Does Your Playing Ability ACTUALLY Matter? | The Whole Pro Podcast

In this episode of The Whole Pro Podcast, Jim Vernon and Virgil Herring tackle a question that every golf professional, assistant pro, instructor, and club leader has probably wrestled with: do you need to be a strong player to truly succeed in the industry? Virgil argues that playing ability still matters more than people want to admit. From credibility and coaching to member relationships and business growth, being able to play can open doors that go far beyond the scorecard. Jim brings the other side of it, drawing from years running a high-volume daily fee facility where staffing needs, long hours, and operational demands often made playing feel impossible. This conversation goes beyond golf swings and tournament resumes. Jim and Virgil get into: why playing can build trust with members and customers how different facilities value playing ability differently the hidden business value of being out on the course why time management is one of the biggest missing pieces in the golf industry how better scheduling and communication can create more sustainable careers for golf professionals They also share stories from their own careers, including lessons learned from private clubs, public facilities, elite coaching, and the challenge of balancing business demands with staying connected to the game itself. If you work in golf, want to work in golf, or care about the future of the profession, this is a conversation worth hearing. Presented by the Tennessee Section PGA. #GolfBusiness #PGAProfessional #GolfIndustry #GolfInstruction #TheWholeProPodcast #VirgilHerring #JimVernon