Professional Golf Management Program Update 

Per an agreement reached between NC State and the PGA of America, the College of Natural Resources will continue to support our current students through a teach-out model for the PGA Golf Management University Program. Current students will have the opportunity to complete the program at NC State, encompassing classroom courses, internships, player development experiences, and progression toward PGA membership. As part of the teach-out, we will not accept any new students into the concentration. 

It’s important to note that students who fall behind in the structured degree plan will be dropped from the PGM concentration. However, should this situation arise, students still have the opportunity to continue their Bachelor of Sport Management or explore other degree programs at NC State through the CODA application process. 

The College of Natural Resources is committed to providing the necessary resources and support to continue delivering high-quality education to our students. We are working closely with the PGA to make every effort to ensure that students meet the requirements to remain with their cohort.

Robb Wade, Director of NC State’s Professional Golf Management Program, will continue to work with each student individually to help keep them on track and provide personalized counsel and support.

Students with questions or who need support can contact Dr. Wade at rwwade@ncsu.edu.

For students who fall behind, the option to continue progress toward PGA membership through the PGA’s Associate Program will be accessible. The PGA Education team stands ready to assist; students are encouraged to reach out to the PGA mentor line at 866-866-3382, option 6.

Thank you to our community for your patience as we worked out the details of this plan with the PGA. We’re thrilled to have reached this agreement, and we remain committed to supporting students every step of the way as they progress through the program toward graduation and PGA membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plan going forward for the NC State PGM program? How are students going to be affected?

All students who are currently part of the PGM concentration will have the opportunity to complete classroom courses, internships and player development experiences to become NC State graduates and members of the PGA of America.

There will be no individual effects on any person except in the case of a student falling out of a cohort. There will be no opportunities to join another cohort so a student who falls behind will be removed from the PGM concentration but will be able to finish their Sport Management degree.

What happens if I fall out of my cohort and am removed from the PGM concentration?

Your academic advisor can help you with this transition. Students who drop out of the PGM concentration will remain eligible to continue their progress toward a Bachelor of Sport Management or to pursue another degree program at NC State through the CODA application process.  

Students who fall behind will also have the option to continue progress toward PGA membership through the PGA’s Associate Program. PGA Education is happy to work with any impacted students. Students may contact the PGA mentor line at 866-866-3382, option 6 for further clarification and guidance on how to proceed toward PGA membership. 

Who should students contact at NC State with questions?

Students with questions or who need support can contact Dr. Robb Wade at rwwade@ncsu.edu.

Is the PGM program at NC State ending after the 2023-2024 first-year class graduates?

NC State University announced its decision to disaffiliate the professional golf management (PGM) concentration with the PGA of America. This strategic shift aligns with the university’s commitment to evaluating and prioritizing programs that best serve its students and the evolving needs of the industry.

While the future direction of the PGM program is under evaluation, NC State remains dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is actively exploring all options for the future of the PGM concentration but is prohibited from running a competing professional golf management program while still under contract with the PGA of America.

Will the experience at NC State continue to be on par with experiences at other PGM universities?

NC State, the College of Natural Resources and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management are committed to our current students. We will continue to provide a unique, high-quality education that is unparalleled at any other school and puts our students in the best position to be successful following graduation.

Can students still graduate in the allotted amount of time?

The expected graduation time of all students remains unchanged.

Will students still become PGA members?

Students who complete the requirements will still be eligible for election to membership in the PGA of America.

Can students still complete an internship?

All students are still required to complete no less than 16 months of practical work experience. The schedule for all interns has altered slightly in the past year. The experiences still include 3-month, 6-month and 7-month opportunities.

Will students be able to attend PGA functions?

Students may attend PGA functions including the PGM Championship and the PGA Merchandise Show. We will also be able to send a representative to the PGA Annual Meeting.

Will PGA fees be adjusted due to the delay in starting?

The PGA fee amount will remain the same. No PGA fees have been collected for the 2023-2024 academic year as of March 2024. The PGM program will be communicating to each student the amount they are required to pay.  

Are there any PGA or PGM scholarships?

Yes. Our efforts to raise scholarship money are continuing and students are encouraged to apply for any scholarships with the use of Pack Assist.