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Increasing Minority Golf Participation Through PGA Education Initiatives:

Increasing Minority Golf Participation Through PGA Education Initiatives: The article provides a report on the successful acquisition of the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) golf management university program by the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (UMES). The PGA’s accredited program is housed at 20 universities with UMES being the first predominantly Black college to offer the coveted program. The article provides interview excerpts on the process undertaken by UMES. The article also identifies initiatives by programs and associations to increase minority golf participation. Keywords golf management, hospitality education, minority golf demeaning, yet it provided a pathway for future African Introduction Americans to participate in professional golf tournaments. A serious golf conversation today would not be complete Others included Charlie Sifford and Pete Brown. Sifford without the mention of Tiger Woods. Tiger has won 71 tour- won two tour events, one senior event, and was the first naments through 2009, 14 of which were major champion- African American to be inducted in the World Golf Hall of ships. Over the past decade, Tiger Woods has emerged as Fame, in 2004 (PGA, 2009b). Brown became the first one of the most recognized professional athletes of all time. African American to win a PGA-sanctioned event, the 1964 This is no small feat as the game of golf has not always been Waco Turner Open. These trailblazers have afforded the synonymous with members of minority populations. Instead, opportunity for people of all races and color to see golf not the game was viewed by many as an exclusive and elitist as an exclusive and elitist pastime but as a game in which pastime, enjoyed primarily by affluent White males who playing and career opportunities abound for qualified indi- possess the physical, social, and economic traits and attri- viduals. Golf is a technical sport requiring an extensive body butes required to access golfing facilities. Hence, it is no of competencies before career opportunities can be fully wonder that, during the early days of golf as an organized exploited. Acquisition of such knowledge is often cost pro- American professional sport, minority groups such as hibitive for members of minority groups, which subsequently African Americans and females were systematically excludes minorities from active participation and career excluded or denied active and direct participation. This was exploration. However, in recent years, initiatives geared spe- because of the fact that the game of golf is a club-driven cifically toward increasing minority participation have been sport. Membership and access to clubs were contingent on developed and implemented. One such initiative was under- the selection process. Sadly, other American professional taken in 2008 with the University of Maryland, Eastern sports such as baseball, basketball, and football also enforced Shore (UMES). The PGA granted UMES the right to offer selective participation restrictions, limiting minority partici- the coveted “Golf Management University Program” as one pation during the early years of inception. of its on-campus academic programs. The UMES is a histori- During the late 1950s and early 1960s, societal pressures cally Black college. This PGA initiative with UMES repre- combined with civil rights activities had profound effects on sented a profound departure from past practices. UMES American professional sports. Desegregation in professional welcomed the inaugural class of aspiring PGA professionals sport commenced, creating opportunities for minorities to in the fall of 2008. participate equally, halfheartedly, or as “tokens of jest.” An early example of such change took place at the 1963 San University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA Diego Open. The Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) finally allowed the first African American to Corresponding Author: compete in a PGA tour event, not for his ability but as a Dana V. Tesone, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of sponsor exemption. The golfer was world heavy-weight Central Florida, 9907 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819, USA champion Joe Lewis. This token of jest was perceived as Email: dtesone@mail.ucf.edu 2 SAGE Open This article explores the issues of minority participation in the 1970s, Dickey envisioned a national organization com- the game of golf with specific emphasis on African American posed of individuals and golf clubs committed to affording participation. The article continues by examining the PGA ini- minorities the opportunity to participate in golf at the junior tiatives geared toward increasing minority participation in the and college levels. The overall focus of the organization was game. The golf management university program accreditation on young minority golfers. The goal was to increase minority process is outlined with specific emphasis on the process participation in golf while pursuing an education through undertaken by UMES. The article concludes with excerpts support and financial assistance (Dickey, 2009). from an interview conducted with Dr. Ernest Boger, chairman and associate professor of the Hotel and Management The PGA of America’s Golf Department, School of Business and Technology at UMES. Management University Program The interview revealed the process undertaken by UMES in its successful quest to become one of only 20 universities in The PGA Golf Management University Program, formally the United States to offer the PGA Golf Management called the PGA Professional Golf Management Program, is University Program. The information provided in this article a 4.5-year structured educational program offered at 20 uni- can be valuable to universities that want to add the PGA’s versities nationwide. The program is designed to provide accredited program to their academic curricula. students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the golf industry. The program includes classroom stud- ies, internship experiences, and player development (PGA, Minority Golf Participation 2009a). Ferris State University became the first PGA- and