Walk into nearly any private golf club in Southwest Florida, and you’re likely to find either an FGCU intern or alum at work.
Aysegul Timur, and Tara McKenna
At Florida Gulf Coast University, golf is more than a game. For students majoring in the PGA golf management program, it’s the fairway connecting them to the local workforce through internships, mentorship and hands-on learning.
While some question higher education’s return on investment, this program’s value is reflected not just in student outcomes but in economic benefits to our community.
FGCU’s golf management program is one of 16 in the country accredited by the PGA — and the only one in Florida.
The admissions process is competitive: Not only must students meet FGCU’s academic standards, but they must also have a golf handicap of 12 or lower. To graduate with a four-year degree and earn PGA Class Certification, students must pass a rigorous 36-hole PGA playing test as well as secure full-time employment.
For our students, that’s not a problem. Our program boasts a nearly 100% placement rate, largely due to the 16 months of paid internships required. Half of those internships happen in Southwest Florida during peak season, when employer demand is high but supply is low due to housing challenges. Majority of our students already have housing, making them ideal candidates. Our program provides more than 120 professional interns who work full time in season and about 50 more who work part time.
Southwest Florida’s golf economy is unique, with a high concentration of private clubs, “bundled” communities and distinct ties to real estate development and seasonal residents. With limited public access, the golf climate provides challenges and opportunities for aspiring golf professionals. Surrounded by more than 140 upscale private facilities, our students have a rich training ground in which to work and play. That’s why FGCU’s Eagles enjoy significant opportunities, using Southwest Florida as a living laboratory for golf management.
Our program has collaborated with more than 85% of courses and facilities across Lee and Collier counties, ensuring that students are learning from some of the best professionals in the country. This relationship – in which employers mentor our students and students are eager to contribute – is essential to the golf fabric of our region.
Enrollment has grown dramatically since the current director, Tara McKenna, Ed.D. (PGA/LPGA), took over in 2010. Under her leadership, the program has become a national destination for this field. Since its inception 17 years ago, it has attracted students from 38 states and 10 countries.
From day one, students are paired with local PGA professionals who mentor them through their bookwork, refine their games, guide them in navigating career and internship opportunities in and outside of Florida, and provide early, valuable insight into the broader golf industry.
The success of our graduates continues to grow. Over 400 golf management alums work across the United States, but many choose to stay and enrich this area with their talent. Nearly 40% work in Florida and 32% in Southwest Florida.
In addition to holding management and instructional roles at traditional green-grass facilities, our graduates are also local entrepreneurs. Two excellent examples are Thor Parrish, founder of Thunder Performance and owner of Junior Golf Performance Academy, and Jason Becker, founder and CEO of Golf Life Navigators.
Walk into nearly any private golf club in Southwest Florida, and you’re likely to find either an FGCU intern or alum at work. We are proud of their impact in the golfing community.
We invite you to visit FGCU’s state-of-the-art Swing Lab and see how our students are mastering the technology shaping the future of the game. And don’t forget to stop by our Pro Shop to pick up golf apparel and accessories that support YOUR university.
Aysegul Timur, Ph.D., is FGCU president and Tara McKenna, Ed.D., is director of the FGCU golf program.
