Golf Course Management Education
Golf is more than a professional sport or a recreational outlet. It is a serious, global industry. According to the World Golf Foundation, in 2005 the golf industry had $195 billion total impact on the U.S. economy. Nearly 60 percent of the world's 32,000 golf courses are in the United States. Golf course management is a viable career path in the hospitality industry.
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Function
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Golf course management requires a combination of skills that incorporates elements of the retail, hospitality, sports and customer-service fields. Golf course managers must have a solid knowledge of the history and mechanics of the sport to be able to speak easily and intelligently with avid golfers. They must know and apply sound management techniques to the pro shop, golf club, golf course and any adjacent businesses. They set the standard for professional and personal appearance and ethics. Golf course managers are ultimately responsible for the satisfaction of the patrons of the course.
Types
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There are three types of educational studies that can lead to a career in golf course management. A diploma program in golf course management is a nondegree course of study that can provide basic entry level training. These programs may be offered by community colleges and vocational training institutions. Some community colleges offer a two-year associate's degree in golf course management. Some four-year universities and colleges offer a Bachelor of Science degree in golf course management.
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Features
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Basic course work for a diploma in golf course management typically involves studies in golf course design and maintenance, turf management, golf club repair, business management and operations, and communications. Studies toward an associate's degree may include additional course work in golf history, golf fundamentals, sports psychology, tournament planning and management, marketing, advertising and business writing. A bachelor's degree typically requires additional studies in the humanities, arts and sciences.
Time Frame
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The time required to complete a course of study in golf course management depends on the availability of the student and the type of course work being attempted. Most diploma programs can be completed in one to two years by students attending class on a full-time basis. Associate's degrees typically require 16 to 24 months. According to the College Board, full-time students studying professional golf course management require between four and five years, including summers, to earn a bachelor's degree.
Benefits
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According to Education-Portal.com, the job market for trained golf course managers is expected to be strong through 2014. Those managers with at least a diploma in golf course management earn approximately $40,000 to $50,000 a year, and salaries in this field are expected to rise by approximately 25 percent through 2014.
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References
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- Photo Credit Golf image by Vanessa van Rensburg from Fotolia.com