Initiatives accredited program in 1975. Today, there are 20 PGA- The National Golf Foundation (NGF) provides relevant accredited university programs. Table 1 depicts the school, information on every aspect of the golf industry. The most the academic unit in which the golf management program is recent study on minority golfer participation was published located, and their respective maximum handicap entrance by the NGF in 2003. In that year, the total number of golfers requirement. Students graduating from accredited universi- above the age of 18 was reported at 27 million (NGF, 2009). ties receive a baccalaureate degree on completion of the Of those 27 million golfers, approximately 5% were African institution’s academic requirements, the PGA’s internship Americans, 4% were Asian Americans, and less than 4% requirements, and the playing ability test (PAT) mandates. were Hispanic Americans (NGF, 2009). A more recent study Each graduate becomes a PGA professional on completion in 2008 reported total golfer participation had increased to of their respective baccalaureate degree. Graduates typically 29 million. Unfortunately, statistics specific to minority golf gain employment as golf-teaching professionals, tournament participation were not recorded, but it could be assumed that directors, pro shop managers, or golf sales representatives. such numbers would reveal low participation in relation to Graduates also gain employment in golf retail, media, mar- nonminority golf participation. In an effort to increase keting, or with golf associations. minority participation in the game, various programs and associations have implemented golf-related initiatives. Two The UMES PGA Golf Management such initiatives were established by the World Golf University Program and Interview Association and by the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association. The World Golf Association established The “First Tee” The PGA Golf Management University Program is open to all Program in 1997. The First Tee Program provides young university-bound students nationwide. The program at UMES people between the ages of 8 to 18, from all backgrounds, an has special significance as it coincides with the PGA’s effort opportunity to develop life-enhancing values through golf to increase golf participation and golf career opportunities for and character education (The First Tee, 2009). The program’s minorities. Both the university and the PGA felt that they objectives are to introduce golf to 3.5 million individuals to could develop a symbiotic relationship and achieve their the game over a 5-year period, to provide life skills experi- respective goals of offering the PGA golf management pro- ence at all its facilities, to expand the program to 140 com- gram at a historically and predominantly Black college. The munities over the 5-year period, to establish a First Tee accreditation process was initiated in 2002 with full accredita- chapter in all 50 states, and to develop First Tee operations in tion awarded in 2008. The authors were granted a telephone 90% of the top golf markets (The First Tee, 2009). Since its interview with Dr. Boger in January 2009. The goal was to inception, more than 3 million children from minority groups gain insight into UMES’s successful quest in becoming 1 of have participated in the program. only 20 universities selected nationwide to acquire the PGA The Bill Dickey Scholarship Association (formerly the accreditation and to also be the first predominantly African National Minority Junior Golf Scholarship Association) was American university with such distinction. formally established in 1994 as a nonprofit organization. Dr. Ernest Boger, chairman and associate professor of the Their goal was to assist minority college-bound students in Hotel and Management Department, School of Business and achieving excellence through the game of golf. The associa- Technology at the UMES, was in his first 30 days at UMES tion was the brainchild of its founder, Bill Dickey. During when the university decided to formally pursue the PGA Fjelstul et al. 3 Table 1. PGA Golf Management University Programs 35 golf courses located on the Eastern Shore. The PGA was informed of the UMES Golf Academy and of UMES’s com- Required mitment to golf education. The PGA began informal discus- University College/department handicap sions with President Thompson about the PGA’s Golf Arizona State Morrison School of 12 Management University Program. Management Campbell Business Administration 12 What Was the Timeline for Receiving the Clemson Parks, Recreation, and 8 Tourism Management Accreditation of the PGA Golf Management Coastal Carolina Business 8 University Program? Eastern Kentucky Business and Technology 12 Ferris State Business 8 From start to finish, the accreditation process lasted 3 years. Florida Gulf Coast College of Professional 12 After our informal discussions with the PGA, our administra- Studies tors were given a list of requirements that had to be met prior Florida State Business 12 to formal consideration by the PGA. Within 4 to 5 months, all Methodist Business 12 requirements had been met, and a formal proposal was sent to Mississippi State Business 8 the PGA. The goal of UMES was to exceed the expectations New Mexico State Business 12 set forth by the PGA. By all accounts, they did. The specific North Carolina State College of Natural 12 Resources requirements were to secure full-time positions for an incom- Penn State College of Health & Human 12 ing director of the program and for an internship coordinator, Development and a PGA golf professional to be employed in one of the Sam Houston State Business Administration 12 positions. An administrative assistant position specific to the University of Central Business Administration 12 PGA program was also secured, an additional requirement for Oklahoma each university. The facility requirements were to designate University of Colorado Business 12 an office area for the program, secure golf course and practice University of Idaho Business and Economics 12 area access for students in the program, and have access to a University of Maryland Business and Technology 12 learning laboratory, including a model pro shop, club fitting, Eastern Shore and club repair facilities. PGA representatives conducted a