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PGA Golf Management Core Requirements & CoursesThe business administration major with a concentration in PGA Golf Management prepares students to secure entry-level positions in the golf industry. It provides students the opportunity to pursue a career as a golf professional in the private or public sector, resort or corporate golf structure, administration, club management, turf management or industry representative (sales). Future study in graduate school is possible in business administration, marketing, and related fields.
The marketing major with a concentration in professional golf management (PGM) provides students the opportunity to pursue a career as golf professional involved in or responsible for the development, pricing, promotion, distribution and delivery of products, services and programs related to the golf industry. Potential areas of employment include all entry-level positions in the private or public sector, resort or corporate golf structure, administration, club management, or turf management. Future study in graduate school is possible in business administration, marketing, and agronomy.
Type of degree awarded: B.A., B.S.
Accreditation: Methodist University is one of 19 colleges in the nation to offer PGA Golf Management that is accredited by the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA). This accreditation requires students to successfully complete the Playing Ability Test (PAT) and Levels 1, 2 and 3 of PGA Golf Management.
Requirements for the major in Business Administration: 51 s.h. - 15 s.h. of Reeves School of Business foundation courses (ACC 251 and 253; and ECO 216, 261 and 262); 24 s.h. of business major requirements (BUS 225, 332, 343, 352, 450 and 470; ECO 311; and MKT 351), and 12 s.h. of electives in business, financial economics, accounting, marketing, or any concentration that may be attached to the major in Business Administration (Resort Management, Health Care Administration, PGA Golf Management and Professional Tennis Management). An elective may count toward only one major. All Business Administration majors must take college algebra (MAT 105) or pre-calculus (MAT 113).
Requirements for the major in Marketing: 51 s.h. - 15 s.h. of Reeves School of Business foundation courses (ACC 251 and 253; and ECO 216, 261 and 262); 24 s.h. of Marketing major requirements (BUS 225, 332, 343, 352, 470; and MKT 351, 390, and 470; and 12 s.h. from the following approved electives (BHC 330; MKT 345; 360. 380, 384, 400, 410, 420, 430, 460, 485, 499; COM 331, 341, or 353; ECO 311). All Marketing majors must take college algebra (MAT 105) or pre-calculus (MAT 113).
The PGA Golf Management concentration: 38 s.h. -21 s.h. of PGM foundation courses (201, 202, 301, 304, 401, 430 and 485); 2 s.h .of PGM seminars (195, 196, 295, 296, 395, 396, 495 and 496); 3 s.h. of PGM internships 170, 270, 370, and 12 s.h. of 470. Students in the PGM program are exempt from the Physical Education activity core requirement; however, they must complete WEL 101.
No minor or AA subject concentration is available.
Writing-Enrichment Course: PGM 404
Computer Intensive Course: BUS 225
Course Descriptions
201 & 202 INTRODUCTION TO GOLF
MANAGEMENT (3 s.h.)
An overview of opportunities and responsibilities in the golf profession;
PGA history, purpose, and constitution; interpersonal skills; ball
flight laws, principles, and professional terminology; golf car
fleet management, rules of golf, tournament operations, customer relations, and golf club performance. Co-requisite/pre-requisite for all PGA Golf Management
courses. Open to PGA Golf Management students only. This course
if offered every fall semester.
170, 270, 370 INTERNSHIP
(1 s.h. each)
Experiential learning in all aspects of golf management acquired
through a twelve-week internship at a golf facility. The student
is assigned duties and responsibilities approved by the faculty
member and PGA professional at the site. Supervision and evaluation
is conducted by the faculty member and the on-site professional.
Written reports and evaluations are required at the completion of
each phase of instruction. Placement is made by the PGA Golf Management
faculty member in consultation with the student. A minimum cumulative
GPA of 2.0 is required for each internship. This course is offered
every summer semester. PGM 170 prerequisite: PGM 204; PGM 270 prerequisite:
PGM 170; PGM 370 prerequisite: PGM 270.
