Golf Course Management - BBA

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.

Delhi is the only college in the Northeast with an 18-hole golf course that serves as an academic laboratory. Other facilities that support this program are the Turf Education Center, Alumni Hall Hospitality Center, Farnsworth Hall, and an air structure that gives students the opportunity for year-round  golf practice, education, and coaching.

Admissions Requirements 

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must:

Freshmen

• be a high school graduate with a minimum 80% overall average or have a minimum 2500 GED test score
• have 75% or higher on the Algebra and Biology Regents exams
• have 75% or higher on one other science Regents exam

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 may be offered admission (if qualified) into the Golf Course Operations A.A.S. program.

Transfer Students

• 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.
• must have an on-campus interview

Previous study in golf course management is not required, but extra time may be needed to complete degree requirements.

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.

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.

Academic Requirements:

Minimum Total Credit Hours = 133

Major Courses Required - 87 credit hours

General Education/Liberal Arts Courses Required - 40 credit hours

Restricted Electives by Advisement³ - 6 credit hours

Notes

¹ English is by placement according to competency.

² Mathematics is by placement according to competency.

³ One course must be a computer applications (CITA) course by advisement.  Other courses may be any appropriate 100-, 200-, 300-, or 400-level course in consultation with the student's academic advisor or:

Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the B.B.A. degree program in Golf Course Management should be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic knowledge of Botany.
2. Understand and apply basic principles and terminology used in the care, pruning, growth, propagation, growing media, soil amendments, and fertilization of plants.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in the proper identification, terminology, and use of: trees, shrubs, and groundcovers used in various Northeast landscapes.
4. Exhibit a working knowledge of basic surveying techniques, the proper use of transits and levels, and the necessary drafting and drawing skills to communicate the data collected.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the diagnosis, repair, and operation of equipment used on home lawns and athletic fields.
6. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of soil: its genesis, composition, classification, physical and chemical characteristics; and how to test, correct, and implement proper soil management practices on home lawns and athletic fields.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of the construction principles and materials used for decks, fences, patios, walks, and retaining walls.
8. Display a thorough practical understanding of the daily operations of lawn and athletic field maintenance.
9. Properly identify, select, establish, and maintain major turf grasses used on home lawns and athletic fields.
10. Properly identify and manage turf pests found on home lawns and athletic fields.
11. Identify and control major weeds found on lawns, athletic fields, and in the surrounding landscape.
12. Understand basic concepts in plant pathology and entomology as they relate to turf grass and ornamental plants.
13. Describe, demonstrate, and apply the basic theories of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices used on lawns and athletic fields.
14. Properly identify, select, calibrate, and safely apply pesticides used on lawns and athletic fields.
15. Design, select, install, and maintain irrigation systems for lawns and athletic fields.
16. Demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of athletic field design, construction, budgeting, and management.
17. Properly select and maintain trees.
18. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of personnel management, planning, and presentation techniques used on golf courses.
19. Recognize and respond to emergencies by making appropriate decisions regarding first-aid care.
20. Communicate effectively with all constituents, including employees, management, membership, the general public, and various governmental agencies.
21. Exhibit knowledge of traditional management theory, leadership and management roles, organizational structure and change, service quality and function, decision making, and ethics.
22. Understand and apply basic knowledge of golf course layout and equipment needs for proper golf course operations and maintenance.
23. Exhibit knowledge of computer applications as it relates to inventory, budgets, and written communication.
24. Develop and prepare budgets for the operation of the facility and capital improvements.
25. Exhibit knowledge of organizing golf tournaments and other recreational activities as it relates to golf course operations.
26. Develop creative strategies for effectively managing change and resolving conflicts while meeting the expectations of members, guests, employees, and various government agencies.