Professional Golf Management
Click here to view the NEW Cal U PGM program website!
View NEW PGM 2009 Brochure Here
The Professional Golf Management (PGM) program at California University has just started its fourth year on campus and we are anxiously looking forward to graduating our first cohort of students this coming summer. Professional Golf Management is a track in Sport Management Studies. This program will lead the student to a variety of career opportunities in the golf industry, in addition to eventually affording the student the opportunity to obtain a “Class A” PGA Membership. Graduating seniors have already secured final internships at some of the world’s finest resorts, clubs and organizations across the country including Pinehurst Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, The Breakers, and The International Junior Golf Tour (IJGT). Underclassmen are also aquiring similar high profile positions all across the country, preparing them to be among the golf industry's elite.
Our new PGM website will be activated in the coming weeks and we encourage you to check back with us to learn more about activities occurring in the classroom, on the golf course, at internship and within the community.
Why Choose Professional Golf Management?
The PGM program leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Management, with a concentration in Professional Golf Management with a minor in Business Administration. The program is currently seeking accreditation by the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America. Alternating with on-campus study, the program includes five semesters or 16 months of internship. Within the internship component, students gain on-the-job experience at golf facilities which employ PGA Professionals. About 50% of the overall study in the PGM program is in business, 30% in general studies and 20% in courses related to golf management.
California University PGM STAR Academy
Gallagher Hall is the home of the PGM program and we have one of the best collegiate training facilities in the country. The PGM program continues to expand and enhance the PGM Student Teaching and Research (STAR) Academy, which allows students the opportunity to work on all phases of their game ranging from the physical to mental aspects. The PGM STAR Academy includes a 1200 sq. foot putting and chipping green, club repair and fitting stations, and a fitness and conditioning center. The main attraction is the simulator room in which the PGM program uses a golf simulator manufactured by About Golf, which enables us to not only work on the students game, but also to play several courses from around the world. Finally, the V-1 computer analysis system is available to help the students improve their golf game as they prepare for the PAT.
Get a Great Job
The life of a golf professional requires more than a powerful drive and accurate putting. A career in this field requires knowledge of business operations, teaching, golf course maintenance, golf club repair and organization of golf events. Knowledge of business is particularly important to the golf professional who, in addition to being able to teach the game, is expected to handle marketing, merchandising, accounting and management.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
PGM Concentration
Degree Requirements Total = 124 HOURS
Overview
Classes in the PGM Track are taught by certified PGA Class A golf professionals with advanced degrees. Students elect a sequence of courses emphasizing golf fundamentals, golf education and coaching, tournament organization, golf shop management, merchandising, and business management.
The BS in Sport Management Studies, PGM concentration, curriculum consists of 124 credit hours usually completed in 8 semesters. Graduates of the program are also required to complete General Education requirements. A suggested schedule for each semester follows the admission requirements. Descriptions of each course or requirements can be found by following the appropriate link.
Admission Requirements
As a Freshman Student:
Academic Entrance Requirements:
- Minimum 80 high school golf average
- 3 units of English
- 3 units of Social Science
- 2 units of Math (course I & II)
- 2 units of Science (Biology is required).
- Use 950 SAT or 19 ACT as an indicator (not required)
- On campus interview strongly recommended.
Playing Ability Requirements:
In order to be considered for admission, applicants must have a 12 handicap or less, verified by a PGA Golf Professional or high school coach. Students in the PGM Concentration must also pass the PGA's Playing Ability Test (PAT) by graduation in order to pursue full PGA membership. The PAT is a 36-hole tournament in which the participant must score a maximum of 15 above the course rating.
Note:
Freshman applicants that do not meet the minimum academic entrance requirements for the BS degree may be offered admission to the pre-program. A campus interview is required for students offered this option. A faculty/staff panel following the campus interview will determine admission. Students offered acceptance as pre-program students, must achieve a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative average by the end of their first year and be recommended by the faculty for unconditional acceptance into the Sport Management Program / PGM concentration.
- A 2.5 cumulative GPA (grade point average) required.
- Transfer only 'C' level course work or better.
- A letter of recommendation from a PGA Golf Professional supporting the candidate's admission.
- Mandatory on-campus interview.
Internship Opportunity
One of the most exciting elements of the Professional Golf Management Program is the internship component. Opportunities exist at public, private, municipal and military golf facilities, as well as organizations such as PGA Section Offices, an amateur or professional tournament series, or a golf equipment manufacturer. The internships are an invaluable opportunity for students to apply classroom theory to the practical applied skills necessary to acquire “Class A” PGA Membership. During their college careers, our students complete a total of sixteen months of internships over four summers. Furthermore, the internships help students:
1. Develop individual ideas and philosophies relating to Professional Golf Management which can be utilized through a vast number of career paths under PGA Classification.
2. Analyze situations and make decisions with little supervision
3. Appreciate the complexities of working in golf management operations
4. Understand how organizational responsibilities are managed in the golf industry environment
5. Acquire the skill sets needed to complete the PGA’s Professional Golf Management Program
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