Working in the Golf Industry
A job is something that most people will have in their life, but having a job that is doing something that you love and are passionate about isn't always out there for everyone. Golf is just a game to a lot of people, something to do on the weekends, or a way to get out and relieve some stress, but to others it’s a passion and a way of life. The golf industry is made up of many different parts, anywhere from being a caddy, being a general manager of a golf club, or even working for one of the many companies in the industry. Taylormade Golf is one of the biggest and well-known companies in the industry, they provide the latest innovation in golf clubs and other equipment to people in order to improve anywhere from the average golfer, to PGA tour players. Simone Vitale is the Outside Sales Representative for the Taylormade-addidas Golf Company for the South Chicago Region. A job that comes with big responsibility, in one of the biggest cites in the U.S.
Starting out as a caddy at Merrill Hills Country Club in Waukesha, Wisconsin at the age of 12, Simone knew the golf industry was one that he wanted to be in early on. “I have always had a passion for the game of golf since I picked up a club when I was 12. There is no other game like it.” Simone continued his love for the game and attended Arizona State University in the Professional Golf Management Program. A program designed to achieve a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness with an emphasis in golf management. After graduating he continued on with his passion in the golf business. Being in the business for 16 years now, Simone has found interests in everything he does in the industry. “There are subconscious feelings behind every shot that touches each person inside in a different way than any other sport can.” The feeling of helping people to improve, and better their game is one thing that Simone enjoys so much about the business.
Simone has worked in the industry in Wisconsin, Arizona, California and now Illinois. Although he will admit that working in California was the best because of how nice the weather is. Starting out working at the headquarters for Taylormade in Carlsbad, California, Simone is now going into his 5th year with the company. Being a Sales Representative for a major company in the industry in a major city comes with big responsibilities. Simone’s days can consist of different things, all in an effort to achieve goals and to maintain good healthy accounts. “Because there is such a high demand for our product, I constantly receive anywhere from 50–100 emails a day and upwards of 20 phone calls, and with having a big market such as Chicago, that just means that the responsibilities I mentioned are much bigger since I have a much bigger volume then other states.” Answering all of these inquires can be difficult, but is crucial to maintain good relationships and provide the best service he possibly can. Being in the golf industry as long as Simone has, he has seen different parts of it and how different companies act. According to him, Taylormade is one of the best. “Taylormade is different from other golf companies because each and every person who works for the company strives to be great!”, says Simone. Being a sales representative comes with a lot of work to do, but also the ability to dictate your own success to the best you can. “I enjoy being an outside sales representative the best because it puts everything on my own shoulders for success. It’s up to me in how successful I want to be in my territory by working as hard as I possibly can”, says Simone.
In any job everyone has duties and tasks to fulfill; working in the golf industry is no different. Simone has deadlines like everyone, goals to reach, and bosses to keep happy. But sometimes people find enjoyment in the little things they do to improve their industry, and for him it’s bettering the game of golf for people. To him the ability to help someone better their golf game, or improve one’s knowledge of the game is something that keeps him interested and so passionate about it. “It is always fun when you can give a golfer one little tip in their swing and watch them hit the ball ENTIRELY different than they were.” For Simone this is something to strive for every day, from providing the best golf equipment that people can use to improve, and helping anyone enjoy the game of golf a little more.
