Golf is a growth industry. In 2000 alone, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported that there were 368 new golf course openings across the country. With this development and growth has come a corresponding need for golf course managerial personnel. The number of college graduates with the combination of technical and managerial knowledge is small considering the demand. Golf Course Management graduates have a competitive edge over those with degrees in narrowly focused areas of expertise or in other programs not centered on the industry.

Unprecedented growth in the leisure and service industry has created a demand for golf course managers including clubhouse managers, golf professionals, and golf course superintendents. According to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Professional Golf Association of America (PGA), there is an ever-increasing demand for qualified individuals who understand the technical aspects of the industry and have the management skills necessary for the overall success of golf facility operations. Delhi's bachelor's degree program in Golf Course Management offers students the opportunity to develop these skills.

The Instructional Program

The Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree program in Golf Course Management is designed to prepare future management personnel for the growing number of golf courses in the region and the nation. Graduates of the program qualify for assistant managerial positions at various golf courses, and after gaining sufficient experience, may become candidates for management positions in the golf course industry.

The program builds upon the long history of excellent two-year A.A.S. programs at SUNY Delhi in Golf Course Operations, Hospitality Management, Business Management, and Recreation Management. The Golf Course Management program offers a well-integrated curriculum that incorporates the liberal arts, general business, turf management, and hospitality management theory and application. In addition to completing a core set of courses, students select one of two program majors. These majors require an extensive 15-week internship at an approved national or international internship site.

Facilities

SUNY Delhi is proud of the outstanding facilities that support the Golf Course Management program. Delhi is the only college in the Northeast that has an 18-hole golf course that serves as an academic laboratory. The golf course has a clubhouse that houses a full-service restaurant and pro shop, a 30-station practice range, and a chipping/putting practice green. The Turf Education Center, dedicated in 1994 with industry support, houses state-of-the-art equipment, a demonstration laboratory, greenhouses, a classroom, and turf demonstration test plots. Alumni Hall Hospitality Center has a student-operated restaurant and lounge. Farnsworth Hall houses various classrooms and horticultural laboratories. A 35,000-square-foot air structure gives students enrolled in the program year-round opportunity for golf practice, education, and coaching.

Golf Course Superintendent

The Golf Course Superintendent major offers instruction for students interested in becoming golf course superintendents. Students complete a sequence of courses emphasizing horticultural practices, turf management, pest management, equipment management, irrigation management, budget planning and preparation, personnel management, and public policy.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 1508

First Semester

Second Semester

Summer Session: TURF 182 Golf Course/Turf Management
Internship 1 cr. hr.

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Summer Session:  GMBA 280 Golf Course Professional Work
Experience 1 cr. hr.

Fifth Semester

Sixth Semester

Summer Session:  GMBA 380 Golf Course Professional Work
Experience 1 cr. hr.

Seventh Semester

Eighth Semester

Summer Session: GMBA 474 Golf Course Management
Final Internship 3 cr. hr.

Degree Requirement: 136 credit hours

Admissions Requirements

Freshmen: Applicants should have a minimum 80 high school average and have taken 3 units of English, 3 units of social science, 1 unit of math (Course A), and 2 units of science (biology is required). SAT/ACT scores are not required, but an SAT score of 950 or better or an ACT score of 19 or better will be used as an indicator of success. An on-campus interview is strongly recommended. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to the program will be offered admission (if qualified) into the Golf Course Operations A.A.S. program.

Transfers: Applicants must have a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA, and only grades of C or better in college coursework will be accepted for transfer. See the "Academic Policies" section of this catalog for further information about transfer credit. An on-campus interview is mandatory. Previous study in golf course management is not required, but extra time may be needed to complete degree requirements.

Electives

Students may select any appropriate 100-, 200-, 300-, or 400-level courses (in consultation with their advisor) or:

Program Objectives

In addition to numbers 1-19 listed under Golf Course Operations (A.A.S.), a graduate of the Golf Course Management: Superintendent B.B.A. program should be able to:

1. Discuss the scope of the golf course management industry.
2. Apply a comprehensive understanding of how all aspects golf course operations must be managed in order to achieve a quality product.
3. Communicate effectively with all constituents including employees, management, membership, the general public, and various governmental agencies.
4. Exhibit knowledge of traditional management theory, leadership and management roles, organizational structure and change, service quality and function, decision-making, and ethics.
5. Understand and apply basic knowledge of golf course layout and the equipment needs for proper golf course operations and maintenance.
6. Exhibit knowledge of computer applications as it relates to inventory, budgets, and written communication.
7. Develop and prepare budgets for the operation of the facility and capital improvements.
8. Exhibit knowledge of organizing golf tournaments and other recreational activities as it relates to golf course operations.
9. Develop creative strategies for effectively managing change and resolving conflicts while meeting the expectations of members, guests, employees, and various government agencies.