Academic Catalog 2026-2027 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 16 schools nationally accredited by the PGA and the only one in Florida. The program is designed equip future golf professionals with the skills and knowledge base necessary 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 across the country and internationally.

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. We greatly serve the local industry's employment needs. 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 500+ local PGA professionals, many of whom provide formal mentorship, employment and lend their expertise in the classroom.

Program Admission Requirements

Specialized Admissions

PGA Golf Management is a specialized admissions program. Qualified students are admitted for a fall semester start. Admission to the program is selective and cohort-based, with a limited number of seats available each academic year.  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 must be sent directly to the PGM office.

  • Submit an 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 by providing proof of a playing proficiency to a 12 or lower USGA Handicap.

Verification must be provided in one of the following forms:

  1. Valid USGA or World Handicap Card showing your scoring record.
  2. Letter/signature from a PGA Class A Professional in good standing
  3. Letter/signature of playing ability from a high school golf coach with a transcript of 8 school scores
  4. 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 at any time before your admissions decision, but it must be received to be accepted into 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 qualify for PGA 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 the number of credits transferred, including those seeking a second bachelor's degree.

Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of 120 credits.
  • Complete a minimum of 42 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.
  • Complete all PGA-required assessments, including:
    • PGA Knowledge Test
    • PGA Industry Awareness
    • PGA Work Experience Portfolio requirements
    • PGA Game Seminars (three levels)
    • PGA Business Simulations
  • Complete a minimum of 16 months of 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.