Academic Catalog
(239) 590-7719
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in PGA Golf Management (PGM) program is a 4 to 4 1/2 year structured academic program for aspiring PGA Professionals. FGCU is one of only 18 schools nationally accredited by the PGA, and the only one in the state of Florida. The program is designed to provide the skills and knowledge base necessary for future golf professionals to succeed in a wide variety of management positions within the industry. A primary requirement for students is the completion of 16 months paid internship under the direction of the PGM Internship Director. These work experiences can occur in diverse golf industry settings throughout the country. Some of the areas of study in the program include: business planning, hospitality analytics, turfgrass, golf facility operations, golf merchandising, tournament administration and three distinct golf instruction classes focused on teaching the game, club-fitting, using state-of the-art instructional technology and developing a teaching business. Students completing the Florida Gulf Coast University PGM Program will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in PGA Golf Management. Upon graduation, securing eligible full-time employment and passing the PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT), students can be elected to Class A PGA Membership.
Located in southwest Florida, the FGCU PGM program boasts one of the most desired geographical locations in the country with over 135 courses within an hour of campus. It also serves a local industry employment need. FGCU PGM students have the opportunity to work part-time, intern, and play at some of the most exclusive facilities in the country. Students benefit from 300+ local PGA professionals, many of which, provide formal mentorship and lend their expertise in the classroom.
Specialized Admissions
PGA Golf Management is a specialized admissions program and qualified students are normally admitted in the fall semester. A spring semester start is contingent upon a consultation with the Program Director and completion of external PGA requirements. Admission decisions are based on materials and coursework completed at the time of application and receipt of the PGA Golf Management Specialized Admissions Application/Golf Handicap Verification Form found on our webpage. Completed PGM Specialized Admissions Application materials should be sent directly to the PGM office.
- Submit a FGCU Undergraduate Admission Application and satisfy all applicable university admission requirements.
- Submit a PGM Specialized Admissions/Handicap Verification Program Application form directly to the PGA Golf Management Program office.
- Provide proof of playing proficiency to a 12 or lower USGA Handicap to the PGA Golf Management Program office. Verification must be provided in one of the following forms:
(a) Valid USGA or World Handicap Card
(b) Letter/signature from a PGA Class A Professional in good standing
(c) Letter/signature of playing ability from a high school golf coach with a transcript of 8 school scores
(d) Pass the PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT) less than two (2) years before your intended start in the program.
- The Handicap Verification Form may be submitted to the PGM office any time before your admissions decision, but must be received to be accepted in the program.
Non-U.S. Citizens: International students must complete the admissions process through the International Office at FGCU. International students are eligible to complete all PGA PGM requirements and apply for PGA of America Membership upon successfully graduating from an accredited PGA Golf Management University Program. To be eligible for membership, an individual must meet all application and PGA Bylaw requirements for election.
Transfer students: Transfer students are encouraged to apply. A spring semester start requires consultation with the Program Director and successful completion of external PGA requirements. Please contact the PGM office for additional information: 239-590-7719.
- Complete a minimum of 120 credits.
- Complete a minimum of 48 of the 120 credits at the upper division (3000-4999 level).
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all coursework attempted at FGCU.
- Complete common prerequisites with a grade of C or higher.
- Satisfy the residency requirement: 30 of the last 60 credits must be completed at FGCU.
- Satisfy the College-Level Skills and foreign language entrance requirements.
- Satisfy the Service Learning requirement. See: https://www.fgcu.edu/studentlife/servicelearning/.
- Satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement.
- Successfully complete all elements of the PGA Golf Management Program:
- PGA Knowledge Testing
- PGA Work Experience Portfolio requirements
- PGA Game Seminar Attendance (all 3 levels)
- PGA Business Simulations
- Complete a minimum of 16 months paid internship.
- Pass the PGA of America Playing Ability Test.
- For those who apply for PGA Membership, a background check must be completed using a vendor provided by the PGA of America.
- Consult with college advising or PGM Director for additional details.
- Satisfy the FGCU summer course enrollment requirement.
- Submit an Application for Graduation by the deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
- FGCU General Education Program (https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/undergraduatestudies/generaleducation/)
To prevent or minimize excess hours, select general education courses that satisfy common prerequisite requirements for your intended major. - Common Prerequisites
A minimum grade of C is required in each course
FGCU Course: HFT 1000 Introduction to Hospitality/Tourism (3)
Acceptable Substitute: HFTX000 - Required Courses in the Major (45 credits)
HFT 1382 Intro to Golf Management (3)
HFT 2352 Player Development (1)
HFT 3353 Golf Facility Operations (3)
HFT 3670 R&H Law ,Legal Issues & Risk Mgmt (3)
HFT 3948 PGA PGM Internship I (6) - Minimum grade of C or higher is required.
HFT 4380 Golf Facility Financial Mgt. (3)
HFT 4381 Golf Executive Management (3)
HFT 4934 PGM Senior Seminar (3)
HFT 4948 PGA PGM Internship II (5) - Minimum grade of C or higher is required.
MAR 3023 Introduction to Marketing (3)
PEL 3120 PGA Prep I (3)
PEL 3125 PGA Prep 2 (3)
PEL 4126 Golf Practicum (3)
PEO 3124 Golf Instructional Operations (3) - Restricted Electives in the Major (9 credits)
Select 3 credits from the following:
ECO 2013 Princ of Macro Economics (3)
ECO 2023 Princ of Micro Economics (3)
Select 3 credits from the following:
HFT 3404 Resort & Hosp Financial Acct (3)
ACG 2021 Intro. to Financial Acctg. (3)
Select 3 credits from the following:
ORH 2220C Turfgrass Management Operations (3)
HFT 3383 Adv. Golf Merchandising Oper. (3)
PEL 3930 Special Topics: PGA Golf Mgt. (3)
PEL 4906 PGA PGM Directed Study (3)
or courses numbered 3000-4999 with an ACG, BUL, FSS, GEB, HFT, ISM, MAN or MAR prefix. Other related courses may be considered (see college academic advisor). - University Requirements (3 credits)
IDS 3920 University Colloquium (3) - Additional Electives - as needed to reach total credits required for the degree
