11 Ways to Make Money Playing Golf: Unexpected Ways Regular Golfers Get Paid in 2025

Of course, most golfers won’t get rich doing this, but many earn steady side income or even a full-time living.

If you love the game and want to get paid to play golf, there are real opportunities waiting.

In this guide, I will show you proven ways to make money playing golf.

Proven Ways to Make Money Playing Golf

There’s no shortage of ways to earn money in golf today.

Whether you’re an experienced golfer or just play for fun, you’ll find an opportunity that fits your lifestyle and budget. Some of these golf side hustles bring in quick cash on weekends, while others can grow into full-time careers.

Here are proven and realistic ways to make money playing golf in 2025 and beyond.

Each method includes what it pays, what you’ll need to get started, the pros and cons, and a few pro tips to help you earn faster and smarter.

1. Play in Golf Tournaments

Competing in tournaments is one of the most direct ways to make money playing golf.

You don’t need to be a PGA pro to earn, there are plenty of smaller circuits and amateur events that pay solid prize money if you play well.

Earning Potential

• Local tournament wins: Around $200 per event.
• Consistent top finishes: $1,000–$3,000 per month.
• Top-tier amateurs or aspiring pros on circuits like the Korn Ferry Tour can make six figures annually.

Requirements

• Competitive handicap (usually under 5 for men, under 10 for women for most amateur circuits).
• Reliable golf equipment.
• Entry fee budget for tournaments ($100–$500 for most mini-tours).
• Flexible schedule for travel and tournament days.

Best Tournaments to Enter

• The Minor League Golf Tour: Based in Florida, featuring one-day events with reasonable entry fees ($200–$350) and direct daily payouts for top finishers.
• The FairWay Tour: Southwest-based mini-tour offering multi-day events with larger prize purses.
• The Korn Ferry Tour: The official pathway to the PGA Tour—extremely competitive but potentially lucrative for serious players.
• Local Amateur Events: Often hosted by city or state golf associations, these events are more accessible and can still provide meaningful cash prizes for top players.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Play competitive golf, test your skills, network with other players, and scale prize money as your performance improves.
• Cons: Entry fees and travel costs can add up. Income is highly performance-dependent, so it’s not stable.

Pro Tip

Start small by joining local charity or club tournaments to build experience and confidence. As you start placing well, reinvest your winnings into higher-level events like the Minor League or FairWay Tour.

2. Compete in Simulator Golf Leagues

Simulator golf leagues are one of the newest and most accessible ways for skilled amateurs to make money playing golf.

You can compete from an indoor setup, no travel, no weather issues, and no qualification required.

It’s a growing trend that gives regular players professional-level opportunities to earn.

Earning Potential

• Top players can earn anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars per event, depending on their ranking.
• Mid-tier players usually earn payouts that cover entry fees and a little extra.

Requirements

• Access to a Trackman or similar simulator (many golf studios and clubs rent them by the hour).
• Basic registration on the Trackman app.
• Entry fees for each event you join.

How It Works

The biggest name in this space is the Trackman NEXT Tour. There are no qualifying rounds or handicap requirements, anyone can enter and compete.

• Entry Fee: Around $130 to enter one of the season’s nine rounds.
• How to Play: Play the designated 18-hole tournament round on any approved Trackman simulator worldwide during the tournament window.
• Winning Potential: Huge. In 2024, amateur golfer James Weber won the season finale, taking home a $90,000 prize.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: No travel, weather, or course limitations. Compete anytime, anywhere. Great networking and exposure if you stream your matches on social media.
• Cons: Requires access to quality simulator equipment. Competition is tough, and results depend on skill and familiarity with simulator play.

Pro Tip

Practice regularly on the same simulator model you’ll compete with, small calibration differences can affect scores. Record your rounds and post highlights on TikTok or Instagram to attract sponsors and followers, adding another layer of potential income.

3. Become a Golf Instructor for Beginners

Teaching golf is one of the most reliable ways to get paid to play golf.