University of College of Agricultural 12 site visit and were satisfied that all requirements were met. Nebraska, Lincoln Sciences and Natural The UMES became the 20th university in the country to Resources University of Harrah Hotel College 12 receive accreditation of the PGA Golf Management University Nevada, Las Vegas Program. UMES also became the first historically Black col- lege or university to receive the PGA accreditation. The first Note: PGA = Professional Golfers Association of America. class of PGA golf management students arrived on the UMES campus for the Fall 2008 semester. Golf Management University Program. The following are Did You Hire Personnel Directly Responsible excerpts from the interview with Dr. Boger. for the PGA Golf Management University Program at UMES? How Did the Pursuit of the PGA Accreditation Begin? Yes, this had the full support from the university’s president. The UMES is a land grant, historically Black college located The PGA requires three positions dedicated to each accredited in the small town of Princess Anne on the Eastern Shore of program. The PGA requires a director to be in place Maryland. In 2002, Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, President of 1 year prior to the inaugural class of students. A full-time UMES, wanted the university to become involved with the faculty member was hired at UMES to fill that role. The PGA golf industry. The university contacted the PGA and was sub- also requires an internship coordinator to be in place 6 months sequently provided a list of the accreditation requirements to prior to the start of the program. The internship coordinator the university. On review of the university requirements, our must be a graduate of a PGA professional golf management president decided that UMES would be proactive and develop program. Hence, an internship coordinator was hired by a framework that would allow us to exceed the PGA require- UMES, thereby meeting all the requirements of the PGA. ments. By 2004, the UMES Golf Academy opened, offering Finally, an administrative assistant was hired, completing the the only year-round, indoor golf training facility in the state of personnel requirements mandated by the PGA. In addition, Maryland with computer-assisted golf swing analysis equip- the PGA requires that all personnel affiliated with a university ment and the short game Putt, Pitch, and Chip Center. The program must attend a PGA Expo Show prior to the com- UMES Golf Academy became a unique offering among the mencement of the program. This, too, was completed. 4 SAGE Open hotel and restaurant management if it becomes clear that the What Department and/or College Is the PAT requirement may not be successfully completed. Program Housed Under and What Degree Will Your Students Receive on Completion of What Is Your First Year’s Enrollment and the PGA’s Academic Program? What Are Your Enrollment Goals? The PGA Golf Management University Program is housed in the School of Business and Technology. The students will The goal for the 1st year was 25 students. We have 20 stu- receive a Bachelor of Science in Golf Management on dents. The demographic profile of the inaugural class is as completion of the program. The program is a comprehensive follows: 5 African Americans, 1 Korean, and 14 White. degree program, integrating the curriculum requirements of Currently, there are no women enrolled in the UMES golf a hotel and restaurant management major with the knowl- management program. Eight of the students are on academic edge base of the PGA’s professional golf management pro- scholarships. Our goal is to have 100 students in the PGA gram, including 16 months of structured internship program, which means that we have to add 25 students each experience and a PAT. The PAT is mandated by the PGA. year. UMES is committed to enrolling a talented student body from a variety of ethnic and geographic backgrounds. The program is dedicated to supporting the PGA’s objective Were There Any Issues or Concerns From the of recruiting qualified minorities into each of its accredited University When Developing the Curriculum university programs. To help each accredited university with Requirements Mandated From the PGA? minority recruitment, the PGA provides scholarship monies each year. PGA diversity scholarship assistance is available The university has set policies in regard to proposing a new for African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, and degree program and curriculum. The process starts with females on a competitive basis. UMES will recruit nation- approval by the faculty and concludes with approval by the ally for prospective students. state of Maryland. We did run into a small issue, but it was resolved. Our goal was to offer a Bachelor of Science in Do You Have Concerns That the Golf Industry Golf Management, but our curriculum proposal totaled 130 Is Not Growing Fast Enough to Absorb credit hours, 10 more than the customary 120 credit hours. Graduates? UMES was required to make a special request to the state of Maryland to acquire a 130 credit-hour degree program, which was successfully awarded. No major concerns. The PGA guarantees employment for all students graduating from a PGA-accredited university pro- gram. UMES is happy that their students will all graduate What Is/Are the Enrollment Criteria Specific with PGA accreditation, status, and membership. to the Golf Management Program at UMES? A student must verify a handicap of 12 or less to be consid- What Types of Employment Opportunities ered as an incoming student in the golf management pro- Are Associated With PGA Accreditation? gram at UMES. This is in addition to the regular academic requirements for enrollment consideration. The PGA also There are many directions a graduate may take on receiving requires a player development program to be in place for membership in the PGA. Common pursuits include posi- students who either do not have a documented 12 handicap tions in pro shop operations, golf course operations, or less, or for those students who are having trouble passing and teaching the game of golf. There are also positions the mandated PAT. The player development program at beyond the golf course. Graduates may seek employment in UMES is devoted to PAT preparation, offering strategies in corporate