Golfing for Business
William Wall is your typical business student at Auburn University, despite the fact that he spends around 28 hours a week at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Not only does Wall work three to four seven-hour shifts a week, but he plays there as well in all of his spare time. No worries though, because it looks like golf may be beneficial for his business career after all.
“Working at the golf course is the best job ever, if you enjoy golf that is,â€? Wall said. “You’re outside socializing with people that have the same interests as you. At Robert Trent Jones, we attract golfers from all over the United States, so it is kind of interesting to talk to those people.â€?
And as much time as he spends on golf during work and personal time, it’s a good thing he enjoys it. Originally from Birmingham, Ala., Wall is an Outside Service Provider at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National in Opelika, Ala.
When asked about the title, he replied, “It is just a fancy name for a ‘bag boy.’ I help people with any questions they have. I unload and load golf bags onto carts, and clean carts as well.�
It’s amazing that a full-time student can manage such a full-time job and hobby. Wall explains that his bosses at the course are easy going and work hard to make his work schedule fit around his school one.
“I can balance my work and school schedule pretty well,� he said.
Another thing his bosses are good at is making their employees happy. Wall enjoys many perks of the job, too.
“We are allowed to play golf for cheap, free range balls, and we receive a discount in the Pro Shop and grill area,� he said.
Wall seems like the perfect employee. He talks up management, works hard and is there as much as possible. He only sees one drawback of the job.
“The only thing I dislike is the fact that you have to be at work early in the morning to setup for the day,� he said. “And it gets pretty cold in the winter.�
Wall is majoring in business administration with a minor in logistics. It’s smart that he knows as much as he does about the game. It’s a common fact now that golf goes hand in hand with business deals.
“The good thing is, golf is pretty important in the business world,� he said. “Especially if you are pursuing a job in sales.�
He’s right on the money, too. In November 2002, Business Week magazine wrote, “It’s no secret in corporate circles that golf and business offer a near-perfect match. Where else but on a course can executives spend a leisurely four hours in such a private, sociable setting? What better way to cement a relationship with a client than by lifting a glass together after a round?�
Looks like Wall’s on the right course. No one can say that all the time he spends hitting balls a week is a waste. Actually, he may need to increase it.
“I am about a 15 handicap which means I typically shoot 15 over par,� he said. “It’s not too impressive, but I’m working on lowering that handicap.�
If you are interested in playing at Grand National, or letting Wall teach you lessons, the famous course can be reached at (334)749-9042. They are located at 3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801 and their e-mail is grandnational@rtjgolf.com.
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