Getting a degree in golf management
Combining parts of business, marketing, sports management, and parks and recreation, the PGA golf management program offers students a career in the world of professional golf. Since 1996 nearly 8,000 students have graduated from one of the 20 universities offering the degree. Those 8,000 students were able to easily move from their education into their jobs, a process many recent college graduates struggle with. The PGA regulates the golf industry and since each of the 20 universities offering degrees in golf management are certified by the PGA, students can feel confident in the PGA’s claim of 100% job placement.
How it works
The golf management program is a combination of university classes and internships. Throughout their degree students get real world experience through internships. The degree takes between four and a half and five years to complete because students spend several semesters as interns. In order to graduate, students must pass the Playing Ability Test and the PGA checkpoint tests to ensure their prepared for a job in the industry. Getting such a wide background of skills and experiences makes graduates valuable to employers in the industry.
What does a golf manager do?
Upon completing their degree in golf management students become certified members of the PGA. This certification makes students eligible for different jobs throughout the golf industry. Students with degrees in golf management have gone on to work at golf courses and resorts, manage a retail golf store, and even work at PGA headquarters. Students who graduate with a degree in golf management combine their love for the game of golf, with the business skills necessary for a successful career in the golf industry.
Interested in a golf management program?
The PGA has certified 20 universities to offer a golf management program. Penn state, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and Florida State University are among the well-known colleges that currently offer the degree. The PGA certifies all 20 schools, but each school has different course requirements, so not every program is the exact same. Students in the golf management program are expected to develop solid academic skills outside of their major through general education requirements. Since the programs at each of the 20 universities are so focused on golf, students are able to develop a real sense of camaraderie with their classmates. “Most of my classes have at least 2-10 PGA students,” said Kai Aoki a student at UNLV’s golf management program “which makes for a very entertaining class.”.
Combining golf management with business and marketing
Business administration and marketing are two popular subjects commonly associated with golf management. Some programs require students to take classes in those areas while others allow students to pick up minors in them. The skills found in marketing and business classes are extremely useful in the field of golf management. The degree is sometimes even offered by business schools, allowing students to graduate with a business school degree as well as the certificate in golf management.
Golf management around the world
Students at the University of Birmingham have access to one of England’s most unique degrees. The golf management program at Birmingham defers from the US programs by offering students academic courses on theoretical sciences applied to golf. Students take courses from a mixture of subjects including physics, business, coaching, and equipment technology. Like their American counterparts, students in the Birmingham degree spend time working with the PGA. As students progress throughout the degree the take classes in event management, physiotherapy, and finance. Students who have completed the three-year program have gone to work at golf facilities around the world and in the UK, as well as obtaining Master’s degrees.
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