and association management, manufacturing, full swing, short game, and game management. The player sales, marketing, golf technology, course and club house development program is designed to prepare students to suc- design and development, research and development, mer- cessfully pass the PAT as early in the program as possible. chandising, tournament operations, and public relations. The program is offered with both classroom instruction and coordinated practice and playing, and is conducted by a What Facilities Are Available for UMES PGA member of the golf management staff. Once a student Students Pursuing the Bachelor of Science in has passed the PAT, they will no longer be required to par- Golf Management? ticipate in the player development program. For those stu- dents who do not pass the PAT by their sophomore year, UMES offers an academic safety net. The curriculum is set We are privileged to have Great Hope Golf Course and up so that a student can transition toward a degree pursuit in Nutters Crossing Golf Course as the official home courses Fjelstul et al. 5 for the UMES program. Great Hope and Nutters Crossing is, the UMES partnership with several area golf courses for will be home to many of our golf management tournaments the practical PGA requirements. Finally, increasing minority and will be used as learning laboratories for many of our participation in golf requires initiatives and organizations work experience activities. In addition, a model “golf shop” designed to expose members of minority populations to golf is provided as a learning laboratory at Nutters Crossing Golf at an early age. Examples of such organizations include the Course. The program will use the Nutters Crossing Golf First Tee and the Bill Dickey Scholarship Foundation. The Course in many of our work experience activities and incor- combination of early exposure, scholarships, and structured porate budgeting, procurement, merchandising, and opera- educational programs should increase minority participation tions procedures. in the game of golf in the foreseeable future. It will be inter- esting to see whether other historically Black colleges and universities pursue the PGA Golf Management University Can You Offer Advice for Other Academic Program. It will also be interesting to examine demographic Programs in Their Pursuit of the PGA’s composition of these programs to see whether members of Accredited Golf Management University minority groups are taking advantages of these golf educa- tional opportunities. Program? Declaration of Conflicting Interests Absolutely. We had full support of this pursuit from the President of UMES. Such support was instrumental in the The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect accreditation process. We also sought not only to meet to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. requirements set forth for PGA-accredited programs but to Funding exceed such expectations. We wanted the PGA to know that we were 100% committed to securing accreditation. The author(s) received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article. Conclusion References Historically, the game of golf as a professional sport system- Dickey, B. (2009). Bill Dickey scholarship association history. atically excluded minority participation. However, in recent Available from http://www.nmjgsa.org years, several organizations have attempted to increase The First Tee. (2009). Available from http://www.thefirsttee.com minority participation through targeted initiatives. One such National Golf Foundation. (2009). Minority golf participation in initiative is the PGA’s Golf Management University Program the United States report. Available from http://www.ngf.org geared at preparing individuals for careers in the golf indus- Professional Golfers Association of America. (2009a). PGA Diver- try. UMES provides an excellent example of how the pro- sity. Available from http://www.pga.com gram was implemented at a historically and predominantly Professional Golfers Association of America. (2009b). PGA his- Black college. The university was successful in obtaining torical center honors African American golf heroes in display. the coveted accreditation due to several reasons. Available from http://www.pga.com First and foremost was full institution support. The accred- itation solicitation process was spearheaded by the universi- Bios ty’s president who proactively provided the necessary resources that would support the application process. This Jill Fjelstul, Ed.D. is an assistant professor with the Rosen College commitment caught the attention of PGA officials. UMES of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. went a step further by exceeding PGA expectations, once the She is a sanctioned class-A golf professional by the LPGA and a application process for the program was underway. As a former collegiate golf head coach. Her scholarly area is in the field result, they completed the formal application process in 4 to 5 of Gold and Club Management. months. Many institutions undergo an application process of more than 1 year. This short time frame underscores the Leonard A. Jackson, PhD. is an associate professor at the notion that support of the university president and the state of University of Memphis. His research focuses on the hospitality Maryland was crucial in the program development process at lodging sector with emphasis on financial performance. UMES. It also suggests that the PGA is supportive in expos- ing minority groups to career opportunities in the game of Dana V. Tesone, PhD. is a professor of Hospitality Management at golf. UMES’s successful quest in acquiring the golf manage- the University of Central Florida. His scholarly focus is in the area ment accreditation also highlights the need for partnership of applied management to include leadership and human resource between academic institutions and the golf community; that management. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png SAGE Open SAGE

Increasing Minority Golf Participation Through PGA Education Initiatives:

SAGE Open , Volume 1 (2): 1 – Jul 7, 2011

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Copyright © 2022 by SAGE Publications Inc, unless otherwise noted. Manuscript content on this site is licensed under Creative Commons Licenses.
