Professional Golf Management
Professional Golf Management is beginning its third year as 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 certification. The PGM program recently opened the indoor golf complex, which allows the students the opportunity to work on all phases of the game: short-game to full-swing, including computer simulation and swing analysis. In addition, the PGM student will additionally be introduced to the golf industry by experiencing multiple internships at PGA recognized golf facilities.
Why Choose Professional Golf Management?
The PGM program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management, with emphasis on Professional Golf Management. The program is currently seeking accreditation by the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America. Alternating with on-campus study, the program includes five semesters of work in a cooperative education program. In the co-op program, you gain on-the-job experience at a golf facility working with a PGA-certified professional.
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 has developed a state of the art indoor golf training facility. We have six hitting stations, a golf simulator, a V-1 computerized golf swing analysis system and a practice putting and chipping green. In addition, three Class A PGA professionals will be available for the finer points in Player Development.
California University of PA PGM Indoor Golf Center
Gallagher Hall is the home of the PGM program and we have a fantastic facility as exists in the country. The complex includes a 1200 sq.ft. putting green, surrounded by a chipping turf in the main room and we also have six hitting cages. The main attraction is the simulator room in which the PGM program uses a golf simulator manufactured by Sentient sport, which enables us to not only work on the students game, but also to play several courses. 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 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 that is expected to handle marketing, merchandising, accounting and management, in addition to being able to teach the game.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
PGM Concentration
Degree Requirements Total = 120 HOURS
Overview
This concentration offers instruction for students being taught by PGA Golf Professionals. Students interested in this concentration must have a 10 handicap or less, verified by a PGA golf professional or high school coach. Students in this concentration must pass a Playing Ability Test (PAT) by the conclusion of their sophomore year in order to remain in the program. 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 120 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:
Applicants must have an 10 or less handicap verified by a PGA Golf Professional or high school coach to be considered for admission. Students in the PGM Concentration must pass a Playing Ability Test (PAT) by the end of their sophomore year in order to remain in the program. PGM certification and membership requires passing the PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT). The PAT is a 36-hole test conducted by the PGA 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 2.3 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.
As a Transfer Student
Academic Entrance Requirements:
- 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.
Playing Ability Requirements:
Applicants must have a 10 or less handicap certified by a PGAProfessional and/or College Coach.
Internship Opportunity
One of the key components of the Professional Golf Management Program is the internship opportunities which require each student to complete a total of 16 months of internship. The 16 months are achieved through five separate internships which require students to work under a “Class A” PGA Professionals at a minimum of three different types of facilities ranging from public, private, municipal and military golf facilities to organizations such as a PGA Section Office, 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. 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 the 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
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print PDF files. Click on the image below for free download.
