Should I do the PGM program or not?

I'm been thinking about entering one of the PGM programs around the country (NC State, Methodist, Coastal Carolina, Ms. state.....) but I need to know if i should actually pursue it. I definitely want to be involved in the golf industry after college but I don't know if I really want to be a pro. I know the pro position requires strange hours, working on holidays/weekends, and low pay, but I also know there are some good traits also. I can see myself working in maybe the business or marketing section of a big golf company such as Taylormade. Should I take the PGM route anyways. I live in Texas so to be in the PGM program, or at least a good one, I would have to go pretty far away. Should I do the PGM program or just pursue a normal degree at a closer college? Any former of current PGM students would be great! thank you.

I went to PGM at Ferris State in Big Rapids MI. That is actually where I met Jeff McCoy and Paul Friedrich both of which helped me start Scratch Golf. The PGM could be right for you if you want to get into the golf business. I know the rules and guidelines have changed since I was there you should email Matt Pinter who is the head of the Ferris PGM program. He could not be nicer or more helpful and will be happy to give you the correct advice for this situation regardless of weather you are looking at Ferris as a school to attend. His email is [email protected]. Best of luck to you!

I would say don't do it..... If anything, get certified as a pga professional as a piggy back on a different degree. If you can play, go for it either while attending CC or during the first two "easy" years of college. Ask yourself what would look better on a resume..... a pgm degree or being a certified PGA guy along with a real marketing degree?

I'm not saying it would be easy, but it's doable. If you think TM gives a crap about PGM in their marketing dept, you're wrong. With the way half their PR stuff is worded, I'd be surprised if anyone there actually plays golf

Why not Sam Houston State? You finish with a class A as well as a BBA. http://www.shsu.edu/~coba/pga/

I suggest PGM. I am a freshman at Methodist and I love it. There are a ton of opportunities in the golf business that you'll have through PGM. If you decide to do it, make sure you look into what degree each school gives with PGM. I know some schools give hospitality or parks and recreation management, which is more limited then a Business degree outside of the golf world. I suggest going somewhere with a Business degree, because there are so many different ways you can go with it. I know Methodist offers business, accounting, marketing, or finance degrees with the PGM program.

If your goal was to work for an OEM, I'd say why not? It would only be beneficial for you to network, if and when the opportunity arose. I couldn't imagine that any golf company would not hire you if you had a business degree, even a non-PGM degree. If you love golf and have a little talent, then go for it. As for me, my business degree helped me land a great non-golf job but it would be nice to work for a golf company, you know, for the perks.

There are PGM programs that make you get a business degree along with the PGM concentration. Also, there are bunch of guys like yourself in the PGM programs. There is a guy here at Methodist that has worked with Titleist the last two summers... and I believe he is planning on working there permanently once he graduates.

Another good example is a guy that did his internships for a cruise ship line and then worked his way up to management after about 4-5 years with them.

PGM isn't for everyone, but if you get the right degree, you aren't going to limit yourself at all.

Would passing PAT be an issue for you at all? If not, I'd suggest good high-quality degree ACADEMIC program where golf is NOT a distraction. At a PGM program your ability to study and learn WILL BE AFFECTED and the reputation of schools is inferior.

If you need to work on golf in order to pass PAT then go to a PGM program, while you have to accept you will not have as strong a credential. There's some additional networking opportunity there but I don't think it would outweigh regional school effect.

[quote name='rafal' date='04 May 2010 - 07:19 PM' timestamp='1273015169' post='2421268']
Would passing PAT be an issue for you at all? If not, I'd suggest good high-quality degree ACADEMIC program where golf is NOT a distraction. At a PGM program your ability to study and learn WILL BE AFFECTED and the reputation of schools is inferior.

If you need to work on golf in order to pass PAT then go to a PGM program, while you have to accept you will not have as strong a credential. There's some additional networking opportunity there but I don't think it would outweigh regional school effect.
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Your logic is sound with regards to playing ability but I disagree with you on strength of academics. I can't name too many PGM schools off the top of my head, NMSU, PSU, ASU, come to mind, and I wouldn't call those schools inferior academically by any means.

No the PAT would definitely not be a problem. Once I'm 18 I plan on getting it out of the way before college. I also don't think that's what my decision should be based on. It's whether or not I want to do the PGM along with a business degree. I'm starting to think that even if i don't like the PGM program i will just continue with the business degree I'm already working on. There's a lot of good schools that offer the program with a business degree.

They are not inferior per se, but if your goal is eventually get an MBA you will be penalized by graduating from tier2 schools and these are tier2.

golfr, I think you're overweighing the benefits and differences between a straight business degree and one with PGM. However since you state that you know already what your decision should be based on, you should be able to make it.

I went to Methodist for my freshman year in 2002. I heard what I wanted in my vists, thought I was going to play golf and never go to class. It turned out to be just larger than my high school and not nearly the right fit for me. I end up transfering to UCF where I only played everyother day and occasionally went to class. I would suggest if you go to a PGM school then go a larger school to have options if you don't complete the program. I was lucky enough to learn from some of the best about clubmaking and rules while I was there though.