Academic Catalog 2025-2026 Edition

PGA Golf Management (B.S.)

Lutgert College of BusinessSchool of Resort and Hospitality Management

Website: https://www.fgcu.edu/cob/pga/pgmbs.aspx

(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.

Program Admission Requirements

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:
    • Valid USGA or World Handicap Card
    • Letter/signature from a PGA Class A Professional in good standing
    • Letter/signature of playing ability from a high school golf coach with a transcript of 8 school scores
    • 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 will follow the four-year cohort model regardless of how many credits are transferred in, including those seeking a second bachelor's degree.

Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements

  • 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.
  • 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.