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A Whole New Kind of Golf Course

Teaming talent and training. That's what the Professional Golf Management (PGM) academic program at Clemson is all about. As golf's popularity continues to grow in the United States, the need for well-trained golf professionals also grows. And Clemson's PGM program answers this call, providing students with the skills to succeed in the thriving golf industry. This golf course educates future Class A PGA professionals in the psychology of golf and golfer behavior while developing their management abilities.
Golf course photo.

Clemson: A Natural in Golf
Clemson's geographic location -- ideal for year-round golfing -- is just one of the many reasons it's the perfect home for a PGM program. It also has

  • Exemplary physical facilities
  • The championship 18-hole Walker Golf Course, which is fully accessible to disabled and senior golfers
  • The Conference Center and Inn Complex at Clemson University, which is adjacent to the golf course and joins under one roof the 89-room Martin Inn and the state-of-the-art Madren Conference Center
  • Complementary technical assistance programs, including
    • A nationally acclaimed program in Turfgrass Management
    • Research greens in Clemson and Florence, S.C.
    • The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, which provides professional advice to golf course owners, managers and superintendents
    • A national project for accessible golf that enhances golf opportunities for the physically challenged
    • A top-ranked Division I collegiate golf team

Golf course photo.

In a Class by Itself
Clemson is one of a select few universities in the country with a PGM program accredited by the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA). Clemson's PGM program is part of its Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) , a nationally recognized leader in the management of leisure industries. Though it's own extensive resources and through collaboration with Clemson's exemplary business and turf grass management disciplines, the PRTM department has what it takes to develop and support an outstanding PGM program. Students learn how to enhance golfers' enjoyment and manage golf course properties efficiently and economically.

PGM Program Director
The PGM Program at Clemson is under the direction of Mr. Rick Lucas, a faculty member in the PRTM Department. Rick Lucas, Interim Director of the PGM program, has a master's degree in business and is a PGA professional. Mr. Lucas has over 20 years experience in the golf industry with extensive knowledge in management of golf programs and operations.

Building Games and Careers
Clemson's PGM program provides hands-on experience that gives students a competitive edge in the job market. These future Class A PGA professionals receive education that will help them enrich the growing golf industry -- they'll be able to manage multimillion-dollar facilities while maximizing the involvement and satisfaction of golfers. Students also have unique opportunities to learn about the special needs of physically challenged golfers.

Golf course photo.

Program Requirements
Students must meet all Clemson University entrance requirements and demonstrate evidence of playing proficiency. They receive a Bachelor of Science degree in PRTM with a concentration in golf management, and they may earn a minor in business administration or other related disciplines. The PGA Golf Professional Training Program is integrated into the four-year undergraduate curriculum.

The PRTM curriculum consists of 122 credits in four primary areas:

  • General education requirements -- 33 credits
  • PRTM major requirements -- 25 credits
  • Electives -- 7 credits
  • Golf management concentration -- 57 credits
    • Golf management core
    • Business core

For more information about this program, please send email to Rick Lucas, or call 864-656-2230.

Golf course photo.

Questions?
Please contact
Pat Padgett, by phone at (864) 656-5890 or email at pdgtt@clemson.edu
Clemson University
Office for Development
110 Daniel Drive
Box 345602
Clemson, SC 29634-5602

To make a secure online gift, click here.

Opportunities for Support
Join Clemson in preparing students to become Class A PGA professionals. There are a variety of ways:

 $2,500,000 Named PGM Program Endowment
 $1,500,000 Named PGM Faculty Position Endowment
 $250,000 Named PGM Laboratory Endowment
 $100,000 Named PGM Scholarship or Fellowship Endowment
$50,000  Named PGM Program Enhancement Fund
$1,000 to $100,000  Annual Support for Scholarships, Fellowships or Faculty Positions
$1,000 to $100,000  Annual Support for Program Enhancement