According to clubmaker Garry Beaton, golfers are starting to recognize
the value of a customized club. During the late '90s, explains Beaton, golfers
began to realize that they were paying outrageous prices for brand-name clubs
that didn't improve their game. "[Golfers] began to see custom-made golf equipment
in a different light," he says.
Regardless of a growing market, it's not easy to land a job in this field.
Clubmaker James Brown says it's a very competitive industry. Most people golf
casually and buy budget clubs off the shelf.
"They just spend $20...to get one, and if it works for them, it's fine.
If it doesn't, they throw it away. It's the person who's technically inclined
and who wants to do it right that will seek a clubmaker," he says.
He adds, however, that those who are good at the trade will do well with
the people who are willing to fork out money for quality clubs.
However, people who make it big in this business are few and far between.
Financial success in golf clubmaking takes time, energy and stellar marketing
tactics. If you've got these things, you're set. But if you don't, your income
will likely hover around minimum wage while you work for those who've made
it to the top.
Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is
not available for this field at this time.