What is it like to be a golf sales rep?
The more business that the account does for the manufacturer, the more free goodies it will get through the staff program. The ultimate reality is that being a golf sales rep often means being an overworked under-paid and under-appreciated babysitter, psychologist and occasional whipping boy…who just happens to give away plenty of free golf stuff.
What happens when a golf sales rep falls out of Grace?
If a rep falls out of good grace with his inside contact, it will eventually strain the relationship with his accounts. A sales reps’ back is already against the wall because golf companies have policies that most good business people would consider insane. Policy quirks can affect business.
Do you know when a salesperson doesn’t belong in sales?
Here are some sure signs that a salesperson doesn’t belong in sales. 1) They take everything personally. Sales is a competitive, emotionally challenging profession. If someone on your team is easily offended, they should resign immediately.
Which companies hire golf clubs?
Companies that hire independently: Sun Mountain, Bushnell, Antigua, Ahead, Levelwear, Straight Down, Volvik, US Kids Golf, Club Glove, Pukka Headwear, Jofit, and many others.
Why do sales people play golf?
Shared Interests and Event Opportunities A game of golf is a bonding experience. Whether or not you're teamed with your client, you've secured a few hours devoted to shared time on the course and plenty of opportunity to talk business.
Is golf still important for business?
According to Forbes article Golfers Make Better Business Executives, 90% of Fortune 500 Company CEOs play golf, and 80% of all executives say, “Golf has the power to establish new relationships.” Not only do you acquire a professional relationship, you also make a friend that can last a lifetime.
Is golf a sport in decline?
However, the popularity of golf was on the decline in the new millennium; between 2003 and 2018, golf saw a decline of over 6.8 million players and more than 1,200 course closures. Hopes for a turnaround in the golfing industry were shattered in March of 2020 with the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Is golf gaining or losing popularity?
Golf is on the decline in America. That reality has finally smacked us in the face like a two-by-four. The number of core American golfers (those playing eight rounds or more per year) has fallen between three and 4.5 percent every year since 2006.
Do successful people play golf?
Rich people play golf because they can afford the financial costs necessary to overcome its entry barriers. In addition, besides being an enjoyable activity, golf provides a certain social status, and it allows them to network with other wealthy individuals.
Is golf an old man sport?
Golf is a popular sport for older adults, and is therefore an important source of physical activity.
Do Millennials play golf?
According to the National Golf Foundation, in 2014, six million Millennials played 90 million rounds of golf annually. This level of play generates $5 billion worth of golf spend by Millennials annually.
Is golf too elitist?
There are many reasons why you feel good about the shape the game is in. But there are also areas that continue to concern you - these include cost, pace of play, a perception that golf remains an elitist sport, a lack of youngsters and women playing the game.
Why golf is a waste of time?
Remembering that the average round of golf takes 4 hours we can safely assume that 1.824 billion hours or 76 million days are wasted playing golf every year . The average golfer wastes around 76 hours or 3.2 days playing golf every year. For golf enthusiasts that number will be much higher.
What is the average age of a golfer?
54While in recent years the popularity of golf among younger people has grown, the majority of players are still of an older age. The median age of a golfer in the U.S. is 54, continuing to draw in an older crowd.
Is golf still dying?
Golf is not a dying sport. The increase in rounds played in 2021 from 2020 during the pandemic, and increased numbers of people going to golf facilities like Topgolf is a clear sign that interest and participation in the game is far from waning, especially with ladies and juniors.
What country is golf most popular?
Countries Where Golf Is Most PopularIRELAND. Despite the fact that golf was invented in Scotland, their next door neighbor, Ireland, is the most popular country for the sport. ... CANADA. ... UNITED KINGDOM. ... UNITED STATES. ... SOUTH AFRICA. ... JAPAN.
When is the PGA merchandise show?
The PGA Merchandise Show, which is held at the end of every January, is the single largest gathering of the golf industry manufacturers. There is a “Positions Available” board positioned inside the show that lists a significant number of Sales Positions that are open throughout the country.
What is a PGM in golf?
Your college choice is never really that important, but attending a university with a PGM (Professional Golf Management) program is a way to enter into the golf industry and develop contacts that could help get you on board with one of the large companies.