You don’t need to be a touring pro to earn a solid income, you just need skill, patience, and the ability to communicate effectively.

Earning Potential

• Most golf instructors earn between $50 and $200 per hour.
• Beginners or local assistants start at the lower end, while experienced coaches or specialists (like short game experts) can command top rates.

Requirements

• Golf proficiency and strong communication skills
• Optional certification increases credibility and allows higher rates
• Ability to teach in-person or online via platforms like Skillest

How to Get Started

• Get Certified (Recommended): Organizations like the USGTF or the PGA Associate Program provide structured training in teaching techniques, swing analysis, and lesson planning.
• Start with Group Lessons: Offer beginner clinics or group lessons at a local driving range to build experience and your client base.
• Consider Online Coaching: Platforms like Skillest allow students to upload swing videos for your analysis. You can also sell pre-recorded lesson packs for passive income.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Consistent income, scalable if teaching groups or online, builds credibility and networking in the golf community.
• Cons: Time-based income requires active teaching, and finding your first students takes patience and networking.

Pro Tip

Start small by offering lessons to friends, family, or local golfers at a lower rate to gain experience. Then expand online via platforms or social media to reach paying clients nationwide. Recording short drills or tips can attract students and grow your reputation quickly.

4. Make Money as a Golf Mystery Shopper

If you enjoy playing rounds but want a side income, being a golf mystery shopper is a smart way to make money playing golf.

Companies hire golfers to visit courses, play rounds, and evaluate service, course conditions, and staff interactions.

Your feedback helps clubs improve while you earn cash and sometimes perks like free golf.

Earning Potential

• Most assignments pay between $50 and $100, plus reimbursement for the round itself or perks like food and drink.
• Larger evaluations at high-end clubs can pay even more.
• Consistent work can add up to a few hundred dollars per month alongside your regular golf outings.

Requirements

• Basic golf skills and reliable transportation to courses
• Attention to detail and ability to complete written reports accurately
• No special certification required, though experience in customer service or golf operations is a plus

How It Works

1. Sign Up: Create a free profile with a golf mystery shopping company.
2. Get an Assignment: Browse available golf-related “shops” in your area and accept one that fits your schedule.
3. Play & Observe: Visit the course at your assigned time, play your round, and discreetly take notes on the evaluation criteria.
4. Submit Your Report: Fill out a detailed online questionnaire honestly and thoroughly.

Where to Find Golf Mystery Shopping Gigs

• 59club: A global leader in golf and hospitality mystery shopping, working with high-end courses.
• BARE International: Reputable mystery shopping company with frequent golf assignments.
• Intelli-Shop: Provides evaluations for leisure and entertainment industries, including golf.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Flexible schedule, opportunity to play at different courses, build insider knowledge of clubs, and combine with travel or tournaments for extra earnings.
• Cons: Assignments can be competitive and dependent on course availability. Reports must be detailed and submitted on time to get paid.

Pro Tip

Pair mystery shopping with travel or local tournaments to maximize earnings. For example, if visiting a new city for a small tour event, check for nearby mystery shopping opportunities, you could earn extra while practicing your game.

5. Start a Golf-Themed YouTube Channel, Blog, or Social Media Account

If you have a personality and passion for golf, content creation is a powerful way to make money in golf while building a long-term, scalable income stream.

Channels like “Good Good Golf” and “Golf Sidekick,” as well as influencers like Paige Spiranac, show that entertaining or informative content attracts a large audience, even if you’re not a pro player.

If you’re serious about this path, our guide on how to make money on YouTube is a great place to learn the business fundamentals.

How to Make Money

• Ad Revenue: Earn money from ads displayed on YouTube videos, blogs, or social media platforms.
• Affiliate Marketing: Recommend golf equipment, balls, or training aids and earn a commission when followers purchase through your links.
• Sponsorships & Brand Deals: As your audience grows, golf brands may pay for reviews, product placements, or logo features.
• Digital Products & Lessons: Sell your own golf guides, swing tutorials, or online lessons directly to followers.

