If you love golf and have an aptitude for business, you might consider a career that encompasses both. Attending an online program in golf course management can be a practical way of advancing your business career, while maintaining your current work schedule. A degree in golf course management might allow you to prepare for a business role and gain a competitive edge in the golf industry. Read below for information regarding schools that offer this program of study online.
Online Golf Course Management Schools
The University of Wisconsin, Ohio State University and Pennsylvania State University are among institutions that offer online golf course management programs. The most common type of online degree in golf course management is a bachelor's degree, though some schools offer certificate programs. The delivery of course materials varies depending on the program, but common methods of instruction are video-conferencing, electronic texts, computerized testing and mailed workbooks.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutOnlineGolfCourseManagementDegrees">Important Facts About Online Golf Course Management Degrees</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> High school diploma or GED equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Courses </td><td> Economics, finance, turf management</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degree Fields </td><td> Professional golf management; business administration; sport psychology</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> General manager, director of golf, head golf professional, college golf coach</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2022)* </td><td> $51,410 (<i>Head golf professional</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Growth (2021-2031)**</td><td> 3% (<i>First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: *PayScale.com, **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---UniversityOfWisconsinStout">University of Wisconsin - Stout</h3><p>The University of Wisconsin - Stout offers an online Bachelor of Science in Golf Enterprise Management (GEM). Unlike many of these degree programs, you do not need prior golf knowledge to enroll. The program emphasizes the development of business skills such as marketing and sales. Additional focus is placed on the golf experience itself, with emphasis on player development customer service. Some of the required coursework includes:
</p><ul><li>Golf management principles
</li><li>Hospitality laws
</li><li>Merchandising
</li><li>Golf course software and technology
</li><li>Cost control and finance
</li></ul><h3 id="section---OhioStateUniversity">Ohio State University</h3><p>At Ohio State University, you can enroll in an introductory or advanced online golf course management certificate program. In the introductory program, you learn the seasonal, cultural and pest management skills used to manage turfgrass. The advanced certificate program builds on this knowledge, including how to recognize, identify and resolve issues in turfgrass management. Both online programs allow you to attend at your own convenience; however, each course must be completed within ten weeks. Some other topics you'll study include:
</p><ul><li>Radiant energy
</li><li>Quality of irrigation water
</li><li>Warm and cool turfgrass management
</li><li>Environmental stress
</li><li>Moisture and temperature issues
</li></ul><h3 id="section---PennsylvaniaStateUniversity">Pennsylvania State University</h3><p>An online Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science program is available at Penn State World Campus. Each credit of the 120-unit program earns you points towards various certifications with the Golf Course Superintendents of America (GCSAA). In addition, a GCSAA certification portfolio can earn you credit hours towards your bachelor's degree. Some core topics of study include:
</p><ul><li>Business management
</li><li>Communications and speech
</li><li>Organic chemistry</li></ul>
