Golf is considered neither violent nor strenuous, and modern golf clubs are made of durable, long-lasting materials. However handles can still dent, grips can come loose, and club heads can suffer nicks and scratches. Golf club repair technicians earn their living by fixing equipment.

Job

Golf club repair technicians typically work at golf shops or sporting good retailers to perform such repairs as re-gripping, re-shifting, and loft/lie adjustments. Depending on the specialty of their employer, they might help create custom putters, engrave clubs, or fit and modify clubs to the specifications of an individual. Tasks can require use of specialized machines such as lathes and fitting equipment. Techs may also recommend and sell equipment such as clubs, head covers, golf balls, shoes and bags.

Qualifications

A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement and golf knowledge is necessary. Workers must have good communication skills because they often interact with customers to assess their needs. Employees typically receive training from their companies. Those working in stores can benefit from time management and business administration courses available at community colleges. Those performing major repairs or creating clubs might need experience with engravers, manual mills and lathes, up to an associate’s degree in machine technology.

Salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies golf club repair technicians under all other repair workers in the amusement and recreation industries. As of May 2010, they made a mean $12.95 per hour or $26,940 per year. This was lower than the mean for all of that industry’s jobs in the installation, maintenance and repair occupational group, which ran a mean of $15.79 per hour or $32,850 per year. It also under the mean wages for all occupations in that industry, which was $13.69 per hour or $28,480 per year.

Benefits

Golf club repair technicians receive the benefits afforded all workers of their company. Though these perks vary by establishment, the ones offered by Nike are one comparative example. Full-time employees automatically receive basic life insurance on the first day, though additional insurance is available for short and long-term disability, and accidental death and dismemberment. The company boasts several packages for medical, dental and vision, and gives access to company gyms or nearby sports facilities. Paid vacations grant from 120 hours, for those with under two years of experience, to 280 hours, for those with more than 19 years experience. Employees can defer up to 50 percent of their pay into a pre-tax 401(k), with Nike matching the first 5 percent of contributions.