Alumni Spotlight: Caio Barbosa
Posted on January 20, 2020
Caio Barbosa graduated from the Professional Golfers Career College in 2012. Barbosa has gained success within the golf industry, both as a player and a professional. He is currently the Head Professional at the Olympic Golf Course, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Olympic Golf Course was stage to the 2016 Olympics golf tournament.
Caio Barbosa was born and raised in Brazil where he played soccer, tennis and golf in his youth. “My father and grandfather played golf, they helped and supported me through my career.” Barbosa began playing competitively young. “Playing international tournaments all around the world since I was 8 years old.” Barbosa explains. He gained success by the age of 13 reaching the number 1 ranking in Brazil for his age group. As an amateur golfer Barbosa was “ranked top 3 in the Brazilian National ranking.”
Barbosa moved to California where he discovered the Professional Golfers Career College. “I was living in California and drove by the school and walked in.” He felt it was destiny calling. “Since then, my life became great. I finally found my path.” Barbosa learned many great lessons during his time at PGCC. He built a foundation for success in the golf industry.
Barbosa shares the lessons he still utilizes to thrive. “Be patient and work hard, no matter what.” Another concept that was instilled at PGCC, “Be respectful to others. You never know who will be your boss.” Perhaps the most important lesson he took away from PGCC was “Never be late! Believe in yourself and your capacity to achieve anything you would like to achieve. No matter how big your dream is, don’t give up, never!”
Barbosa is appreciative of the staff at PGCC, “I am very grateful to the entire Staff of 2010-2012. Thank you all. Every single person of the staff helped me reach what I achieved today.” After he graduated, Barbosa turned professional and competed on the Golden State Tour in California. In his first tournament as a professional he finished third place with a final 5-under par. He moved back to Brazil and continued to play professionally.
Barbosa reached the pinnacle of success after securing the Head Professional position at the Olympic Golf Course in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. “Now that I turned Head Professional, my dream turned into reality.” The course was ranked the best course in Brazil by Golf Digest for 2018-2019. Along with being the Head Professional and coaching, Barbosa continues to play professional golf. He was “Ranked Top 10 in the Brazilian Professional Tour 2019.”
The most rewarding part about working in the golf industry for Barbosa is “Waking up everyday and knowing that I am going to a golf club for work.” Barbosa is living his dream and the foundation he built at PGCC helped him get there. “I tell everyone that PGCC is the best golf school they will find.” He states, “Your life becomes Golf after signing up at PGCC.”
Barbosa leaves you with these final thoughts, “Trust your instincts. Believe on yourself. Nothing is impossible to achieve. Work hard and be persistent. Be respectful to others.”
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