Do you need a college degree to become a golf salesperson?
While a college degree is not required to become a golf salesperson, most of the major manufacturers (e.g. Ping, Acushnet (Titleist/FootJoy), TaylorMade, and Callaway) typically prefer candidates who possess a four-year degree. Majors to Consider: Business Administration and/or Marketing, however, any four-year degree in any discipline is ...
Can you be an independent sales rep for a golf company?
You could become an Independent Sales Representative. The leading golf equipment companies hire their Sales Reps as exclusive employees. That means that you work for that company only and you may not work for and/or sell another product to your customer base.
What is a good seller?
Top sellers are good at spotting and creating opportunities. They carefully watch for changes that make potential customers primed to buy. They can dig up information that they incept into conversations to instantly build deep rapport. And when a deal falls through because the decision-maker suddenly quit or got fired, they already have another contact who can be their champion, and move things forward.
Do salespeople need management?
The best salespeople often don't need much management, just the right incentive structure and a respectful work environment where they can grow and flourish. Working at a company with a great product makes sales easier, but top salespeople can sell just about anything. Discipline has always been a critical trait for good sales hires, but it's way more important when your team is remotely distributed.
Is sales a virtual activity?
Now more than ever, sales has become a virtual activity. Well before the pandemic, smart sales organizations were already selling remotely because they realized it was more cost-effective and scalable than going to conferences or flying field salespeople all around. You still need to be able to talk to people over the phone or do a video call, but cold email has always been more scalable and effective than cold calling.
What to do if someone is offended by sales?
Sales is a competitive, emotionally challenging profession. If someone on your team is easily offended, they should resign immediately. Not only will they not be able to handle the prospects who hang up on or otherwise dismiss them, but they probably won’t be able to take your constructive criticism either.
What to do if your rep isn't on a call?
If your rep isn’t on a call or in a meeting with a prospect, then they should be researching the next buyer, or sorting through their inbound leads. Surfing the web and hanging out at the water cooler is not for salespeople.
Nilesh Sudrania
I come across sales folks who, surprisingly, don't want to sell. A short read from the buyer's perspective. Know your product, and be ready to sell.
Jean-Pascal Saucier
Nilesh, thank you for the article this is eye-opening! Salespeople should listen more than they talk.
Understanding The Process
Education
- While a college degree is not required to become a golf salesperson, most of the major manufacturers (e.g. Ping, Acushnet (Titleist/FootJoy), TaylorMade, and Callaway) typically prefer candidates who possess a four-year degree. Majors to Consider: Business Administration and/or Marketing, however, any four-year degree in any discipline is sufficien...
After Graduation
- There are multiple ways to get yourself hired by a Golf Manufacturer. I took a road less traveled. I accepted a job with an independent golf company with the intention of gaining some quick experience. My hope was to impress a larger company by showing them my commitment to becoming a Golf Sales Rep. After a year of grinding it out on the road, quite far from home, I hea…
The Alternative Process
- While hard work and good luck played a role in my rise to Field Sales work, it’s also true that I spent five years in a not-so-satisfying position in an effort to reach my goal. I look back on that experience with pride and affection, but I am certainly glad that it’s behind me. If the slow and steady route to a Field Sales Rep position doesn’t appeal to you, there is another way. You could …
Picking Up Your Lines
- Unless you are already well connected to the inner circle of the golf business in your area, there is only one place to go when looking to find independent golf product lines, the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, FL. The PGA Merchandise Show, which is held at the end of every January, is the single largest gathering of the golf industry manufacturers. There is a “Positions Available” boar…
Step 3: Decision Time
- Now that you understand the two different paths to becoming a Golf Sales Representative, it’s time to make a decision. There are positives and negatives to any job. What you need to do is determine what is important to you and what would make you happy. Here’s a list of Pros and Cons of each position:
Last Word
- Do you want the freedom that comes with being an independent rep, or the stability and typically well-established position that comes with working for one of the larger companies? Are benefits important, or do you feel you can be successful enough to foot the healthcare and retirement plans on your own? The choice is yours. GOOD LUCK!