Columnist Victoria Sun: UNLV program prepares students for golf careers

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2002 | 10:32 a.m.

Victoria Sun is a Las Vegas Sun sportswriter. She can be reached at victoria@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4078.

If you are a high school student who aspires to work in the golf industry and you want to attend college close to home, UNLV may be the place to get your career started.

This fall, UNLV will offer the PGA of America's Professional Golf Management Program, bringing the total number of schools offering the course to 13.

The 4 1/2-year program is designed for men and women interested in pursuing a career in the golf industry.

Whether you want to be a golf shop manager or a director of golf, the golf management curriculum is structured to provide aspirants with a strong foundation.

Students enrolled in the program will learn about various aspects of the golf industry through classes, a training regimen and by completing three to four month internships each year.

Because the Golf Management Program is demanding, Dr. Bill Moore, the director of UNLV's program, said it isn't for every one.

"It's a very involved program," Moore said. "Students will graduate to very capably work in the golf industry in a number of venues.

"These men and women are very prepared and familiar with the industry, much more so than other people who didn't go through the program."

There are various academic and other requirements to enroll in the program. One is that interested applicants must have an 8-handicap or better.

Moore is hoping to enroll at least 10 students for the first year.

Interested parties can call Moore at 895-3865 or e-mail him at bill.moore@ ccmail.nevada.edu.