195, 196, 295, 296, 395,
396, 495, 496 SEMINAR (.5 s.h. each)
Information and knowledge acquired through supervised participation
in formal seminars taught jointly by college instructors and PGA
officials and CEO's of leading business. Resumes are required for
attendance. Topics include teaching; rules; club fitting and repair;
club management policies and procedures; golf car use, repair, and
maintenance; merchandising; turf management; and golf computer operations.
A minimum of 4 seminars are required for graduation/one per year.
Pass/fail course.
301 INTERMEDIATE GOLF INSTRUCTION & PERFORMANCE (3 s.h.)
The course is an in-depth study of the physics and geometry of the
golf swing, the angles created, centrifugal and centripetal forces,
and the sciences that are involved in the golf swing. This course
if offered every spring semester.
302 AGRONOMY AND TURF
GRASS MANAGEMENT (3 s.h.)
This class is an introduction to turfgrasses and maintenance procedures
necessary for meeting modern golf course playability standards.
The focus is communicating with golf course superintendents and
the customers about regular practices. Lectures and laboratory classes
study basic plant physiology, turfgrass identification, cultural
practices, fertility requirements, Integrated Pest Management strategy
and environmental concerns related to effective golf course management.
Human resource, financial, and governmental issues are also discussed.
This course is offered every fall semester.
304 FACILITY MANAGEMENT
(3 s.h.)
The management, marketing and accounting of the various types of
golf operations: private, public, and resort. Topics include the
importance of and steps involved in business planning, financial
forecasting, and budgeting. The class will also focus on hiring
and evaluating employees; wage and hour laws and employment laws.
This course is offered every fall. Required for sophomores. Pre-requisites:
PGM 204.
401 ADVANCED TEACHING METHODS & CLUB FITTING
(3 s.h.)
The sciences applied to the golf swing, causes and effects; laws,
principles and preferences of a model swing; professional terminology
for golf teachers; learning styles and practices; private and group
lessons; and the importance of directed practice, drills, and teaching
aids. Lab requirement: students must teach a five series lesson
program to an assigned student. A foundation course covering the golf professional's ability to
custom fit and merchandise equipment. The course includes a practicum
in club fitting and a "hands on" approach to club repair. This course is required during the sophomore year and
is offered every spring semester. Prerequisites: OCL 151. This course
is offered every spring semester.
402 GOLF SHOP OPERATIONS
(3 s.h.)
An in-depth study of the business of golf. Aspects of managing the
business of golf including supervising and delegating as well as
merchandising and inventory control will be covered. Students will
learn how to develop and maintain a high performance work environment
and techniques for motivating staff, delegating assignments, and
managing performance problems. Other topics will include open-to-buy
plans, merchandise assortment plans, vendor relations, inventory
management and merchandise display and promotion. This course is
offered every spring. Required for juniors. Pre-requisites: PGM
204 & PGM 304.
430 FOOD AND BEVERAGE
MANGEMENT (3 s.h.)
The main function areas of the food and beverage operation. The
course includes the procurement, preparation, yield, and sale of
food and beverage. A minimum of 4 weeks of internship or lab experience
is required. This course is offered every fall and spring semester.
485 FINAL EXPERIENCE - PGA PORTFOLIO (1-3 s.h.)
In depth study of a specific area of the golf industry as it relates
to the golf professional. Prerequisite: permission of the department
head. This course is offered as needed.
470 INTERNSHIP (12 s.h.)
PGM 470 is a 7 month internship after all academic requirements
are met. It is the final work experience that blends all classroom
academic learning with the everyday practical application of the
golf business. All graduation requirements must be met prior to
registering for PGM 470. This is a pass/fail grade.
499 INDEPENDENT STUDY
IN PROFESSIONAL GOLF MANAGEMENT (1-3 s.h.)
An opportunity for a well-qualified PGA Golf Management student
to engage in a special research project. Requires approval by the
faculty advisor, supervising professor, and the department head,
before approval by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Credit
to be determined.
