Program Overview

About the Program

The Penn State PGA Professional Golf Management Program offers students the benefits of a small program within a large university setting. This program provides students with choices and opportunities to be part of something special, forming a network of friends that will last a lifetime. The program is designed to prepare students for a career in professional golf management, with a strong focus on business and golf industry-related fields.

PGA Professional Golf Management Education

In addition to general education courses, the PGA Professional Golf Management Program curriculum requires completion of the Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management core and five internships. The program also includes courses with a strong business focus, such as:

• 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

These courses are designed to help students succeed in various fields related to the golfing industry, including head golf professional, general manager, teaching professional, golf coach, tournament director, sales or marketing specialist, or owner of a golf shop, practice facility, or golf course.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the PGA Golf Management option must meet all 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.

Steps to PGA Membership

The PGA Professional Golf Management program will allow students to be elected as members of the PGA of America upon completion of all three levels of the program, including passing the PAT and completing the required internship experiences.

Playing Ability Test

The Playing Ability Test (P.A.T.) is a 36-hole, PGA-sanctioned event necessary to complete before becoming a PGA Member. To pass the 36-hole PAT, students must achieve a 36-hole score within 15 shots of the course rating.

Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

The Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management program offers various options, including:

• Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management option
• Community Recreation Management option
• Outdoor Recreation option
• PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Option

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management includes:

• Major in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
• Minor in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management
• Meeting and Event Management Certificate
• RPTM on World Campus
• Professional Snowsports Certificates
• Undergraduate Program Goals
• Supporting Courses
• Honors Study in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management
• Advising
• RPTM Weekly Digest Archive
• Career Opportunities
• RPTM Undergraduate Student Spotlight
• Student Profiles
• Scholarships
• AURORA

Graduate Program

The graduate program in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management includes:

• M.S. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management
• Ph.D. Program in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management
• Faculty and Research
• Student Research
• Graduate Student Directory
• Courses
• Funding

Research

The Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management program includes various research areas, such as:

• Community Health and Well-Being
• Outdoor Recreation, Protected Areas, and Environmental Education
• The Suzy and Jim Broadhurst Golf Teaching and Research Center
• Travel and Tourism Research Group
• Kurt Hahn Consortium for Values and Experiential Learning

Contact

The Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management program can be contacted through the administration, undergraduate programs, graduate program, alumni, or faculty and staff.