I want to be a college golf coach

Question
Eddie:
I'm 44 and a Banker for 20 years.  I quit Banking last year to find my next career, and presently recruit bankers.  I've been passionate about golf 4ever; but NO, I did not have "bankers hours" to play extra golf.  I did play golf in college and desire to teach the game of golf.  Examples:  All my friends use me as a resource to fix their swing problems.  My son, now 14, did not begin to play golf until age 12.  This is now is 3rd summer playing golf.  He's a 5-6 handicap.  His low score last summer was 73; 71 this year AND we reside in SD where the golf season is only mid-APR through mid-OCT.  I enjoy teaching both the physical and mental preparation of the game.
Where do I begin?  Is it important to obtain a PGA designation (like education through SDGA) or a traditional teaching endorsement and work experience in high school athletics.  Tell me more.  Where should I begin?  Ultimately, I want to teach, recruit and be a college golf coach.

Answer
Hi Paul:

In reference to teaching, don't go to SDGA.  Waste of money.  If you can catch on at a club somewhere and learn to teach under a good PGA Instructor, that would be great.  If that is not possible, I might suggest catching on with John Jacobs Schools or starting with a Jim McLean School.  In other words, you need to be around teaching if that is what you want to do.  Unfortunately, the PGA does not have a certified training system for it's members and apprentices as of yet, so you have to hunt around, ask questions about who is a good teacher and see if you can learn from them.  Just because you help your friends does not make you a good teacher.  Teaching is so much more than offering a tip or a bandaid here and there.  Find a respected instuctor and ask to spend time with him or her.  Most of them have no problem with someone who wants to learn.  In reference to coaching, put your ear out there and start somewhere.  Junior colleges always seem to need coaches.  Check out those in your area and ask a lot of questions.  What kids need nowadays for a college coach is one who can help them with personal development in all areas of their life.  Most college golfers have swing coaches already.  Some of those kids have gone to the same instructor for 10 years already.  If you decide to start in high school, I'm not sure what the requirements are of you teaching class at the school.  Down in Phoenix, Arizona where I am, except for the bigger schools with funding, the golf coaches think of themselves as bus drivers.  The kids don't need that.  They need someone who can mold them into good players and good people.  The facts are that most of the kids who play in high school and college will not play past that.  They need personal development skills, good guidence and great coaching.  I think the biggest thing Paul is just get started.  High school, junior college, whatever.  Land something and test the waters.  Create your own successes with your own ideas.  Learn all you can about teaching from someone who is really good, is well respected and does it for a living.  You sound like you know where you want to go.  Good luck.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member