If you have played any type of sport you have probably dreamed of going pro, especially if you play a sport like football or baseball. But what if your passion is playing golf? How you go about becoming the next Arnold Palmer or Tiger Woods? After all they have done it so why not you? Well if you are serious about becoming a professional golf player, you should probably start like you would any career by going to school.
As with any degree choice there are several factors that determine which college and program is the best to achieve your goals. Naturally, the first thing is to find a college that offers your degree choice. There are several ways of finding a college that offers a degree in golf and with the aid of the internet it is easier than ever. With the aid of the internet not only can you find information on universities that offer golf, but golf websites that help with golf locations, vacations, stores, and tips on improving your game. For example, www.golflink.com offers it’s readers a variety of information about golf including a directory of golf courses by state and tee times. Another website that offers information on golf as well as a list of Top 25 Golf Schools in America is Golf.com. Although the internet is a great tool for finding information about schools for golf, if your goal is to earn a degree make sure that the school that you are considering is a accredited university and not a school for golf.
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Most golf universities and colleges are located in California, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida. The degree requirements are similar to any academic program and starts with passing the general education courses which includes english, mathematics, humanities, and science. General education courses are usually 24 credit hours and normally takes at least two years to complete. The remaining courses that you take depends on the degree that you enroll in.
There are several choices a golf major can pursue while perfecting their game. Keiser University offers an Associate of Science degree in Golf Management. A degree in Golf Management prepares students [for a variety of positions in the golf industry and prepares students provide golf instruction, manage golf course operations, ensure appropriate maintenance of golf facilities and equipment, as well as integrate the play of golf into the broader hospitality and recreation domain.] Another degree for golf professionals is offered at The Golf Academy of America is a Bachelor of Science in Golf Course Management. A [Bachelor’s Degree in Golf Course Management allows those who have completed a golf associate’s degree to “step up their game” in the business and management aspects that golf employers often seek in senior management personnel.] Golf majors also have the option of going for their masters’ or certification in areas such as Performance Psychology and Business Management specializing in Professional Golf Management.
Completing your degree will of course depend on whether you going full time or part time and which type of degree that you enrolled in. Associate degrees and certificates generally take two years to complete if you are enrolled as a full-time student. Bachelor’s degrees take a least four years to complete as a full-time student. Tuition for golf major can run anywhere from $7,200.00 to $8,945 per semester. “Tuition covers all daily golf-related activity, including: green fees, range balls, tournament fees, instructional clinics, and sometimes private lessons from our staff of PGA and LPGA professionals.” If needed there are several options to help you pay for your dream of becoming a golf pro.
In addition to financial aid and loans, some schools offer internships as well as work study programs. There are also several grants and golf scholarships available for college students including: the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Foundation (GCSAA) Scholarship, The Scotts Company Scholars Program, the James Watson Turfgrass Scholarship, the GCSAA Scholars Competition, and the GCSAA Student Essay Scholarship. Now that you have chosen your school and have an idea how you are going to pay for it, you are probably wondering how long it will take and what your schedule will look like.
As a golf major your courses will naturally include times on the golf course. Golf classes will be either in the morning or afternoon depending on school and schedule you have. Be prepared to spend at least five to seven days a week on the golf course either practicing or taking some sort of golf class. Academic classes will be taken mostly at night and in some instances on Saturday. Academic classes you have will depend on which program you are enroll in however they may include: golf history, golf traditions, various golf fundamentals such as the golf swing as well as how to play the game, golf course management, and several business courses related to golf hospitality. Another activity that you will want to participate during your time at college, is playing in tournaments.
All golf colleges and universities have opportunities for their golf majors to participate in tournaments. Tournaments “provide students with even more time on the greens, and to exercise their competitive edge.” It is also a great way for students to win scholarships and other prizes. Tournaments also great places for students to meet recruiters and other golf professionals, allowing them to not only play golf but to ask questions, make connections, and maybe even sign a contract with the PGA.
- “Golf Education Degree Program.” Professional Golf Schools. http://collegeofgolf.keiseruniversity.edu/curriculum.html (accessed July 10, 2014).
- “Golf Course Management Bachelor Online.” Bachelor`s Degree Online Golf Course Management, Online Degree Golf Course Management. http://www.golfacademy.edu /golf_course_management_career/bachelor_program_online.cfm (accessed July 10, 2014)
- “List of Golf Scholarships.” List of Golf Scholarships. http://scholarshipgolf.com/golf-scholarships-list.html (accessed July 10, 2014).
- “National University Golf Academy.” Online Golf Degrees and Certificate Programs. http://www.nugolfacademy.org/Our-Programs.html (accessed July 10, 2014).
- Professional Golfers Career College, . Professional Golfers Career College, “Tuition and Fees.” Last modified 2014. Accessed July 10, 2014. http://www.golfcollege.edu/index.php/admissions/tuition-a-fees.
