At the National High School Golf Association, we often get questions from avid golfers, parents, or PGA Professionals who are interested in becoming a high school golf coach. Being a coach in any form is a very rewarding job where you are able to contribute positively to your community and impact the lives of boys and girls through athletics.
Unfortunately being a high school golf coach is not a full time job so if financial considerations are your motivation for becoming a high school golf coach, I would advise not to become a coach. If you are seeking a part time (low compensation) or volunteer position and have a love for golf, high school coaching may be right for you (Why become a high school golf coach). Here are some important steps if you are looking to become a high school golf coach:
- Associate with the right people in your local golf community – Coaches who are members of golf courses, have close relationships with PGA Professionals, or know the movers and shakers in the golf community can really help high school golf teams succeed. One of the most important attributes of a successful high school golf team is being able to practice and have matches at a local golf course. If you can deliver a golf course, instruction, or golf relationships to help the team succeed, your value as a coach is very significant.
- Get a license and/or certifications – Do you have a CDL (Commercial Drivers License) so you can drive a bus? Are you certified in first AID and/or CPR? Have you completed SafeSport training? Being a coach is an important job which comes with a lot of responsibility. Some states will require specific certifications to coach high school golf so it is important to check with your local state athletic association to see which certifications your state requires.
- Golf training, education and accolades – Being a good golfer with an impressive personal playing resume can certainly help getting a job as a high school golf coach since students will look up to you and want to play like their coach. Even though being a great golfer is helpful, coaches who are trained and educated in the business of golf are typically the best coaches. I am not advising that anyone looking to be a golf coach needs to be a PGA Professional, but the best high school golf coaches are typically coaching who are professionally educated and trained in the game trough the PGA. Attending education events like the annual high school golf coaches conference and getting certifications like PGA, TPI, and US Kids will help you become a better golf coach.
Taking the steps above will certainly help you if you are looking to become a high school golf coach. The easiest way to become a high school golf coach is working at a high school that is seeking a teacher to coach. Many golf coaching jobs never go to the community or job boards since the positions can be filled internally. If you do not work within a school system, but are looking for golf coaching jobs check out our golf coaching job board.
Hope the above commentary helps! In a perfect world, every high school would offer golf. If this vision was a reality, we would need a lot more high school golf coaches!!