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Abstract

The article provides a report on the successful acquisition of the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) golf management university program by the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (UMES). The PGA’s accredited program is housed at 20 universities with UMES being the first predominantly Black college to offer the coveted program. The article provides interview excerpts on the process undertaken by UMES. The article also identifies initiatives by programs and associations to increase minority golf participation. Keywords golf management, hospitality education, minority golf demeaning, yet it provided a pathway for future African Introduction Americans to participate in professional golf tournaments. A serious golf conversation today would not be complete Others included Charlie Sifford and Pete Brown. Sifford without the mention of Tiger Woods. Tiger has won 71 tour- won two tour events, one senior event, and was the first naments through 2009, 14 of which were major champion- African American to be inducted in the World Golf Hall of ships. Over the past decade, Tiger Woods has emerged as Fame, in 2004 (PGA, 2009b). Brown became the first one of the most recognized professional athletes of all time. African American to win a PGA-sanctioned event, the 1964 This is no small feat as the game of golf has not always been Waco Turner Open. These trailblazers have afforded the synonymous with members of minority populations. Instead, opportunity for people of all races and color to see golf not the game was viewed by many as an exclusive and elitist as an exclusive and elitist pastime but as a game in which pastime, enjoyed primarily by affluent White males who playing and career opportunities abound for qualified indi- possess the physical, social, and economic traits and attri- viduals. Golf is a technical sport requiring an extensive body butes required to access golfing facilities. Hence, it is no of competencies before career opportunities can be fully wonder that, during the early days of golf as an organized exploited. Acquisition of such knowledge is often cost pro- American professional sport, minority groups such as hibitive for members of minority groups, which subsequently African Americans and females were systematically excludes minorities from active participation and career excluded or denied active and direct participation. This was exploration. However, in recent years, initiatives geared spe- because of the fact that the game of golf is a club-driven cifically toward increasing minority participation have been sport. Membership and access to clubs were contingent on developed and implemented. One such initiative was under- the selection process. Sadly, other American professional taken in 2008 with the University of Maryland, Eastern sports such as baseball, basketball, and football also enforced Shore (UMES). The PGA granted UMES the right to offer selective participation restrictions, limiting minority partici- the coveted “Golf Management University Program” as one pation during the early years of inception. of its on-campus academic programs. The UMES is a histori- During the late 1950s and early 1960s, societal pressures cally Black college. This PGA initiative with UMES repre- combined with civil rights activities had profound effects on sented a profound departure from past practices. UMES American professional sports. Desegregation in professional welcomed the inaugural class of aspiring PGA professionals sport commenced, creating opportunities for minorities to in the fall of 2008. participate equally, halfheartedly, or as “tokens of jest.” An early example of such change took place at the 1963 San University of Central Florida, Orlando, USA University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA Diego Open. The Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) finally allowed the first African American to Corresponding Author: compete in a PGA tour event, not for his ability but as a Dana V. Tesone, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of sponsor exemption. The golfer was world heavy-weight Central Florida, 9907 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819, USA champion Joe Lewis. This token of jest was perceived as Email: dtesone@mail.ucf.edu 2 SAGE Open This article explores the issues of minority participation in the 1970s, Dickey envisioned a national organization com- the game of golf with specific emphasis on African American posed of individuals and golf clubs committed to affording participation. The article continues by examining the PGA ini- minorities the opportunity to participate in golf at the junior tiatives geared toward increasing minority participation in the and college levels. The overall focus of the organization was game. The golf management university program accreditation on young minority golfers. The goal was to increase minority process is outlined with specific emphasis on the process participation in golf while pursuing an education through undertaken by UMES. The article concludes with excerpts support and financial assistance (Dickey, 2009). from an interview conducted with Dr. Ernest Boger, chairman and associate professor of the Hotel and Management The PGA of America’s Golf Department, School of Business and Technology at UMES. Management University Program The interview revealed the process undertaken by UMES in its successful quest to become one of only 20 universities in The PGA Golf Management University Program, formally the United States to offer the PGA Golf Management called the PGA Professional Golf Management Program, is University Program. The information provided in this article a 4.5-year structured educational program offered at 20 uni- can be valuable to universities that want to add the PGA’s versities nationwide. The program is designed to provide accredited program to their academic curricula. students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the golf industry. The program includes classroom stud- ies, internship experiences, and player development (PGA, Minority Golf Participation 2009a). Ferris State University became the first PGA- and Initiatives