Golf is a growth industry. In 2009, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported that there were approximately 200 new golf courses opening across the country. With this development, there is 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 programs not centered on the industry.

Growth in the leisure and service industry has created a continued 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-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 course 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 SUNY Delhi two-year A.A.S. programs 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. 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.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 with an 18-hole golf course that serves as an academic laboratory. The golf course has a clubhouse with 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. The 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 Golf Course Management students year-round opportunity for golf practice, education, and coaching.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 1508

SUNY General Education Requirements: Students who intend to receive A.A., A.S., or baccalaureate degrees must satisfy SUNY and campus General Education (GE) requirements to graduate. Students should be aware that GE requirements may vary by academic program. Consult with your academic advisor. For general information, see the "General Education" section of this catalog.

A.A.S. and A.O.S. degree students may not be required to fulfill General Education (GE) requirements; however, any student who may wish to transfer should complete as many GE courses as possible. Consult with your academic advisor.

First Semester

Second Semester

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

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

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

Fifth Semester

Sixth Semester

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

Seventh Semester

Eighth Semester

Degree Requirement: 133 credit hours

Notes

¹ The first English is by placement according to competency.
² Mathematics is by placement according to competency.

³ Elective

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

Technical Standards: In addition to academic requirements, all applicants must also be able to meet the minimum Technical Standards for the program, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Admissions Requirements 

To be eligible for consideration:

Freshmen: Applicants should have a minimum 80 high school average and have received a minimum of a 75 on the Algebra and Biology regents exams as well as one other science course. 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.

Transfer Students: Applicants must have a minimum 2.3 cumulative grade point average, and only grades of C or better in college coursework will be accepted for transfer. See the "Academic Policies" section of the college 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.

Student Learning Outcomes

In addition to Student Learning Outcomes 1-19 listed under Golf Course Operations (A.A.S.), a graduate of the B.B.A. degree program in Golf Course Management 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 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.