6 Benefits of Pursuing a Golf Degree in College

If you’re passionate about golf, why not consider turning that enthusiasm into a rewarding career? After all, you don’t necessarily have to go pro to work in the golf business. From opportunities in coaching and course design to tournament management and beyond, there are plenty of exciting golf industry careers worth exploring. Not to mention, with increased interest and golf industry growth nationwide, it’s only anticipated that the demand for golf professionals will rise in the coming years.

How do you build the foundational skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in golf? The right degree program can make all the difference. Whether you’re interested in a degree at the associate or bachelor’s level, there are numerous benefits of a golf education from the right school.

Benefit 1: Comprehensive Understanding of the Golf Industry

For one, enrolling in a golf degree program gives you the opportunity to strengthen your knowledge of the industry as a whole. As part of a golf degree program, students may explore coursework in the history, rules, and traditions of golf that can help them develop a more comprehensive understanding of this sport.

Additionally, dedicated golf degree programs empower students to pursue the areas of the industry that most interest them. For example, if your long-term career goal is to work as a professional golf coach, a degree in golf teaching and learning can provide you with the career-focused coursework and hands-on experience necessary to become a better coach and instructor.

Meanwhile, if you’re more interested in golf course management, then you might pursue a specialized, professional golf management degree with dedicated coursework in venue management, facility operations, club management, and the business of golf.

Benefit 2: Improvement of Golf Skills and Techniques

Even if you’re not looking to join the ranks of professional golfers, you’d be hard-pressed to find any recreational golfer who wouldn’t like to improve their own skills. As part of a reputable golf degree program, you’ll have the opportunity to not just learn about the game and prepare for a career in golf — but also work on your own playing skills and build your confidence behind the tee. This is especially true if you enroll in a program where faculty members have proven experience on the course and are readily available to help you improve your technique hands-on. Whether you’re looking to drop a few strokes off your handicap or master your drawback, being immersed in a golf degree program can help you work toward your goals.

Benefit 3: Career Opportunities and Advancements

There exist ample golf career opportunities out there for those who possess the right skill set, dedication, experience, and education. With an undergraduate or even a graduate-level golf degree, you can open the doors of opportunity to pursue any number of fulfilling and exciting career paths in the golf industry, including:

Golf coach or instructor
Golf course designer
Golf writer
Golf retailer
Greenskeeper
Event/tournament planner

No matter where your precise interests lie, there’s likely to be a career path in golf that aligns with your skills and expertise. Some golf degree programs may even offer concentrations or electives that allow you to specialize your knowledge in a specific area of the field, which can better prepare you for entry into the workforce.

Benefit 4: Networking Opportunities

In a dedicated golf degree program, you’ll also enjoy opportunities for sports industry networking — helping you build meaningful connections that could lead to career advancement, new job prospects with a golf degree, and more. As part of your golf degree program, you can connect with both your classmates and fellow peers as well as instructors, employers, or potential strategic partners.

Some degree programs may even have partnerships with local golf courses or other facilities that offer internship opportunities or entry-level employment to students, which can have a positive impact on their career trajectory.

Benefit 5: Academic Knowledge and Business Acumen

If you have plans to run your own golf-related business, completing a golf degree program can offer a better understanding of golf business operations and business acumen in the sports industry. Whether you’re interested in sports management, marketing, retail, or any other industry niche, a golf degree program helps you build the foundational knowledge needed to successfully run a golf-related business.

Depending on the specific degree program you choose, you may even have the ability to complete dedicated coursework covering the business of golf, operations, management, accounting, and other important skills you’ll need to run a thriving business.

Benefit 6: Personal Development

Last but not least, being enrolled in a golf degree program helps you develop other transferable skills from golf and core competencies that could serve you well not only in your future career but also in your personal life. Completing a golf degree curriculum, for example, requires perseverance, discipline, and a strong sense of time management — all of which can transfer to other areas of your life.

In addition to golf-specific courses, many of these degree programs will include general education requirements, allowing you to grow and learn in areas like communication, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and beyond. Though these competencies may not be directly related to golf, they can prove invaluable in your future career as you work with others, tackle problems, and find creative ways to innovate in the industry.

Ready to Pursue a Career in Golf?

From deepening your understanding of the golf industry to building valuable skills and even improving your game, you stand to benefit from earning a golf degree in a variety of ways. The key, of course, is to find the degree program that’s ideal for you.

At Keiser University College of Golf, we’re proud to offer multiple golf degrees both online and on-campus, including our:

These career-focused programs are specifically designed to prepare students for fulfilling careers in golf through focused coursework, hands-on learning, and dedicated faculty support. Plus, with accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of Colleges (SACSCOC), you can rest assured that all our degree programs meet the high standards held by today’s industry employers. Get in touch to learn more or take the next step by applying.

Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.