Combining a love of golf and the ability to make a living doing it may be many people's dreams come true. Country clubs, cruise ships, resorts, corporations, and individuals hire golf instructors, provided they can provide the credentials to back up their technical skill and teaching ability. Finding an accredited golf school is a matter of determining priorities and finding the school that fits your needs.
Types of Programs
Determine if you are you looking for a degree-granting institution that has a golf management program or a school that will specifically teach you to be a golf instructor. Golf management degrees are offered by a few colleges and universities around the U.S.; golf instructor institutions are much more widely available. Degree-granting programs are longer and more expensive than technical schools, but offer the graduate an education and certification that can be applied technically or in a managerial aspect of the game.
Golf-Dedicated Degree-Granting Institutions
The Golf Academy of America offers an accredited associates degree in Golf Complex Operations and Management. The Professional Golfers Career College offers a Specialized Associate's Degree in Professional Golf Management. These schools' curriculum combines classroom and practical elements and can be completed in about two academic years. The Golf Academy of America offers students who complete the associate program an online extension to a bachelor's of science degree in Golf Course Management.
Golf Programs in Universities
Arizona State University offers one of the 20 PGA-accredited golf programs in the U.S. Arizona's program culminates in a management bachelor degree and PGA accreditation. Clemson, Ferris State and Campbell University offer similar bachelor degree programs. Actual majors awarded vary from school to schools, and include business, agribusiness, and recreation and tourism management.
Workshop Programs
Far faster but less prestigious than degree-granting programs are the golf schools that offer online-only or short workshop-style programs. The Professional Golf Teachers Association offers a five-day onsite certification program or a home study course. The United States Golf Teachers Association similarly offers onsite or home study certification programs.
Considerations
Before enrolling in any golf teaching program it is advisable to analyze your desired professional role in the golf community. Consider the general certification requirements for the position you are looking at so you can find a program that doesn't under- or over-qualify you. Both mistakes can be costly, as home-study courses run around $1,000 and tuition costs at a major university can be more than $20,000 per year for non-residents.
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