar events that will enable you to test your mettle while on the green. Speak with other players in order to learn more about their competitive experiences. Sign up for a handful of small tournaments to get a better feel for what is in store. Even local games may enable you to walk away with an impressive purse. If you wish to see how you stack up to the best, always feel free to take the Playing Ability Test (PAT).
2. Those Who Cannot Do Teach
Let’s imagine for a moment that professional competitions are not your thing. You could still have a great deal of knowledge to pass on to others who may be new to the game. Believe it or not, many professionals also hire themselves as as instructors between tournaments and you could very well do the same. Instructors can charge a handsome amount of money per hour (based upon their skills) and perhaps even more importantly, they have the ability to make powerful connections along the way.
There are generally two routes to consider if you wish to teach golf to others. You could offer your services to a specific course if they happen to be hiring. They may be able to offer you a full- or part-time position. The other possibility is to become what can only be called a freelance instructor. In this situation, simply advertise your services throughout online forums, local clubs and social media circles. Such an approach could also be a great option if you are looking to work on a part-time basis. To obtain even more hands-on experience, it is wise to enrol in the professional PGTAA golf training course or a similar programme based off of where you are currently located.
Before moving on, it should be mentioned that some instructors are hesitant to teach at local clubs. This generally arises from the fact that the courses will charge money when using their premises. This is not necessarily a problem if you have access to a local park or even if you have a large back garden. Be sure to think outside of the proverbial box in order to discover the most agreeable situation without spending an arm and a leg.
3. Become a Social Media Influencer in the World of Golf
Have you ever heard of social media influencers? Believe it or not, this is actually a real job. Online influencers essentially make money by promoting certain products or services. Of course, you will first need to have a strong reputation within the world of online golf. This does not necessarily signify that you have millions of followers, but rather that you possess a strong base of connections that are willing to hear what it is that you have to say. Here are some of the ways in which you may be able to monetise this experience:
- Examining new products such as balls, clubs and outerwear.
- Creating instructional videos.
- Partnering with well-known golf companies in order to promote what it is that they happen to be offering.
This final suggestion can be wise to examine in greater detail, as you will generate a small amount of revenue every time a follower purchases a product or service thanks to your recommendations. If you happen to have tens or hundreds of thousands of subscribers, even small profits can quickly add up.
However, we need to remember that there are literally thousands of individuals within the ether of social media who claim that they possess the “secret” to a great golf game. This is why you need to become something of a marketing expert if you hope to rise head and shoulders above the masses. Here are some of the ways in which you will be able to stand out:
- Create a professional and attractive standalone website.
- Regularly interact with your followers.
- Offer attractive discounts for quality products and services.
- Provide valuable information as opposed to bombarding followers with your latest promotions.
Let’s also remember that social media influencers can offer additional services on a monthly subscription basis when partnering with specific portals. Websites such as Patreon offer low subscription rates. Those who choose to sign up can be provided with hands-on tips, suggestions and even online discounts. Although taking on the role of a social media influencer may not be for everyone, it might be the ideal solution if you are regularly active within these circles. After all, why not earn a bit of money off of your existing presence?
4. Take on the Role of Mystery Shopper
Anyone who has ever worked within the retail sector is likely aware of mystery shoppers. These so-called “customers” are paid by the retailer in question with the intention of evaluating the performance of a specific store. They will examine elements such as customer service, the physical layout of the establishment and product knowledge. Although these roles may appear to be somewhat underhanded at first glance, the fact of the matter is that they are some of the best ways to determine if any improvements need to be made. So, it makes a great deal of sense that mystery shoppers also exist within the world of golf.
Now, we are not necessarily referring to those who enter into a golf supplier or outlet in order to report their experiences. One lesser-known fact within this industry is that these very same shoppers will often travel to different courses to provide an objective evaluation. Your exact tasks will vary depending upon the company that you happen to be working for. For example, you might be paid to test the performance of a new type of golf ball throughout a specific course. There are also times when a parent agency wishes to know how one of its private clubs is perceived. Either way, the main benefit here is that you are literally being payed while playing a sport that you already love. Although few mystery shoppers will earn a full-time income, this is still an excellent way to earn a bit of extra scratch while out and about on the greens.
5. Learn the Delicate Art of Self-Promotion
There are many reasons why golf has remained one of the most popular sports in the world for hundreds of years. Not only does this game offer a host of challenges, but it is also relaxing in its own right. However, what about the social aspect of golf? Many multi-million pound deals have been cemented upon the golf course in the past and there is no reason why these opportunities should be allowed to pass you by. Believe it or not, there is actually some very real research behind these observations. A study conducted back in 1993 found that an amazing 93 per cent of all executives felt that playing golf with a prospective business partner was an excellent way to establish a long-term relationship. Furthermore, it highlighted that managers placed a great deal of importance upon how partners played a round of golf; believing that these habits would translate into the professional community.
So, never be afraid to network while out and about. Get to know your partners and others who you are playing with. Make it a point to spend some time in the club lounge and to become involved in any conversations that you feel may be relevant. However, there is a fine line between perseverance and being labelled as an annoyance. For instance, do not suddenly blurt out a business opportunity when a prospective business partner is teeing off. Wait for the right time and place. You could even use the social opportunities associated with golf to promote your own interests and ventures. Still, be sure to keep your ears open in order to get a better feel for each personality that you encounter. You can then better understand what they might be interested in.
6. Create a Golf-Friendly Schedule
Those who rarely play the lottery should never expect to hit a multi-million jackpot. In other words, you need to put in the time if you hope to make money from golf. This is why you need to provide yourself with plenty of opportunities to establish connections and to appreciate the options at your disposal. We are not necessarily talking about heading over to the greens on a daily basis. On the contrary, be realistic with your schedule. Try to take an excursion at least once each week. Those who make their presence known are much more likely to develop valuable contacts over time. However, do not allow golf to overtake other areas of life such as your family and your current job. This will only lead to more problems in the future. The main takeaway point is that you can never expect to earn an income from golf if you rarely hit the course.
We can now see that knowing how to make money playing golf is not as complicated as you may have initially believed. There are many ways in which you can leverage your expertise in order to generate a side hustle over time. Above all, be patient with your goals. Rome was not built in a day and the chances are high that a bit of time will be required before you begin to see results. Feel free to refer back to the suggestions mentioned above when needed.
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