Golf Management AA Degree

Golf management is the study of all aspects pertaining to the operation of public and private golf facilities and the responsibilities of the golf professional in them. Career paths chosen by students pursuing undergraduate studies in golf management commonly include Assistant Golf Professionals, Head Professionals, Teaching Professionals, Tournament Coordinators, Merchandise Managers. Even students who choose not to major in golf management find that coursework in the field can improve their problem solving and communication abilities.

College of the Desert’s golf management curriculum includes course offerings that provide skills and knowledge that lead directly to career success in the golf industry, as well as hands-on training that can be measured for industry needs and standards.  Work experience is a recommended piece of the program that will help students develop their abilities and experience level.

Students pursuing an Associate of Arts Degree in Golf Management may opt for supervisory-level positions as apprentice PGA professionals or may choose to continue their studies in the discipline toward a bachelors or graduate degree. Generally starting into middle management in this industry is the outcome from the continuing education.

Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:

  1. Develop an improvement plan to effectively enhance a player’s golf swing and overall game.
  2. Apply golf management principles to grow revenue, control costs, and lead a team at a golf facility.
  3. Explain the most important turf practices that make a well-maintained, playable golf course.

Program Requirements 

Course Code Title Units
Required Courses
GOLF 025Golf Shop Operations2
GOLF 029Methods of Teaching Golf2
GOLF 030Teaching the Short Game2
GOLF 032Golf Teaching Laboratory2
GOLF 036Fundamentals & Rules of Golf2
AGEH 004Turfgrass Management2
AGEH 004LTurfgrass Management Laboratory1
AGEH 030Landscape Equipment2
AGEH 034Golf Course Management3
BUMA 029Retail Merchandise Management3
BUMA 094Business Communications3
Recommended Electives
Select 18 units from the following:
GOLF 095AGolf Work Experience (Maximum of 3 units may be used for work experience)1-5
AIS 005Office Technology Skills3
AGEH 024Advanced Turfgrass Management3
BUAC 020AFinancial Accounting4
BUAC 051Accounting for Entrepreneurs & Business Managers3
BUHM 050Introduction to the Hospitality Industry3
BUMA 001Principles of Management3
BUMA 020ABusiness Law I3
BUMA 027Marketing Principles3
BUMA 028Introduction To Entrepreneurship3
BUMA 031Business Calculations3
BUMA 032Human Relations in the Workplace3
BUMA 064Human Resource Management3
ECON 001Principles of Macroeconomics3
RE 001Intro to Recreation & Sport Management3
Required Subtotal24
Elective Subtotal18
COD General Education Pattern18
Kinesiology Activities2
DEGREE TOTAL62