About the Program
The Penn State PGA Professional Golf Management Program offers you the benefits of a small program within a large university setting - the best of both worlds! Penn State offers you choices and the opportunity to be a part of something special. This is your time to experience new opportunities. At Penn State, you will form a network of friends that will carry through your adult life - and whether you apply for a job in California or Pennsylvania, you can count on the Penn State recognition and our tradition of success.
- PGA Professional Golf Management Education
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In addition to the general education courses, such as math, English, public speaking, and science, the PGA Professional Golf Management Program curriculum requires completion of the Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management core and five internships. To further prepare you for a career in professional golf management, several courses with a strong business focus are required. These courses are designed to help you be successful in a number of fields related to the golfing industry, including head golf professional, general manager, teaching professional, golf coach, tournament director, sales or marketing specialist with a major golf manufacturer, or an owner of a golf shop, practice facility, or golf course.
In addition to the courses that you will take, Penn State offers world-class facilities, internship opportunities, career placement assistance, and scholarships. We look forward to meeting you and hope you will schedule a visit.
With the completion of the academic program each you will receive a bachelor of science (B.S.) in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management with an option in PGA Professional Golf Management. Because of the number of business courses required, you can complete the business minor without any additional time on campus.
- Admission Requirements
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Students seeking admission to the PGA Golf Management option must meet all the University entrance requirements and present evidence of a playing proficiency reflected in a handicap of 12 or lower. Verification may be confirmed by a member of the PGA or a High School Golf Coach. Please complete the PGA Golf Management Handicap Verification Form.
Students are admitted directly into the PGA Golf Management program, which is offered only at Penn State University Park. Transfer students are encouraged to apply. Admission into the PGA Golf Management program is competitive; therefore, we encourage you to apply as early as possible. To obtain an application, contact the Penn State Undergraduate Admissions office.
- Steps to PGA Membership
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PGA/PGA Golf Management Requirements
Integrated into the curriculum, the PGA Professional Golf Management program will allow students to be elected as members of the PGA of America upon completion of all three (3) levels of the program, including passing the PAT and completing the required internship experiences. Courses include:
- Business Planning and Operations
- Analysis of the Swing
- Merchandising and Inventory Management
- Tournament Operations
- Rules of Golf
- Golf Club Design and Repair
- Career Enhancement
- Golf Car Fleet Management
- Golfer Development
- Food and Beverage Operations
Nationally recognized members of the PGA of America will also conduct a series of seminars on campus annually to supplement your education and share trends in the golf industry.
Once you have completed Penn State's academic requirements, passed the PGA Program examinations, passed the PGA of America’s Playing Ability Test (PAT), completed the necessary months of the on-the-job experience, and are eligibly employed, you may apply for membership to the PGA of America.
- Playing Ability Test
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The Playing Ability Test (P.A.T.) is a 36-hole, PGA sanctioned event necessary to complete before becoming a PGA Member. In order to pass the 36-hole PAT, you must achieve a 36-hole score within 15 shots of the course rating. For example, if the course rating is 72, the target score for the 36-holes would be 159 (72x2=144 +15=159). Because the PGA considers the ability to play the game of golf with a high degree of proficiency as vital for membership, all Penn State PGA Professional Golf Management students are required to pass this proficiency test prior to graduation from the university.