Golf Course Managment Degree

If you wish you could spend every day on the golf course, then a career in golf course management is for you. Your can learn the ins and outs of golf complex operations from how to schedule tee times to managing a large tournament. And many of these programs include instruction in golf techniques, making it particularly enticing for anyone who has a love for the game. Find top gold course management degree programs below.

Golf Complex Operations Management is part of the larger hospitality industry. That means you will receive training in customer service as well as business operations. You will learn about business planning, human resources, green maintenance, employee scheduling, pro shop operations, public relations, and other areas focused on providing customers with the best experience possible. Often, the success of a golf course depends as much on its reputation as the design of its course. Many customers expect a high-quality experience to be associated with spending time on the links. That means the most successful classes spend extensive time focused on proper management techniques.

 

Classes may vary depending on the school you choose to attend, so you can search for bachelors programs that provide you with your ideal combination. If you currently work for a golf complex, completing the certification program may allow you to advance into management positions more quickly than only learning on the job. For those who are already in management, additional training can help your career reach new heights.Earn your golf course management degree from an accredited program.

Gold Management Education Required

Most golf course educational institutions that offer golf complex operations management bachelors programs have base requirements for all students attending the school. Often, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required to be considered for placement. In some cases, minimum standards for English and mathematics courses are required prior to admission, though these are generally met while attending high school. No additional training is usually required before the beginning of the course, but an understanding of how the game of golf is played it particularly useful.

Since business operations are a substantial part of the program, a thorough understanding of business math can make budgeting and planning notably easier. If you have the opportunity to attend accounting courses during high school, those could be especially beneficial. You also need a strong command of the English language, both spoken and written. Managers are often responsible for crafting business communications and may create ad copy or website content. Additionally, interacting with local officials and business organizations is made easier if you have a strong vocabulary and are comfortable with public speaking.

Additional Skills - Golf Course Management
While not prerequisites for any program, individual soft skills can also help you be more successful along this career path. Most golf complex operations managers need to be detail oriented. Organizational skills are also valuable to coordinate the work of other employees as well as the arrangement of specific events. Being familiar with computer operations is a necessity as many scheduling programs, and other business operations require the use of specific software. To perform well on the job, customer services skills are required. Not only will you have regular interactions with people looking to play on the course and schedule tee times, but you may also interact with members of importance within the community. You will often function as a representative for the complex as a whole, so an understanding of public relations is helpful.

Some golf complex managers will also be responsible for the creation of advertising materials, as well as securing ad space through local newspapers, radio, and televisions stations. If the position is supervisory, then an overview of human resources, including hiring and disciplinary techniques, may allow you to progress through the program with greater ease, but these skills are also offered in many of the programs provided by colleges.

Golf Complex Operational Management Bachelors Program

Your first step towards your career in golf complex management is to complete your high school diploma or its equivalent. Often, you can apply to schools that interest you prior to your official high school graduation, but your ability to attend will be contingent on the completion of this educational requirement. Otherwise, most colleges require students to be at least 18 years of age, though some may make exceptions for those who completed high school early with a suitable GPA. Traditionally, Bachelors programs do not require SAT or ACT scores to gain entrance. However, a minimum GPA from your high school or previous college experience may be factored into your placement.

Paying for Golf Course Management Classes and Financial Aid
As part of the application process for the program, you may be required to complete financial aid paperwork. For example, institutions that are able to accept federal financial aid will need you to forward your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the school for consideration. The results of the FAFSA will determine your eligibility for a variety of government-sponsored options, such as Pell Grants or federal student loans.Get sttarted with your golf course maintenance degree.

Schools may choose to offer additional financial aid options on their own accord. These can be independent of the FAFSA results and are managed based on program standards set by the college. For example, a school may offer students access to a scholarship if they meet certain merit or need-based requirements. You may need to complete additional application paperwork to be considered for these opportunities, but your financial aid office will ensure you have all required information to proceed.

If you do not qualify for financial aid or your award does not meet all of the necessary costs, there are additional options. Some schools, at their discretion, offer students various payment plan options. Additionally, you may be eligible for private student loans from traditional lenders. For students who are unable to obtain financial aid, the option to pay for classes in cash is always available. Each school may have its own standards regarding when payment is required and what forms are accepted. Before selecting an educational institution to attend, make sure you review all information relating to the expected costs and accepted forms of payment.

Choosing Golf Course Classes and Schedules

Gold course management classes offerings and schedules are determined by the school that you opted to attend. Some colleges have preset program plans. This means that every student who begins the program will attend their classes in the same order. By creating a standard, the educational process is streamlined. It also ensures that students proceed through the classes in a sensible order so that previous experience can support future learning. Other schools allow students more flexibility in meeting their degree requirements. You may be able to select the order in which you proceed through the program, or may be able to choose classes from a specified list.