Getting Started

• Use a smartphone or camera with good video quality. Tripods or stabilizers help capture steady shots.
• Focus on your unique angle: beginner’s journey, scratch golfer tips, course reviews, or trick shots.
• Post consistently for 1–2 years to build an engaged audience.
• Experiment with content types: short swing tips, funny moments, challenges, unboxings, and vlogs.

Gear Needed

• Smartphone or camera with clear video quality
• Tripod or stabilizer for stable shots
• Basic video editing software like CapCut, iMovie, or Adobe Premiere
• Optional: affordable rangefinder or phone mount to capture swings

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Flexible schedule, scalable income, creative freedom, potential sponsorships.
• Cons: Income can be inconsistent early, growing a following takes time and patience.

Pro Tip

Focus on relatable, fun, or humorous content rather than trying to play like a pro. Audiences connect with personality and authenticity more than perfect swings. Even small, funny clips can go viral and attract brand partnerships.

6. Work a Part-Time Job at a Golf Course

One of the simplest ways to make money playing golf is to work part-time at a golf course.

These jobs offer steady pay, networking opportunities, and the biggest perk in golf: free or heavily discounted rounds.

This is ideal for retirees, students, or anyone with a flexible schedule, effectively saving you the money you’d spend on green fees while earning an income.

Positions to Look For

• Pro Shop Staff: Handle the counter, book tee times, and assist customers.
• Starter or Ranger: Manage the flow of golfers on the first tee and out on the course.
• Beverage Cart Driver: Social role with the potential for good tips while serving golfers on the course.
• Course Maintenance Crew: Work outdoors helping keep the course in pristine condition.

Pay and Realistic Earnings

Most positions pay $15 to $25 per hour. Some roles, like cart or beverage service, may include tips. The real financial advantage is access to free or discounted golf, lessons, or equipment, which can be worth thousands annually for avid players.

Requirements

• Basic golf knowledge is helpful
• Customer service skills and reliability
• Some roles may require prior experience, but many provide on-the-job training

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Steady income, free or discounted golf, opportunities to build relationships with club members, and exposure to coaching or teaching possibilities.
• Cons: Early hours, physically demanding tasks, and modest initial pay compared to other golf income streams.

Pro Tip

Before accepting a position, ask about free-play benefits, lesson discounts, or staff tournaments. These perks can greatly increase the overall value of your role beyond just hourly pay.

7. Get a Retail Job at a Golf Store

If you’re a gear-head who loves talking about the latest drivers and putters, a part-time job at a golf retail store is a perfect way to make money in golf.

It’s flexible, steady work, and you get to be surrounded by the sport you love.

One of the biggest perks is the employee discount, which can save you a significant amount on your own equipment.

Where to Apply

• Golf Galaxy
• PGA TOUR Superstore
• Dick’s Sporting Goods (golf department)
• Local pro shops or independent golf stores

Job Overview

• Helping customers select clubs, apparel, and accessories
• Managing inventory and organizing displays
• Occasionally assisting with club fittings
• Learning about the latest golf gear while earning money

Pay Range and Perks

Entry-level positions usually pay between $12 and $20 per hour. Staff discounts can range from 20–40% off clubs, golf balls, and apparel. Flexible schedules make these roles ideal for students, weekend golfers, or anyone building a golf-related side hustle.

Combine with Practice

Some stores have demo ranges or testing areas where you can practice while working or evaluating equipment. Retail jobs can also be scheduled around your personal golf time.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Steady pay, flexible hours, employee discounts, exposure to new golf products, and networking opportunities for coaching or tournaments.
• Cons: Busy weekends and holidays, income is hourly and won’t scale like content creation or tournament winnings.

Pro Tip

Use your retail role as a way to combine work and golf practice. Learning product details and fitting techniques can also help if you decide to teach lessons or start a social media golf channel.

8. Caddy for Local Clubs or Tournaments

Caddying is a traditional and reliable way to make money playing golf.

