Jan. 18, 2008

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - By The Associated Press

The University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, has become the first historically black school to have an accredited golf management program.

The school says its golf program has received accreditation from the PGA. It becomes the 20th school with a PGA-endorsed program and the first in Maryland.

The program is designed to go with business-related majors such as marketing or hospitality administration. Students need four and a half years to finish the program.

Graduates can work as golf instructors or manage golf courses.

The following is the official press release

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has become the first Historical Black College and the 20th university accredited by PGA of America to offer their Professional Golf Management Program.

The PGA/PGM^TM University Program is a 4½-year structured college curriculum for aspiring PGA Professionals. The educational program is accredited by The PGA of America and includes extensive classroom studies, internship experience and player development providing students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the golf industry.

"It is with great pride that The PGA of America welcomes the University of Maryland Eastern Shore into the PGA/PGM^TM Program," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "For more than 30 years, the PGA/PGM^TM Program has enabled more young people to accomplish their career goals and make an impact in the golf industry."

Founded in 1886, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a research and doctoral degree granting institution on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, is a historically black university and home to some 4,086 students. The 745-acre campus, which includes a 350-acre research and teaching farm, is nationally recognized for the beauty of its grounds. Its low student-to-faculty ratio, well-funded research programs, historic tradition of inclusiveness and constituent membership in the University System of Maryland combine to make UMES a strong engine of growth and development in its community, providing students with opportunities to learn from a well-balanced array of academic programs that respond to local needs as well as more global concerns.

"The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to establish, with the help of the Professional Golfers' Association of America, a program that brings this opportunity to its deserving students," said UMES President Thelma B. Thompson, Ph.D. "This work will bring joy to the golfing community here in Maryland. As president of this university, it is rewarding to see a dream come true. I speak for the entire university when I say I'm grateful to the Professional Golfers' Association of America for considering us worthy of this honor."

The PGA/PGM^TM Program was created in 1975 at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., as the first university to gain PGA Accreditation and offer the PGM curriculum. The program is now offered at the following accredited universities nationwide (see chart, which includes the date of inaugural class):

Arizona StateUniversity; Meza, Ariz. (1999)
Campbell University; Buies Creek, N.C. (1999)
Clemson University; Clemson, S.C. (2001)
Coastal Carolina University; Conway, S.C. (1999)
Eastern Kentucky University; Richmond, Ky. (2006)
Ferris State University; Big Rapids, Mich. (1975)
Florida Gulf Coast University; Ft. Myers, Fla. (2005)
Florida State University; Tallahassee, Fla. (1999)
Methodist University; Fayetteville, N.C. (1999)
Mississippi State University; Mississippi State, Miss. (1985)
New Mexico State University; Las Cruces, N.M. (1987)
North Carolina State University; Raleigh, N.C. (2002)
Penn State University; University Park, Pa. (1990)
Sam Houston State University; Huntsville, Texas (2005)
University of Central Oklahoma; Edmond, Okla. (2008)
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; Colorado Springs, Colo. (2003)
University of Idaho; Moscow, Idaho (2002)
University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Md. (2008)
University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Lincoln, Neb. (2004)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Las Vegas,Nev. (2002)

Curriculum

Students attending a PGA/PGM^TM program can graduate with a baccalaureate degree in several majors (e.g.Marketing, Business Administration, Hospitality Administration, Recreation and Park Management).In addition to classroom studies, each PGA/PGM^TMstudent is required to complete approved internships of 16 months at industry related facilities, companies or organizations.

In addition, PGA/PGM^TM students are also required to complete all of the requirements of The PGA of America's Professional Golf Management Program (PGM) and pass a Playing Ability Test (PAT). Passing the PAT is achieved by scoring equal to or less than the PAT target score. Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold; to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and Research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $195 billion golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.