Attending Golf Course Management Schools

Once you have been admitted to a golf complex operational management program, you will need to focus on your classwork. Courses cover topics that are especially pertinent to working in the hospitality industry, and you will have the opportunity to attend classes specifically related to golf course management techniques. Educational institutions traditionally offer daytime class schedules, but some schools also offer night and/or weekend alternatives. If you need to attend courses outside of daytime hours, it is best to research the colleges scheduling options prior to admission.

In some cases, a golf complex operational management can be obtained online. This means you could have more flexibility in how your class requirements are met. Some online courses require the completion of certain tasks throughout a week, but you are not obliged to be available at a particular time. Others may need you available for milestones, such as lectures or tests. If you have questions about attending courses online, speak with your school directly.

 

The amount of time required to complete your Bachelor’s degree may vary slightly depending on the school you chose to attend, as well as the rate at which you complete your classes.Golf course degree institutions may offer Bachelor’s programs that can be completed within a year, while others may require two years. In some cases, if you are taking classes outside of a traditional daytime schedule, your program may take longer to complete.

Though the specific classes offered may vary based on the school, certain topics are typically covered. This includes and introduction to golf management as well as the rules associated with the game. You may receive instruction regarding gold and pro shop management, as well as a thorough review of traditional golfing equipment. Course maintenance is also covered as well as methodologies behind playing the game. Since gold complex operations fall into the larger hospitality management sector, classes will also cover key aspects of the larger area. This includes an understanding of hiring and human resources management within the industry and general issues of customer service.

Job Outlook
While statistics on golf complex operations management are not widely available, similar positions within the hospitality industry are expected to grow at an average pace throughout the country. Increases in tourism and travel are supposed to keep demand for management professionals relatively high, though that may be dependent on where you are located.

Working as a Golf Complex Operations Manager

Golf complex operations managers are responsible for all tasks related to keeping the facility in business. This can include various human resources functions, such as hiring and training, as well as public relations and customer service duties. In some cases, managers may also be responsible for advertising or tracking financial data for the facility. It is also common to oversee all maintenance activities related to the property. This can include improvements or repairs to the building and structures across the property, as well as ensuring the course is properly maintained. If the complex features a restaurant, then managers may be responsible for food service management activities as well. This can include ordering of food, beverages, and equipment, hiring and firing staff, and other customer service related job duties.

Golf course event planning activities may also be required. This involves tasks such as organizing tournaments or assisting with charity events. In some cases, managers may also reach out to professionals to secure guest appearance. Generally, there are limited risks to working as a golf complex operations manager. Work may be completed indoors or outdoors, so there is a chance of being exposed to inclement weather. Additionally, you may need to spend significant time on your feet, or operating a computer, depending on your precise job duties. Heavy lifting is rare, though you may need to assist golfers with their equipment as part of your overall customer service offerings. Depending on the size of the course and any schedule activities, the job can vary from moderate to high stress.

Dress Code
The dress code for most golf complex operations managers will range from standard business attire to business casual. In some cases, standard uniforms, such as polo shirts identifying golf course employees may be required. Rarely is more casual dress permitted, as many complexes require managers remain professional in appearance at all times.

Work Schedule
Most golf complex operations managers work full-time, with the vast majority of the positions operating during a standard day shift. However, weekend and holiday work may be required, and extended hours may be expected in preparation for large scale events. Additionally, managers may be on-call to respond to emergencies relating to the property or its associated systems. However, some facilities employ day and night managers if they also support other 24-hour operations.

Potential Salary and Benefits
Annual salary has the potential to vary greatly depending on the size and popularity of the golf course at which you are employed. However, hospitality managers, in general, can see a median annual salary of almost $50,000. Those managing in-demand golf courses can see wages reach six figures. Most full-time positions come with a benefits package. This can include retirement options as well as medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance. Paid time off is also fairly standard. Additional perks may come in the form of discounted fees associated with services offered by the golf complex.

Career Growth in Golf Course Management
The majority of career growth opportunities involve finding positions at higher-scale establishments. However, someone who originally specialized in golf course operations management may be able to progress into higher hospitality leadership positions when the golf complex is part of a larger entity. To help your career move forward, you can pursue additional educational opportunities. Hospitality management degrees are offered at the baccalaureate, and Master’s degree level and some educational institutions may allow you to focus on golf course operations. However, a general degree focused on hospitality can also be sufficient. For those who are particularly ambitious, you may choose to open your own facility. While this is no small undertaking and can be a significant investment, it can be a rewarding conclusion to a career. In these cases, additional coursework in business management may be ideal.

 

Resources

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/lodging-managers.htm#tab-1 - Updated January 22, 2019
http://www.gcsaa.org - Listed January 2, 2019