Florida Gulf Coast University Runs State’s Only PGA-Certified Golf Management Program

At Florida Gulf Coast University, students train in the state's sole PGA-certified golf management program. As one of 16 nationwide, the program mixes modern tools with real-world practice to shape future golf pros.

Inside Sugden Hall, three specialized spaces await students. A Swing Performance Lab holds two hitting areas with Trackman devices. These tools mix radar, infrared, and fast cameras to catch every detail of ball flight and club movement.

"The swing lab has been a game changer for me. You have the best practice tools right here next to your classroom — this is very special," said Leonie Wulfers, a junior on FGCU's women's golf team, according to FGCU360.

Students spend up to four-and-a-half years in training. The path includes 16 months of paid work at golf sites across the U.S. A PGA Class A card waits for those who finish.

Program director Tara McKenna points to their tech as a key advantage. "What this room allows us to do is gain the knowledge necessary in the latest technology in the instructional and game space to be prepared to deliver high-level and high-quality instruction and analysis," McKenna said.

The school sits in a golf-rich zone. Students can work at more than 140 courses within an hour's drive. This puts them in touch with 550-plus PGA pros for training and jobs.

A third practice space shows off a Wellputt platform with SAM PuttLab and Blast Motion gear to study putting form. Next door, the fitting lab stocks tools for club work, from lie/loft machines to grip stations.

In 2024, program grad Christian Oster started Oster Golf Co. "One of the most impactful lessons I learned was how much equipment truly matters to a golfer's performance," Oster said. His shop now fixes grips and builds clubs.