When Tim Baumer talks about his journey, you can immediately feel his passion – and his courage to rethink life. Half Swiss, half Swedish, and raised in the picturesque Saanenland, Tim has always been someone who explored different paths. For years, he worked as a chef in fine dining restaurants and spent his winters as a ski instructor on the slopes. But deep inside, another fire was always burning – his love for golf.

“Golf has always been my greatest passion,” says Tim. “At some point, I realized that no other profession fulfills me the way working in golf does.”
His dream of studying and playing college golf never came true, but his desire to share his enthusiasm with others grew stronger every year. The decisive moment came one day in a car, somewhere between a conversation and an insight: “A friend told me, sometimes you just have to take a leap – otherwise you’ll stay where you are. That was the moment I said to myself: Go for it!”

Today, Tim is in the middle of his training to become a Swiss PGA Professional – and he’s living what he loves. The switch from the hectic rhythm of a kitchen to life in the open air was a complete fresh start. Instead of pans and plates, his days are now filled with golf clubs, students, and the wind. “The biggest adjustment was definitely the constant interaction with people. At first, I almost felt like a psychologist,” he says with a smile. “But that’s exactly what makes it exciting – every student is different, every lesson is unique.”

Discipline, patience, and organization – skills he developed in gastronomy – now help him immensely. At the same time, he values the variety of the Swiss PGA training program, where theory, practice, and personal development go hand in hand. “The exchange with other professionals is incredibly inspiring. Everyone brings their own story and their own style,” says Tim. Even cold winter days on the practice range, he adds, are valuable experiences: “That’s part of it – and it makes you stronger.”

Tim’s goal is clear: in a few years, he wants to be a fully qualified Swiss PGA Professional, working at a facility where he can coach both recreational golfers and ambitious players. Looking further ahead, he’s also interested in contributing to the association itself – always with a focus on maintaining quality and professionalism.

For Tim, golf has long been more than just a sport. “It’s sport, vocation, and lifestyle all in one. Golf teaches me patience, focus, and passion – values that matter not only on the course, but in life as well.”

Looking Ahead – Swiss PGA Assessment Day 2025

While Tim is already on his path, the next generation of aspiring professionals is getting ready to take their first step. On November 5, 2025, the Swiss PGA will host its first-ever Assessment Day at Golfpark Holzhäusern.

The day serves as an entry point for new apprentices and offers insights into the Swiss PGA training program, including personal interviews, practical assessments, and golf-specific skill evaluations. The schedule features TrackMan swing analysis, discussions with instructors, and an introduction to the updated PGA training structure.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive – ten motivated candidates will take part in this year’s Assessment Day. For the Swiss PGA, it marks an important step in identifying and supporting talented new professionals – and perhaps among them is another future story like Tim Baumer’s.