accredited program in 1975. Today, there are 20 PGA- The National Golf Foundation (NGF) provides relevant accredited university programs. Table 1 depicts the school, information on every aspect of the golf industry. The most the academic unit in which the golf management program is recent study on minority golfer participation was published located, and their respective maximum handicap entrance by the NGF in 2003. In that year, the total number of golfers requirement. Students graduating from accredited universi- above the age of 18 was reported at 27 million (NGF, 2009). ties receive a baccalaureate degree on completion of the Of those 27 million golfers, approximately 5% were African institution’s academic requirements, the PGA’s internship Americans, 4% were Asian Americans, and less than 4% requirements, and the playing ability test (PAT) mandates. were Hispanic Americans (NGF, 2009). A more recent study Each graduate becomes a PGA professional on completion in 2008 reported total golfer participation had increased to of their respective baccalaureate degree. Graduates typically 29 million. Unfortunately, statistics specific to minority golf gain employment as golf-teaching professionals, tournament participation were not recorded, but it could be assumed that directors, pro shop managers, or golf sales representatives. such numbers would reveal low participation in relation to Graduates also gain employment in golf retail, media, mar- nonminority golf participation. In an effort to increase keting, or with golf associations. minority participation in the game, various programs and associations have implemented golf-related initiatives. Two The UMES PGA Golf Management such initiatives were established by the World Golf University Program and Interview Association and by the Bill Dickey Scholarship Association. The World Golf Association established The “First Tee” The PGA Golf Management University Program is open to all Program in 1997. The First Tee Program provides young university-bound students nationwide. The program at UMES people between the ages of 8 to 18, from all backgrounds, an has special significance as it coincides with the PGA’s effort opportunity to develop life-enhancing values through golf to increase golf participation and golf career opportunities for and character education (The First Tee, 2009). The program’s minorities. Both the university and the PGA felt that they objectives are to introduce golf to 3.5 million individuals to could develop a symbiotic relationship and achieve their the game over a 5-year period, to provide life skills experi- respective goals of offering the PGA golf management pro- ence at all its facilities, to expand the program to 140 com- gram at a historically and predominantly Black college. The munities over the 5-year period, to establish a First Tee accreditation process was initiated in 2002 with full accredita- chapter in all 50 states, and to develop First Tee operations in tion awarded in 2008. The authors were granted a telephone 90% of the top golf markets (The First Tee, 2009). Since its interview with Dr. Boger in January 2009. The goal was to inception, more than 3 million children from minority groups gain insight into UMES’s successful quest in becoming 1 of have participated in the program. only 20 universities selected nationwide to acquire the PGA The Bill Dickey Scholarship Association (formerly the accreditation and to also be the first predominantly African National Minority Junior Golf Scholarship Association) was American university with such distinction. formally established in 1994 as a nonprofit organization. Dr. Ernest Boger, chairman and associate professor of the Their goal was to assist minority college-bound students in Hotel and Management Department, School of Business and achieving excellence through the game of golf. The associa- Technology at the UMES, was in his first 30 days at UMES tion was the brainchild of its founder, Bill Dickey. During when the university decided to formally pursue the PGA Fjelstul et al. 3 Table 1. PGA Golf Management University Programs 35 golf courses located on the Eastern Shore. The PGA was informed of the UMES Golf Academy and of UMES’s com- Required mitment to golf education. The PGA began informal discus- University College/department handicap sions with President Thompson about the PGA’s Golf Arizona State Morrison School of 12 Management University Program. Management Campbell Business Administration 12 What Was the Timeline for Receiving the Clemson Parks, Recreation, and 8 Tourism Management Accreditation of the PGA Golf Management Coastal Carolina Business 8 University Program? Eastern Kentucky Business and Technology 12 Ferris State Business 8 From start to finish, the accreditation process lasted 3 years. Florida Gulf Coast College of Professional 12 After our informal discussions with the PGA, our administra- Studies tors were given a list of requirements that had to be met prior Florida State Business 12 to formal consideration by the PGA. Within 4 to 5 months, all Methodist Business 12 requirements had been met, and a formal proposal was sent to Mississippi State Business 8 the PGA. The goal of UMES was to exceed the expectations New Mexico State Business 12 set forth by the PGA. By all accounts, they did. The specific North Carolina State College of Natural 12 Resources requirements were to secure full-time positions for an incom- Penn State College of Health & Human 12 ing director of the program and for an internship coordinator, Development and a PGA golf professional to be employed in one of the Sam Houston State Business Administration 12 positions. An administrative assistant position specific to the University of Central Business Administration 12 PGA program was also secured, an additional requirement for Oklahoma each university. The facility requirements were to designate University of Colorado Business 12 an office area for the program, secure golf course and practice University of Idaho Business and Economics 12 area access for students in the program, and have access to a University of Maryland Business and Technology 12 learning laboratory, including a model pro shop, club fitting, Eastern Shore and club repair