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Department and Course Descriptions

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Professional Golf Management  

Assistant Professor: Mr. Jones (PGM Director)

Instructor: Mr. Cox (Assistant PGM Director)

Requirements for a Major in Professional Golf Management (BBA) (CIP 52.0999)
ACCT 213; BADM 221, 300, 313, 320, 331, 332, 336, 441, 570; CIS 125; ECON 200; PGM 150, 155, 158, 160, 165, 190, 250, 255, 260, 290, 350, 355, 390, 450, four semesters of PGM 170, four semesters of PGM 270, incoming playing proficiency, PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT), Level 1 Checkpoint, Level 2 Checkpoint, Level 3 Checkpoint, eight PGM seminars.  PE 111 waived for PGM students.  

Professional Golf Management Course Listing (PGM 000)

PGM 150 – Introduction to Golf Management (3) 
An introductory course that provides an overview of golf industry employment, surveys the elements of the Professional Golf Management Program, examines the structure and function of the PGA of America, and reviews the history of golf. 

PGM 155 – Tournament Operations and The Rules of Golf (2)
A thorough examination of the golf professional’s role in supervising tournament operations; including calligraphy, fundraising, publicity, scoreboards, and the use of technology to enhance tournament management.  Students will develop a clear understanding of how to use the rule book by studying the rules definitions, The Rules of Golf, the Decisions on The Rules of Golf, and then applying the knowledge to make rules decisions.

PGM 158 – Introduction to Teaching  (2)
An introduction to the fundamental knowledge required for effective golf instruction.  Topics include the ball flight laws, pre-swing and in-swing principles, teacher preferences, terminology of golf instructors, learning styles, group lessons, and the importance of practice.  Students will learn how to develop clinics and other programs that meet the needs, interests, and concerns of juniors, women, and senior golfers.

PGM 160 – Golf Club Design, Repair, & Fitting (2)
A study of golf club design principles and the impact they have on ball flight.  Students perform the most common club repair procedures in a hands-on supervised setting.  Other topics include the primary factors and techniques for club fitting, factors that contribute to profitable club repair operations, and effective marketing approaches for a club repair business.

PGM 165 – Facility Operations (2)
An introduction to the key considerations involved in operating a golf facility including how budgeting, forecasting, and planning contribute to a profitable operation.  Students will learn how to develop, organize, and implement a profitable golf car rental program, incorporating safe, clean, and well-maintained golf cars that add to customers’ enjoyment.   

PGM 170 – Player Development (0.5)
Required for all new students and those that have not passed the PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT).  Emphasis on improving the playing skills of students by developing individualized plans in concert with video analysis, group short game instruction, supervised practice, and competition.  Students must pass the PAT to be released from subsequent semesters.  (Repeated for a minimum of 4 semesters.) 

PGM 250 – Turfgrass Management (2)
A course designed to increase awareness of the functions of the golf course maintenance department and the responsibilities of the golf course superintendent.  Lecture and laboratory classes include an in-depth study of turfgrass varieties, fertilizers, weeds, insects, pests, chemical usage, and maintenance procedures necessary to sustain playable conditions.  The focus is minimizing the impact of everyday maintenance practices through coordination with the superintendent and communication with the customer. Prerequisites: PGM 290.

PGM 255 – Swing Concepts of Teaching (2)
The course is designed to study the fundamentals of teaching the short game to individuals and groups.  Areas of the short game to be covered include putting, chipping, pitching, sand play, and specialty shots.  Other topics include exploring individual differences and special populations, physical training for golf, and developing a personal teaching philosophy. Prerequisites: PGM 290.  

PGM 260 – Golf Shop Operations (2)
A study of the golf shop as it relates to the merchandising function and staff supervision.  The ability to attract customers and increase merchandise sales will be explored through open-to-buy plans, merchandise assortment plans, pricing, vendor relations, markdowns, display, and promotions.  Other topics will expand understanding of effective staff supervision through communication of performance expectations, delegation of motivating work assignments, management of performance problems, and promoting your facility through effective written communication techniques. Prerequisites: PGM 290.

PGM 270 – Instructor Development (0.5)
Required for students that have passed the PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT).  The course is designed to apply the fundamental theories and concepts learned in Introduction to Teaching in a golf instruction environment.  Additional topics may include use of video technology, digital coaching systems, student learning styles, and differences in swing techniques.  (Repeated a minimum of 4 semesters.)  (Prerequisites: PGM 170 or Junior Standing).

PGM 290 – Golf Internship 2 (3)
A six-month internship designed to blend classroom education with practical application in the golf industry.  Students are responsible for completing experiential coursework mutually agreed upon between the supervising professional and PGM faculty.  Written assignments are due periodically over the internship.  At the end of the internship, the supervising professional and PGM faculty will complete an evaluation of the student. Prerequisites: PGM 160, 165, 170, 190 or instructor's approval.  

PGM 350 – Food & Beverage Management (2)
An in-depth study of how the food & beverage operation contributes to the profitability and success of the golf facility.  Components include a study of food costing, purchasing, inventory control, menu planning, security, staffing, service, and legal issues.  Classroom lectures will be supplemented with a four-week internship at local food and beverage facilities. Prerequisites: PGM 390.

PGM 355 – PGM Special Topics (2)
This course will assist students in completing elective and final experience requirements for the PGA education program.  Topics to be covered include Golf Course Design, Golf Facility Design, Golf Range Management, Caddie Program Management, and CPR/First Aid certification.  Current industry challenges will be explored and solutions presented to the problems.  Mock employment interviews will allow students to develop crucial communication skills required for advancement in the industry. Prerequisites: PGM 390.

PGM 390 – Golf Internship 3 (3)
A seven-month internship designed to blend classroom education with practical application in the golf industry.  Students are responsible for completing experiential coursework mutually agreed upon between the supervising professional and PGM faculty.  Written assignments are due periodically over the internship.  At the end of the internship, the supervising professional and PGM faculty will complete an evaluation of the student. Prerequisites: PGM 250, 255, 260, 270, 290 or instructor's approval.         

PGM 450 – Golf Facility Cases & Problems (2)
This comprehensive course examines case studies and problems presenting a challenge to the effective and efficient management of golf facilities.  Students will be asked to develop and present their solutions using all functional areas, and golf industry knowledge acquired through coursework and practical experience. Prerequisites: PGM 350, 355, 390.  

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