Posted by abpgapro
I applied for a golf sales position in a new store that is opening in Tampa in early 2014. I feel that I have been discriminated against based on my age. I just turned 58; I am a Certified PGA Professional (less than 5% of the 28,000 PGA Professionals are 'certified' in the career paths offered by the PGA). I have 4 certifications...most PGA Professionals who have taken the opportunity to become educated in the the certification program are certified in one program...I am certified in four (General Management, Golf Operations, Retail & Instruction). I am also a Air Force Veteran, spending 37 yrs working around the world to support our troops (Germany, Italy, Guam, Panama, and other stateside bases. In the reply from Dick's, they said that the company cannot even enter discussions with me...are you kidding? I was the one of the highest trained PGA Golf Manager's working for the government, always responsible for taking new programs where I was assigned to new levels of financial success and customer service. If it is playing ability and instruction you are after, I am an excellent instructor, accomplished player (10 holes-in one, 3 course records, over 100 tournament victories of various magnitude to include playing in the 1977 US Amateur, winning the North Dakota State Amateur qualifier, 1991 & 93 Rep of Panama National Champion, etc..... I have taught over well 2500 private lessons, clinics, classes, etc... Not even an interview.....???? Good grief!
