A degree in golf management may sound odd, but more students become interested in the program as the sport gains more popularity. There are several colleges that offer degree programs in golf management, including Ferris College, and Clemson. The PGA sanctions the golf management program. The golf management program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in business with a major in marketing. The golf management degree program is one of the most specialized business degree programs. The students study the game of golf as well as golf marketing, and the business of golf. The professional golf management degree program includes five semesters of work in an internship program, which alternates with on-campus study. The internship program gives students the chance to gain on-the-job experience at a golf facility working with a PGA-certified professional.         

Fifty percent of the overall study in the golf management degree program is in business, 30 percent are general studies and 20 percent are courses related to golf management. At Ferris College there is an on-campus 18-hole golf course that is managed by a member of the PGA, and is used as a laboratory for professional golf management students. As with all degree programs, there are certain criteria students must meet before enrolling in the professional golf management program.  The PGA sets the minimum requirements for students entering the golf management program. For most universities and colleges the limit for professional golf management employees is 300 students. The number of openings each semester depends directly on how many students graduate from the program the previous semester. There are also GPA requirements that are set by individual universities, and a golf handicap of 12 or lower are required to enter the program. Admissions to the golf management program go to the most qualified students first, and students are only allowed to enter in the fall. If students are transferring, they must meet the university’s transfer requirements and are not allowed to have more than 45 applicable credits.          

Some universities have developed more stringent processes of enrollment due to growing popularity of the program. The enrollment process weighs all applicants’ GPA’s and golf handicaps before placing the enrollees. Therefore, meeting the minimum GPA requirements will not guarantee acceptance into a university’s professional golf management program. The handicap of the enrollee must also be proven with documentation. Documentation of the student’s handicap and be provided by a copy of a handicap card, a letter from a PGA Golf Professional or golf coach, and a completed golf score verification form. If students can’t provide proper documentation, they may be allowed to complete a Playing Ability Test (PAT).

After graduating from the professional golf management program, graduates will find a great professional career awaiting them. A professional golfer must have more than just a powerful drive and accurate putting. A golf professional must have knowledge of business operations, golf course maintenance, golf club repair, and organization of golf events. It is particularly important for a golf professional to have a knowledge of business, if they’re going to handle marketing, merchandising, accounting and management. The professional golf management program educates future golf professional to meet the high demands of the golf industry.

Upon completion of all PGA requirements, the students will receive the PGA/PGM designation on their graduation diploma as well as a Class A membership into the PGA. The professional golf management program can give many students the knowledge and drive they need to become a golf professional, and to expand the game of golf even further. Students enrolled in the program will gain knowledge of the game of golf as well as knowledge of business.