facilities. PGA representatives conducted a University of College of Agricultural 12 site visit and were satisfied that all requirements were met. Nebraska, Lincoln Sciences and Natural The UMES became the 20th university in the country to Resources University of Harrah Hotel College 12 receive accreditation of the PGA Golf Management University Nevada, Las Vegas Program. UMES also became the first historically Black col- lege or university to receive the PGA accreditation. The first Note: PGA = Professional Golfers Association of America. class of PGA golf management students arrived on the UMES campus for the Fall 2008 semester. Golf Management University Program. The following are Did You Hire Personnel Directly Responsible excerpts from the interview with Dr. Boger. for the PGA Golf Management University Program at UMES? How Did the Pursuit of the PGA Accreditation Begin? Yes, this had the full support from the university’s president. The UMES is a land grant, historically Black college located The PGA requires three positions dedicated to each accredited in the small town of Princess Anne on the Eastern Shore of program. The PGA requires a director to be in place Maryland. In 2002, Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, President of 1 year prior to the inaugural class of students. A full-time UMES, wanted the university to become involved with the faculty member was hired at UMES to fill that role. The PGA golf industry. The university contacted the PGA and was sub- also requires an internship coordinator to be in place 6 months sequently provided a list of the accreditation requirements to prior to the start of the program. The internship coordinator the university. On review of the university requirements, our must be a graduate of a PGA professional golf management president decided that UMES would be proactive and develop program. Hence, an internship coordinator was hired by a framework that would allow us to exceed the PGA require- UMES, thereby meeting all the requirements of the PGA. ments. By 2004, the UMES Golf Academy opened, offering Finally, an administrative assistant was hired, completing the the only year-round, indoor golf training facility in the state of personnel requirements mandated by the PGA. In addition, Maryland with computer-assisted golf swing analysis equip- the PGA requires that all personnel affiliated with a university ment and the short game Putt, Pitch, and Chip Center. The program must attend a PGA Expo Show prior to the com- UMES Golf Academy became a unique offering among the mencement of the program. This, too, was completed. 4 SAGE Open hotel and restaurant management if it becomes clear that the What Department and/or College Is the PAT requirement may not be successfully completed. Program Housed Under and What Degree Will Your Students Receive on Completion of What Is Your First Year’s Enrollment and the PGA’s Academic Program? What Are Your Enrollment Goals? The PGA Golf Management University Program is housed in the School of Business and Technology. The students will The goal for the 1st year was 25 students. We have 20 stu- receive a Bachelor of Science in Golf Management on dents. The demographic profile of the inaugural class is as completion of the program. The program is a comprehensive follows: 5 African Americans, 1 Korean, and 14 White. degree program, integrating the curriculum requirements of Currently, there are no women enrolled in the UMES golf a hotel and restaurant management major with the knowl- management program. Eight of the students are on academic edge base of the PGA’s professional golf management pro- scholarships. Our goal is to have 100 students in the PGA gram, including 16 months of structured internship program, which means that we have to add 25 students each experience and a PAT. The PAT is mandated by the PGA. year. UMES is committed to enrolling a talented student body from a variety of ethnic and geographic backgrounds. The program is dedicated to supporting the PGA’s objective Were There Any Issues or Concerns From the of recruiting qualified minorities into each of its accredited University When Developing the Curriculum university programs. To help each accredited university with Requirements Mandated From the PGA? minority recruitment, the PGA provides scholarship monies each year. PGA diversity scholarship assistance is available The university has set policies in regard to proposing a new for African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, and degree program and curriculum. The process starts with females on a competitive basis. UMES will recruit nation- approval by the faculty and concludes with approval by the ally for prospective students. state of Maryland. We did run into a small issue, but it was resolved. Our goal was to offer a Bachelor of Science in Do You Have Concerns That the Golf Industry Golf Management, but our curriculum proposal totaled 130 Is Not Growing Fast Enough to Absorb credit hours, 10 more than the customary 120 credit hours. Graduates? UMES was required to make a special request to the state of Maryland to acquire a 130 credit-hour degree program, which was successfully awarded. No major concerns. The PGA guarantees employment for all students graduating from a PGA-accredited university pro- gram. UMES is happy that their students will all graduate What Is/Are the Enrollment Criteria Specific with PGA accreditation, status, and membership. to the Golf Management Program at UMES? A student must verify a handicap of 12 or less to be consid- What Types of Employment Opportunities ered as an incoming student in the golf management pro- Are Associated With PGA Accreditation? gram at UMES. This is in addition to the regular academic requirements for enrollment consideration. The PGA also There are many directions a graduate may take on receiving requires a player development program to be in place for membership in the PGA. Common pursuits include posi- students who either do not have a documented 12 handicap tions in pro shop operations, golf course operations, or less, or for those students who are having trouble passing and teaching the game of golf. There are also positions the mandated PAT. The player development program