Professional Golf Management (B.S.)

College of Professional Studies


Division of Resort & Hospitality Management

2009-2010 Catalog Year


The PGA / Professional Golf Management (PGM) program, a four and a half year college curriculum for aspiring PGA Professionals, is a structured academic program accredited by the PGA of America. Florida Gulf Coast University is one of only 20 schools accredited by the PGA nationally, and one of only two in the state of Florida. The program is designed to provide the skill and knowledge base necessary for future golf professionals to succeed in a wide variety of positions within the industry. Students attending the PGA/PGM program at Florida Gulf Coast University will graduate with a Bachelor of Science major in Professional Golf Management. Upon completion of the university's requirements, PGA requirements, and 16 months of internship, students are eligible to become Class A PGA Members upon graduation. Some of the golf specific courses you will take as an upper-level student in the program will include: Turfgrass Management, Golf Facility Operations, Advanced Golf Merchandising Operations, Director of Golf Instructional Operations, Golf Course Ownership, and Golf Executive Management. There have also been courses developed to aid in the completion of the PGA's Level 1, 2, and 3 education requirements.

Located in southwest Florida, the PGM Program at FGCU not only boasts one of the most desired geographical locations in the country, but with over 150 courses within an hour of campus, is also serving a local industry need. Current PGM students have the opportunity to work part-time, intern, and play at some of the most exclusive facilities in the country.

Program Admission Requirements

Limited Access

This is a limited access program.  Qualified students are admitted for the fall semester on a space-available basis.  Admission decisions are based on materials and coursework completed at the time of application. For priority consideration, all application materials must be received by February 15th of the calendar year in which entry is sought. 

Admission Requirements

  • Submit a FGCU Undergraduate Admission Application and satisfy all applicable university admission requirements.
  • Complete common prerequisites with a grade of C or better.
  • Submit a PGM Program application form to the Professional Golf Management Program office.
  • Provide proof of a golf handicap of 12 or lower to the Professional Golf Management Program office, verified by one of the following: (a) USGA handicap card, (b) letter from a PGA Golf Professional, (c) letter of playing ability from a high school golf coach. 
Program Requirements
  1. FGCU General Education Program (GEP) (36 hrs)
    Refer to the General Education Program for more information.

    1. Communication (6 hrs)
    2. Mathematics (6 hrs)
    3. Humanities (9 hrs)
    4. Social Sciences (6-9 hrs)
    5. Natural Sciences (6-9 hrs)

      Note: At least one Natural Sciences course must include a laboratory or field component. Courses meeting this requirement contain a “C” or “L” in their course numbers.

  2. Common Prerequisites

    • HFT 1000 Introduction to Hospitality/Tourism (3)

  3. Required Courses in the Major (51 hrs)
    • HFT 1382  Introduction to Golf Management (3)
    • HFT 2352   Player Development (1)
    • HFT 3003 Intro. Resort, Hospitality & Tourism Mgmt (3)
    • HFT 3353  Golf Facility Operations (2)
    • HFT 3383  Adv. Golf Merchandising Oper. (2)
    • HFT 3407 Resort & Hospitality Mgmt. Accounting (3)
    • HFT 3573 Resort & Hospitality Mgmt. Marketing (3)
    • HFT 3670 Resort & Hospitality Management Law, Legal Issues & Risk Management (3)
    • HFT 3806 Mgmt. of Food & Beverage Operations (3)
    • HFT 4342 Resort & Recreation Planning, Programming, Facilities Design (3)
    • HFT 4934 Professional Golf Management Senior Seminar (3)
    • HFT 4945  Internship (9 credits)
    • ORH 2220C Turfgrass Management Operations (3)
    • PEL 3120  PGA Prep 1 (1)
    • PEL 3125  PGA Prep 2 (1)
    • PEL 3128  PGA Prep 4 (1)
    • PEL 3127  PGA Prep 3 (1)
    • PEL 4126  Golf Practicum (3)
    • PEL 4129  PGA Prep 5 (1)
    • PEO 3124 Dir of Golf Instructional Oper. (2)

  4. Electives in the Major (6 hrs)

    Select 6 hours from the following:
    • HFT 3271  Introduction to Club & Spa Management (3)
    • HFT 3572  Advertising & Public Relations (3)
    • HFT 4275  Resort Management & Development (3)
    • HFT 4380  Golf Course Ownership (3)
    • HFT 4381  Golf Exec. Mgmt (3)

  5. University Requirements (3 hrs)
    • IDS 3920  University Colloquium (3)

  6. Additional Electives (variable)

TOTAL SEMESTER HOURS REQUIRED:   120 HRS

Additional Graduation Requirements
  • Students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 120 credit hours.
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for all coursework attempted at FGCU.
  • At least 48 of the 120 hours must be in the upper division (3000 and higher).
  • At least 30 of the last 60 hours must be earned at FGCU.
  • Satisfy CLAST, Gordon Rule writing and computation, and foreign language entrance requirements
  • Satisfy Service Learning requirement. See www.fgcu.edu/connect/ 
  • Satisfy elements of the Professional Golfers Association of America PGM program, including (a) passing Level 1, 2, and 3 checkpoints administered by the PGA of America, and (b) passing the PGA Player Ability Test. For those wishing to become PGA of America members, United States citizenship is required.  Consult a college advisor for additional details.
Transfer Notes and Acceptable Substitutes

The following substitutions are acceptable for common prerequisites:

HFT 1000: May substitute HFT X000 or HFT X003