FGCU opens Buckingham Golf Learning Center

April 06, 2026

FGCU’s Buckingham Golf Learning Center recently celebrated its grand opening at the university’s Buckingham property.

The facility offers FGCU’s PGA Golf Management students a premier outdoor training facility featuring a dedicated driving range and short‑game practice area. As one of only 16 PGA‑accredited programs in the nation and the only one in Florida, FGCU continues to elevate hands‑on learning with this new facility.

The event also celebrated Dr. Tara McKenna, PGA/LPGA, who was presented with the Professional Development Award by the South Florida PGA for her impact on the Southwest Florida golf community.

Additional enhancements to the Buckingham site are planned to expand future experiential learning opportunities.

Dr. Tara McKenna, wearing a beige suit, and Meredith Schuler, wearing a gray suit, are standing together while holding a framed award. A green and blue balloon display and a white backdrop with the FGCU logo are visible behind them.

(Left to right): Dr. Tara McKenna, PGA/LPGA, director of the PGM program, is presented with the Professional Development Award by Meredith Schuler, assistant director of the South Florida PGA.

Dressed in golf attire, FGCU students are lined up on a driving range as a crowd watches from behind a white fence.

Students line up on the driving range of FGCU’s Buckingham Golf Learning Center.

A large group of people, including FGCU employees and FGCU’s eagle mascot Azul, gather outside on a grassy area for a group photo while doing the Wings Up sign.

FGCU leadership, employees, supporters and Azul celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Buckingham Golf Learning Center.