Professional Golf Management
Professional Golf Management
About
Professional Golf Management
Campus: Columbus
College: Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
The professional golf management program prepares students for a successful career in the golf industry and assists them in becoming members of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).
PGM students gain real-world experience through classroom study on Ohio State’s two courses, internships at premier courses and membership in the PGM Student Club.
Get started
Students can begin the professional golf management major at any Ohio State campus, but the degree must be completed at the Columbus campus.
After admission to the university, students enroll as a pre-major in PGM. Pre-majors are admitted to the program after successfully completing the course Introduction to PGM and demonstrating a USGA 18-hole golf handicap of 10 or better.
A professional golf management faculty member is assigned to assist students in program planning and is available for academic consultation. There are also two PGA members on staff who teach PGA-related courses as well as assist with many other important aspects of the program. Students also receive assistance to improve their golf and course management skills.
Curriculum
Required courses include:
- Introduction to Professional Golf Management
- PGM Basic Golf Operations
- PGM Club Design, Performance, Fitting and Repair
- PGM Advanced Golf Operations
- PGM Advanced Golf Swing Analysis and Teaching
- PGM Player Development
- Historical Perspectives on Golf Course Design
- Turfgrass Management for Golf Courses
- Principles of Food Management
- Beverage Management
- Cost Management and Menu Planning
- Leading High-Performance Ventures
- Merchandise Buying and Management
- Sports and Leisure Service Delivery and Promotion
- Creating a Virtual Perspective
Additional electives to complete a minimum total of the 121 hours required for graduation are selected in consultation with the student’s advisor to fit the needs of the student. It is highly recommended that PGM majors choose a minor area of study in general business or agribusiness.
Study abroad
An international experience provides an education one does not receive in a classroom or from a textbook and is an invaluable aid in today’s global market. While abroad, students complete one course for five hours of credit that may be applied towards free electives. The professional golf management (PGM) program offers a study abroad experience to Scotland and England. Students learn golf history and play some of the game’s oldest and well-known courses.
Internship
All professional golf management (PGM) majors are required to complete five semesters of internship experience locally, nationally or internationally. PGM staff provides counseling and advice on choosing an appropriate internship that will provide them with real world experience in the golf industry while preparing them for the PGA’s knowledge tests.
In addition to a formal internship, both the Ohio State Golf Club and a number of golf courses and country clubs located in or near Columbus offer part-time employment to students majoring in PGM.
Student organizations
During the first year, students are expected to be active in the PGM Student Club and join The Ohio State University Golf Club where they will have constant access to the Scarlet and Gray courses.
The PGM Student Club provides students interested in a professional golf management career the opportunity to interact professionally and socially with other students, both from Ohio State and around the nation, as well as industry and academic professionals. This group organizes activities ranging from golf tournaments and fundraising events to putting on junior instructional programs for the First Tee of Central Ohio.
Possible careers
Career opportunities in professional golf management (PGM) include positions such as director of golf, head golf professional, assistant golf professional, teaching professional, general manager, tournament director, merchandising director, sales or technical representative, and rules official.
The PGM major requires a business minor and several hospitality management courses so that graduates may also be groomed for careers in recreation or resort management outside of the golf industry.
Salary estimates
Depending on the position, annual starting salaries in the golf profession range from $30,000 for an assistant golf professional to over $100,000 for a head professional/director of golf.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Fee Information
How to Apply
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
Professional Golf Management
The Ohio State University
United States of America, Columbus