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 general manager, director of golf, head professional, assistant golf professional, tournament coordinator, and merchandise manager. Even students who choose not to major in golf management find that coursework 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 and 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 bachelor's or graduate degree. Generally starting into middle management in this industry is the outcome of continuing education.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Develop an improvement plan to enhance the golf course and its business practices.
  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.
  4. Explain the history of golf and how it affects the golf courses and players in today's game.
  5. Understand the rules and fundamentals of golf and how they are used in day-to-day golf operations.

Program Requirements 

Course Code Title Units
Required Courses
GOLF 025Golf Shop Operations (Golf Shop Operations)2
GOLF 036Fundamentals & Rules of Golf2
GOLF 080Golf History and Culture (Golf History and Culture)2
GOLF 081Golf Courses - Public, Private and Resort (Golf Courses – Public, Private, Resort)2
GOLF 082The Mental Game (Golf: The Mental Game)2
GOLF 085Careers In Golf (Golf Event Administration)2
GOLF 086Golf Event Administration (Careers in Golf)2
GOLF 095AGolf Work Experience3
AGEH 034Golf Course Management3
Recommended Electives
Select 12 units from the following:
GOLF 029Methods of Teaching Golf (Teaching Methods of Golf)2
GOLF 030Teaching the Short Game2
GOLF 038Golf Tournament Administration2
GOLF 042Clubfitting and Golf Club Repair2
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
Required Subtotal20
Elective Subtotal: 12
COD General Education Pattern23
Electives (as needed to reach 60 units)
DEGREE TOTAL60