at beyond the golf course. Graduates may seek employment in UMES is devoted to PAT preparation, offering strategies in corporate and association management, manufacturing, full swing, short game, and game management. The player sales, marketing, golf technology, course and club house development program is designed to prepare students to suc- design and development, research and development, mer- cessfully pass the PAT as early in the program as possible. chandising, tournament operations, and public relations. The program is offered with both classroom instruction and coordinated practice and playing, and is conducted by a What Facilities Are Available for UMES PGA member of the golf management staff. Once a student Students Pursuing the Bachelor of Science in has passed the PAT, they will no longer be required to par- Golf Management? ticipate in the player development program. For those stu- dents who do not pass the PAT by their sophomore year, UMES offers an academic safety net. The curriculum is set We are privileged to have Great Hope Golf Course and up so that a student can transition toward a degree pursuit in Nutters Crossing Golf Course as the official home courses Fjelstul et al. 5 for the UMES program. Great Hope and Nutters Crossing is, the UMES partnership with several area golf courses for will be home to many of our golf management tournaments the practical PGA requirements. Finally, increasing minority and will be used as learning laboratories for many of our participation in golf requires initiatives and organizations work experience activities. In addition, a model “golf shop” designed to expose members of minority populations to golf is provided as a learning laboratory at Nutters Crossing Golf at an early age. Examples of such organizations include the Course. The program will use the Nutters Crossing Golf First Tee and the Bill Dickey Scholarship Foundation. The Course in many of our work experience activities and incor- combination of early exposure, scholarships, and structured porate budgeting, procurement, merchandising, and opera- educational programs should increase minority participation tions procedures. in the game of golf in the foreseeable future. It will be inter- esting to see whether other historically Black colleges and universities pursue the PGA Golf Management University Can You Offer Advice for Other Academic Program. It will also be interesting to examine demographic Programs in Their Pursuit of the PGA’s composition of these programs to see whether members of Accredited Golf Management University minority groups are taking advantages of these golf educa- tional opportunities. Program? Declaration of Conflicting Interests Absolutely. We had full support of this pursuit from the President of UMES. Such support was instrumental in the The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect accreditation process. We also sought not only to meet to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. requirements set forth for PGA-accredited programs but to Funding exceed such expectations. We wanted the PGA to know that we were 100% committed to securing accreditation. The author(s) received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article. Conclusion References Historically, the game of golf as a professional sport system- Dickey, B. (2009). Bill Dickey scholarship association history. atically excluded minority participation. However, in recent Available from http://www.nmjgsa.org years, several organizations have attempted to increase The First Tee. (2009). Available from http://www.thefirsttee.com minority participation through targeted initiatives. One such National Golf Foundation. (2009). Minority golf participation in initiative is the PGA’s Golf Management University Program the United States report. Available from http://www.ngf.org geared at preparing individuals for careers in the golf indus- Professional Golfers Association of America. (2009a). PGA Diver- try. UMES provides an excellent example of how the pro- sity. Available from http://www.pga.com gram was implemented at a historically and predominantly Professional Golfers Association of America. (2009b). PGA his- Black college. The university was successful in obtaining torical center honors African American golf heroes in display. the coveted accreditation due to several reasons. Available from http://www.pga.com First and foremost was full institution support. The accred- itation solicitation process was spearheaded by the universi- Bios ty’s president who proactively provided the necessary resources that would support the application process. This Jill Fjelstul, Ed.D. is an assistant professor with the Rosen College commitment caught the attention of PGA officials. UMES of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida. went a step further by exceeding PGA expectations, once the She is a sanctioned class-A golf professional by the LPGA and a application process for the program was underway. As a former collegiate golf head coach. Her scholarly area is in the field result, they completed the formal application process in 4 to 5 of Gold and Club Management. months. Many institutions undergo an application process of more than 1 year. This short time frame underscores the Leonard A. Jackson, PhD. is an associate professor at the notion that support of the university president and the state of University of Memphis. His research focuses on the hospitality Maryland was crucial in the program development process at lodging sector with emphasis on financial performance. UMES. It also suggests that the PGA is supportive in expos- ing minority groups to career opportunities in the game of Dana V. Tesone, PhD. is a professor of Hospitality Management at golf. UMES’s successful quest in acquiring the golf manage- the University of Central Florida. His scholarly focus is in the area ment accreditation also highlights the need for partnership of applied management to include leadership and human resource between academic institutions and the golf community; that management.

Journal

SAGE OpenSAGE

Published: Jul 7, 2011

Keywords: golf management; hospitality education; minority golf

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