It’s ideal for golfers who enjoy being on the course, learning strategy, and interacting with other players.

You don’t need to be a pro, but knowing the game well helps you provide real value.

Types of Caddying

• Casual Caddies: Assist members at local clubs during weekend rounds. Focus on guidance, pace of play, and etiquette.
• Professional/Tournament Caddies: Work at tournaments or with high-level players. May involve travel and carrying multiple players’ bags, plus providing advanced strategy support.

Where to Find Caddie Gigs

• Private Country Clubs: Highest-paying caddie jobs. Contact the Caddie Master about their program.
• High-End Resort Courses: Many premier public resorts have caddie programs for guests.
• Amateur Tournaments: Local and regional amateur tours often need reliable caddies for competitive events.

Pay and Realistic Earnings

Casual caddies typically earn $50 to $100 per round, while professional or tournament caddies can earn $150 or more per round, plus tips. Top caddies at major tournaments can make hundreds in a single day depending on the event and players’ winnings.

Requirements

• Good physical condition
• Knowledge of golf rules and etiquette
• Excellent communication skills
• Some clubs may require references or prior experience

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Immediate pay, free access to courses, networking opportunities with serious golfers, and insider knowledge of the game.
• Cons: Physical work can be demanding, and income can fluctuate depending on rounds booked or tournament schedules.

Pro Tip

Build rapport with golfers to become a repeat caddie. Strong relationships lead to bigger tips and regular work, turning caddying into a dependable income source alongside other golf side hustles.

9. Start an Equipment Sales & Reselling Side Hustle

If you know your way around golf equipment and have an eye for a good deal, you can turn that knowledge into a profitable business.

Flipping, repairing, and fitting golf clubs for other players is a practical way to make money in golf.

Top Reselling and Service Ideas

• Club Flipping: Find undervalued or used brand-name golf clubs at garage sales, flea markets, or on Facebook Marketplace. Clean them up and resell for a profit on platforms like eBay or golf-specific forums.
• Club Repair & Customization: Offer services like re-gripping clubs, adjusting lofts and lies, or re-shafting drivers. These are skills you can learn online, and you can operate a small business from your garage.
• Certified Club Fitter: Get certified to work with golfers using launch monitors and other technology to help them find the perfect equipment. You earn commissions on the clubs they buy, making this a higher-end venture.

How It Works

Buy used clubs on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or at local garage sales. Resell individually or as sets after cleaning, refurbishing, or minor repairs. Offering fitting or adjustment services can further increase the value before selling.

Startup Cost

You can start small with $100–$500 for initial inventory. Focus on popular brands like Titleist, Callaway, or TaylorMade. As you learn the market, profits can scale quickly.

Realistic Earnings

Earnings are highly variable. Casual club flippers may make a few hundred dollars a month, while skilled club repair experts or sought-after fitters can earn a full-time income of $500 to over $5,000 per month.

You can check out our full guide on the best places to sell used golf clubs to get started.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Flexible schedule, scalable income, ability to combine with other golf activities, and gaining insider knowledge of equipment trends and pricing.
• Cons: Requires storage space, some initial investment, and a learning curve for identifying high-demand items. Shipping and handling can add complexity if selling online.

Pro Tip

Learn to properly clean and refinish used clubs. Polishing, regripping, and minor repairs can significantly increase resale value. Take high-quality photos and write honest, detailed descriptions to attract buyers and maximize profit.

10. Invest in a Golf-Related Business or Franchise

For golfers with capital to invest, franchising or investing in golf-related businesses can be a high-reward way to make money playing golf.

Popular concepts like TopGolf and Dryvebox combine entertainment, golf practice, and food & beverage services.

Franchise and Business Opportunities

• TopGolf Franchise: A leader in golf entertainment, TopGolf offers franchise opportunities to bring their popular driving range and social venue to new locations.
• Dryvebox: A modern and unique franchise, Dryvebox offers a mobile golf simulator built into a trailer, allowing you to bring the golf experience to parties, corporate events, and private lessons.

