National University Golf Academy




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Areas of Study

Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Professional Golf Management

Faculty Advisor: Charles Powell * cpowell@nu.edu * (858) 642-1581

The Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Professional Golf Management will prepare students for careers in Professional Golf Course Management and provide learners with a fundamental understanding of the knowledge and skills required for introductory positions in the golf industry. The coursework of this golf management program focuses upon managerial competencies, playing proficiency, and an understanding of the importance of the concepts of wellness and peak performance. This concentration provides:

  • A broad-based core of administrative competencies coupled with essential sports management fundamentals oriented to the field of golf;
  • An introductory understanding of the processes that enable specific administrative functions in the recreation and golf industry;
  • A foundation in applied academic rudiments required to include critical thinking, writing, and communication skills required in today’s recreational golf industry;
  • Knowledge and skill building in the areas of instruction and player development; and
  • A professional internship designed to build professional management skills and exposure to the golf industry.

Concentration Outcomes
Upon completion of the Concentration graduates will be able to:

  • Identify fundamental business support activities, theoretical and practical, related to golf management;
  • Recognize ethical issues as they apply to cross-functional management activities in the golf industry;
  • Identify current and emerging trends in the golf industry in marketing, branding, finance and the evolving customer base;
  • Recognize the importance of diversity and multiculturalism in the global golf industry;
  • Demonstrate undergraduate-level written communication skills;
  • Demonstrate oral communications and presentation skills;
  • Apply analytical and critical thinking skills in understanding the complex network of challenges and opportunities associated with the burgeoning recreational golfing market; and
  • Prepare students for apprentice-level golf professional positions.

Students in this program must meet the general education requirements as listed in the university catalog. This will consist of a minimum of 73.5 quarter units. Of the 73.5 units, students will be required to complete at least 4.5 units at the upper division level and 4.5 units in diversity enriched course work. The courses below that are starred may be used to fulfill both a general education requirement and a preparation for the concentration requirement.

Preparation for the Concentration
PGM 101 - Philosophy of Coaching *
PGM 100 - History of Sport*
PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology *
   (Prerequisite: ENG100/101)
PGM 200 - Personal Dev & Human Relation *
PGM 202 - Sustainable Golf & Turf Mgmt (6 quarter units; includes lab) *
PSY 300  -Social Psychology of Sport *
* Course may be used to satisfy a General Education requirement

Concentration in Professional Golf Management requirements
(5 courses; 22.5 quarter units)
PGM 102 - Facility Operations
PGM 103 - Acct and Business Practices
PGM 203 - Instruction & Player Dev. II
PGM 213 - Merchandising & Invent Mgmt
PGM 220 - Adv Sem. Instr. Player Develop


National University Golf Academy is a part of National University.