Six Benefits of a Golf Management Degree

Eager to reach the apex of your career in golf? Do you aspire to run your own golf course or even compete as a PGA professional? No matter where you envision yourself, a golf management degree can help build the career-ready skills needed to explore any number of golf career opportunities.

Over the years, golf management degrees have continued to grow in popularity and demand — not just among industry professionals but golf enthusiasts as well. 

What is a golf management degree, exactly, and what kind of curriculum and coursework does one of these programs entail? Learn more about this and the many potential benefits of earning a golf management degree below.

Benefit 1: Industry-Specific Skills

A golf management degree offers students a career-focused curriculum alongside the opportunity to develop practical skills they can take with them into their future work in the golf industry. For instance, these programs may include dedicated coursework on relevant topics such as:

Tournament operations
Course management
Golf instruction
Golf marketing
Golf performance development

Whether you are interested in pursuing a career as a golf instructor/coach, club manager, event coordinator, or any role in between — a golf management degree program can help you prepare with the skills and expertise that matter in today’s workforce. Unlike some other programs that prepare students for much narrower career paths, the skills gained in golf management are versatile enough to be applied to a wide range of golf industry roles.

Likewise, students in these programs enjoy plenty of opportunities to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom directly to the golf business. This practical, hands-on experience can be useful when seeking work in the field post-graduation.

Benefit 2: Professional Networking Opportunities

Students in a golf management program may also have the chance to build their professional networks while they’re still in school, allowing them to graduate with robust networks that they can leverage into exciting opportunities for golf industry internships and job placements. 

While no two programs are exactly alike, many golf management programs offer students a unique chance to meet industry leaders, faculty, and seasoned professionals who are ready and willing to share their industry insights and guidance. Meanwhile, students are encouraged to network with each other, building valuable relationships and camaraderie that can last beyond graduation.

Some schools that offer golf management programs may also host special networking events on campus, including job fairs or workshops where students can meet industry professionals and connect with others in the field. All of this, in addition to proactively attending industry events and associations, can give students advantages when it comes to finding mentorship, internship opportunities, and even jobs in the field after they complete their degree programs.

Benefit 3: Learn from Experienced PGA Professionals

One of the best ways to prepare for a career in the golf industry is to learn directly from people who have already built successful ones. In a strong golf management program, instructors bring more than classroom knowledge; they share real-world stories, lessons from the course, and insights that only come from years of professional experience. That kind of mentorship helps students connect what they learn in class to what actually happens in the field, whether it’s teaching a lesson, running a tournament, or managing a golf facility.

At Keiser University’s College of Golf, that level of experience is built into every part of the program. The faculty includes PGA Master Professionals and PGA members who have spent their careers teaching, competing, and leading in all areas of the game. Among them are David Wixson and Brian Hughes, both PGA Master Professionals, a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of PGA members worldwide. They’re joined by Brad Turner, Ken Martin, and Frank Longabucco, each a PGA Certified Professional, and PGA Professionals Donna White, John Callahan, and Nancy Quarcelino. Keiser University College of Golf faculty have deep backgrounds in instruction, player development, club operations, and a commitment and passion to sharing their knowledge of the game they love – GOLF!

Keiser University’s College of Golf faculty members take an extremely hands-on approach with their instruction. Students work closely with instructors who are on the range, in the swing lab, and out on the course with them, demonstrating techniques, analyzing performance, and helping students develop their own professional teaching styles. It’s an environment where students learn not just how to play or manage the game, but how to think and act like true golf professionals.

Benefit 4: Comprehensive Understanding of Golf Business

Although completing a golf management degree program could help you sharpen your game, it also goes beyond that to help students build a more thorough understanding of the business side of the golf industry. With dedicated coursework in such areas as golf marketing, HR, finance, and customer relations, students in these programs can build their business acumen and graduate with the practical skills needed to explore any number of fulfilling roles in the industry.

A solid foundation in business is essential for those wanting to pursue golf industry careers. Golf coaches and instructors, for example, need to possess solid leadership skills. The same applies to course managers and event coordinators, where strategic thinking and operational management skills may also be required. By building upon these critical skills in a golf management degree program, students can gain the industry-tailored business acumen that’s needed to become respected thought leaders and industry decision-makers.

Benefit 5: Career Versatility

If you know you want to work in the golf industry but aren’t 100% sure what you want to do in the industry just yet, a golf management degree offers an excellent opportunity for you to explore a broad variety of relevant courses and career paths. You can take coursework in golf instruction and game development, for example, and gain valuable insights into what it might be like to work in this area of the field. Or you can study course management — gaining knowledge of what it takes to run a successful golf course while building business acumen and strategic-thinking skills.

Regardless of where your specific interests in the golf industry may lie, a golf management degree gives you the chance to explore many areas of study and prepare for diverse job opportunities, such as:

Golf instructor
Course manager
Event coordinator
Golf marketing professional
Golf journalist or reporter
Golf retail manager

You can explore real student testimonials from Keiser University College of Golf to learn more about how graduates from our programs have been able to leverage their educational experiences to pursue rewarding roles in the golf industry.

Benefit 6: Enhanced Playing Abilities

At the end of the day, who doesn’t want to elevate their golf game? As part of a golf management degree program, you enjoy ample opportunity to get out on the course and refine your skills. No matter if you’re looking to improve your drive, work on your chip shot, or perfect your putt, a dedicated golf degree program can help you focus on your game with tailored instruction along the way.

With training modules and experienced instructors who have mastered the most proven golf instruction techniques, you can take advantage of regular play on a beautiful and well-maintained course. 

Is a Golf Management Degree Right for You?

Still trying to decide if you want to pursue a golf management degree? For starters, think about where you envision yourself fitting into the golf industry. Do you aspire to pursue a professional golf career? Could you see yourself in golf course management, golf event coordination, or tournament operations?

If so, and you have a genuine interest in building your business acumen as it relates to the golf industry, then a golf management degree program could be ideal. The same applies if you’re already in the golf industry and looking to advance your formal education or seek mobility within the field.

Learn More at Keiser University College of Golf & Sport Management

Completing a golf management degree program can be a go-to way for aspiring golf industry leaders to sharpen their skills, fulfill PGA membership requirements, and build business acumen while networking and exploring diverse job opportunities industry-wide. Not to mention, you could enjoy the added benefit of improving your golf skills while building your confidence on the course!

Ultimately, a golf management degree can be a suitable option for many aspiring golf industry leaders and those already working in the field. The key, of course, is to take the time to carefully research your options, consider your own professional goals, and determine whether this is the right path for you. If so, find an accredited golf management program that best suits your needs and busy schedule.

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.