Investment Required

This path is for serious investors only. The initial investment for these types of franchises is substantial, typically ranging from $100,000 for a mobile business like Dryvebox to over $2 million for a brick-and-mortar entertainment venue. While the potential return can be a full-time, high-level income, it requires significant capital and business experience.

Realistic ROI and Considerations

• Overview: Investors can own or co-own a location, earn profits from customer play, events, and concessions, and benefit from an established brand. Franchises often provide training, operational support, and marketing guidance.
• Startup Cost: Investment varies widely depending on brand, location, and facility size, typically $100,000 to $2 million.
• Realistic ROI: Franchises can generate solid returns if well-managed, but plan for multi-year horizons before substantial profits. Location, demand, and marketing effectiveness are key.
• Pros: Access to an established brand, multiple revenue streams (play, food & beverage, events), and being part of a golf-centered community.
• Cons: High upfront costs, ongoing franchise fees, and operational responsibilities. This is not a passive income stream.
• Pro Tip: Seek franchises with strong marketing and operational support. Take advantage of training programs and local networking to maximize customer engagement and profits.

11. Become a Freelance Golf Writer

If you love golf and have a talent for writing, you can make money in golf by covering the game as a freelance golf writer.

From tournament coverage and player profiles to equipment reviews and travel guides, the golf world is full of publications, blogs, and brands that need quality content.

Your unique perspective as a golfer is a valuable asset.

Where to Find Golf Writing Gigs

• Major Golf Publications: Competitive, but sites like Golf.com and Golf Digest often work with freelance writers. Look for “Write for Us” or “Contact” pages.
• The Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA): Joining the GWAA is a great way to network and discover professional writing opportunities.
• Start Your Own Blog or Newsletter: Platforms like WordPress or Substack let you launch your own golf content. Monetize through ads, affiliate links for equipment, sponsorships, or premium content. Building a loyal audience takes time, but can become a reliable income stream.

Realistic Earnings

Pay varies depending on the publication and article type. Freelance posts range from $50 for a short blog post to over $400 for well-researched features. Successful golf bloggers can earn a full-time income by combining revenue streams like ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Flexible schedule, scalable income, opportunity to establish authority in the golf world, and a creative outlet for your passion.
• Cons: Income may be inconsistent initially, and building a freelance portfolio or blog audience requires effort. Competition for paid writing gigs is strong.

Pro Tip

Pitch articles to multiple outlets and focus on unique angles such as local course reviews, simulator golf tips, or beginner guides. If starting a blog, create content that answers common golfer questions to attract organic traffic and grow your audience faster.

Golf Income Opportunities Comparison

Method	Skill Level	Startup Cost	Income Potential	Time Commitment
Mystery Shopping	Beginner	$0	$50–$100/round	Part-time
Simulator Golf	Intermediate	$130/event	$0–$90K+	Flexible
Teaching	Intermediate	$500–$2,000	$50–$200/hr	Flexible
Tournaments	Advanced	$500–$2,000	$0–$20K+/yr	Full-time
Social Media	Any	$200–$1,000	$0–$100K+	Part-time
Course Jobs	Beginner	$0	$15–$25/hr	Part-time
Caddying	Beginner	$0	$50–$150/round	Part-time
Retail Jobs	Beginner	$0	$15–$20/hr	Part-time
Reselling	Any	$100–$500	$500–$5K/mo	Flexible
Writing	Intermediate	$0	$50–$400/article	Part-time
Franchising	Advanced	$100K–$2M	$50K–$500K/yr	Full-time

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Turning Your Hobby into a Paycheck

You don’t have to be a PGA Tour pro to make money from your passion for golf.

As you can see, there are over a dozen real, achievable ways for average golfers to turn their time on the course into a legitimate side hustle.

Forget the dream of making millions. Focus on the realistic opportunities.

The best place to start is to pick one of the low-risk methods from this list, like becoming a mystery shopper or getting a part-time job at a local pro shop.

Your next round of golf could be the one that ends with you making money instead of spending it.