Where should I spend this summer?

[Brian Cenci]

I second what Shivas said...you've already got some nice names on the resume, but what an employer will be looking for is someone who has worked in a variety of settings and situations.

Also, I'm not sure how much responsibility you were given at Spyglass and Plainfield, but the buddies I had who went through the PGM program basically worked as glorified bag boys when they went to big name places.  They made some nice cash in tips, but they only learned things about the shop from the outside looking in.  If this has been the case for you, go somewhere where you'll be in charge of how the shop runs to a greater extent. 

A high-volume muni is a great idea to vary things up, but I'd try to find a busy mom-and-pop type place that could really use your help.  Somewhere where there's a head pro and a shop worker or two and that's it.  It might not be the biggest name or greatest course, but it'd give you invaluable experience.

I'd be happy to speak with you in further detail if you'd like - just PM me.

Good luck!

I'd listen to Slee....he's seen both sides of the scene for golf courses. 

My two cents are that internships are about experience you are going to gain toward your actual work.  If you are looking to be a head pro somewhere then most people are going to want to see that you are well rounded.  I've learned that once you've "eaten at the table" of golf's greatest courses, then name throwing doesn't get you much of anywhere.

[Jed Peters]

The Hamptons.

Think of all the cougars that'd love to say they "had fun" with the local golf pro over the summer?

Dude, don't lose sight of the fact that you're still in college.

Hamptons summers, young 20-something "golf pro"....I couldn't think of a better stage for the setting of an awesome summer.

[Scott Stearns]

Only a Penn State student would ask this question...

Babe factor should be sole determinant in choosing bet these three clubs. 

[Kalen Braley]

Only a Penn State student would ask this question...

Babe factor should be sole determinant in choosing bet these three clubs. 

That must be the reason that Bandon sucks according to his college buddy.

I coulda swore the logo on the city entrance sign said:

"Welcome to Bandon, where the men are men and so are the women" 

[Bart Bradley]

The best summer climate in the US is at Grandfather Golf and CC...see Ran's profile.  They always have at least 4 PGM students on staff for their summer internship.  I wish you the best...

Bart

[archie_struthers]

 


Shivas you are beautiful  !!!!   LOL


archie

[Ian Larson]

Big name clubs with big name pro's do not mean big time mentor. Most young guys out of school have the blinders on for the top 100 coming out of school.

The most important thing is having a great mentor. I myself was starstruck for the big time privates after college, and I can honestly say that I was not mentored at any of them. The best mentors in my career were guys at clubs not on the list. They were more anxious to take me under their wing and throw the responsibility at me.

Im in the turf side so I wont speak for any of the pro's. But I do know this, both industries are flooded and very competitive. The key is to stand out in the pile of resumes. Guys with top 100 resumes are a dime a dozen these days and the top 100 doesnt automatically mean that this guy has great experience. The way to stand out is to be diversified. The industry is flooded and just because top 100 experience is your pedigree doesnt mean you can get any job you want.

Look for the mentor, not the name.

[John Kavanaugh]

Shivas,

I must be getting soft because I did not sense that at all.  I'll say the same thing I said to the young supers.  Get a teaching certificate and get on the government dole which will leave summers open to pursue your dream, or just golf.

It saddens me to think how the world has changed since that day, not so long ago, that Jack decided to enroll in the PGA/PGM program.  I would like to see all "Golf" universities place a moratorium on future enrollments in their programs to ensure employment for the current crop of deserving and excellent pros.  Under the current economic environment I have to wonder why a course would hire full time assistants as long as interns are available.  The market is oversaturated as is without graduating future prospects with nowhere to go.

Even after graduating from such an excellent program will the PGA stick you for thousands of dollars to advance your status, or do you get a pass when compared to the swinging dick who wants to get a card.

[PCCraig]

.

[Dean Stokes]

Maybe I agree with Shivas?

Working at a muni really is a great experience, it may not have some of the perks as working at Shinnecock or Merion, but you get out of an experience the same amount as you put into it.

I would have to agree that an Assistant Pro at a Muni has wayyy more responsibility than an Assistant at a Merion. Mostly because there are usually 8 assistants at a place like that.

Pat, you'll have to enlighten me as to how a muni assis has wayyyy more responsibility than the assis at a private club. Please.

I have done both and would disagree fully.

At zero of the private clubs I worked at did they have more than 3 assistants as opposed to munis that routinely have at least that number to cover all the shifts and the volume of play.

[Jack Davis]

Love the enthusiasm although I feel I'm getting a bad rap.

Hey guys let me give you a little more information from my end...

At both Plainfield and Spy I was really fortunate to work as an assistant pro and not the bag boy that several of my classmates were stuck as. Also the 3 places I'm striving for this summer, Shinny, Merion, or Maidstone would also use me as an assistant. The argument of big name club vs. job responsibility really doesn't apply and I feel very lucky for that. My goal is to work at the best club, the best course, and for the best pro possible every summer. A few more things to note...

1. Our PGM program requires us to intern for at least two different types of facilities. Since I've been at PCC and Spy that is covered and I'm free to look where I want.

2. It is a PGA of America rule that PGM students can not intern at clubs with discriminatory membership policies so Pine Valley and Garden City are out. (Which sucks as I'm from NJ)

3. A few people mentioned Bandon Dunes. My roommate was there this past summer and while the golf was obviously spectacular the overall experience in Oregon was not ideal. Also, our program is taking a spring break trip there which will include rounds at all 3 courses, a preview of Old Mac, and a round at Pumpkin Ridge. A week at Bandon should be just perfect.

4. We must work for a PGA professional so over seas is very limited as most pros are R&A if anything.

5. At this point I'm looking for possible after school positions. If this summer goes well I could possibly be staying on after my last semester in Happy Valley so the quality of life in the surrounding area is pretty important. Sorry but Sand Hills and Bandon are out.

Wow.  I'm sure a good chunk of people are thinking it, so somebody's gotta say it, and I guess I will:  I'd be scared to death to hire you if I were a pro.  You seem to exhibit a set of expectations and entitlement far beyond what is currently warranted.  Why would I hire you if I think you're going to bolt for the next gig a couple of rungs up the Top 100 ladder? 

If you don't need advice, and have it all figured out, why did you ask for advice?  And I'd love to hear why the argument of why big name club vs. job responsibility really doesn't apply to you...

I asked this question to get your opinions on which golf course, club, and area people liked the most. At each of the three courses I mentioned there are alums of our program to help mentor me along. Everything you guys have said is very true about the lack of actual learning at some top 100 clubs but I feel like these 3 situations are pretty good. I did not mean to give off any sense of entitlement, rather being a member of this site, great golf courses are extremely important to me. While a mom and pop run golf shop would  definitely give me a summer of great experience, PGM interns do have the opportunity to work at some of the best places in the country. As the the argument of "big name clubs vs. job responsibility not applying to me," that was only mentioned because of the previous interns and current assistants who worked there are friends of mine. Unlike other places where my friends are just picking the range and pulling clubs from a bagroom, these three golf operations give interns a great chance to learn from the head pro and the assistants. Other factors in my decision also include things like housing and who is already working there.

Shivas,

It saddens me to think how the world has changed since that day, not so long ago, that Jack decided to enroll in the PGA/PGM program.  I would like to see all "Golf" universities place a moratorium on future enrollments in their programs to ensure employment for the current crop of deserving and excellent pros.  Under the current economic environment I have to wonder why a course would hire full time assistants as long as interns are available.  The market is oversaturated as is without graduating future prospects with nowhere to go.

Even after graduating from such an excellent program will the PGA stick you for thousands of dollars to advance your status, or do you get a pass when compared to the swinging dick who wants to get a card.

As for your point Mr. Kavanaugh I completely agree. The PGA of America is going overboard with the number of PGM Universities, now up to 21. With the current and future economy, along with the stagnant number of golfers in America, adding all these PGA members is going to catch up with the industry in a few years. Penn State is one of the few schools lobbying the PGA to cap PGM enrollment and to stop accrediting more and more schools.

[Dean Stokes]

I give Varuka credit for lasting longer that anybody else in the game, being smart enough to not to try to drink out of what must have been a scalding hot chocolate river, eat the meal-gum that Violet ate, steal fizzy lifting drinks, or try to teleport his molecules via TV and turn himself into a toy soldier-sized freak.

Of course, these are the lowest common denominators... You might as well be congratulated for not robbing banks, but I digress...

...are you ok Shivas??? Long day on the economic thread taking it's toll???

You have gone all willy wonka on us

[Bart Bradley]

I give Varuka credit for lasting longer that anybody else in the game, being smart enough to not to try to drink out of what must have been a scalding hot chocolate river, eat the meal-gum that Violet ate, steal fizzy lifting drinks, or try to teleport his molecules via TV and turn himself into a toy soldier-sized freak.

Of course, these are the lowest common denominators... You might as well be congratulated for not robbing banks, but I digress...

Shivas:

This was absolutely my favorite book as a child...the movie pales by comparison...there really is no such thing as fizzy lifting drink or geese that lay golden/chocolate eggs...just squirrels looking for bad nuts.  Violet...your turning violet, Violet...Thanks for the trip down memory road...Watch out for the Vermicious Knids.

Bart

[Ronald Montesano]

A verucca is a plantar wart, just as miss Salt was in the Factory, and just as that lame attempt at reverse psychology was on the foot of this discussion group.  Good luck, millionaire Jack Davis.