Find Your Fit
Jon Guhl, executive director of the Middle Atlantic PGA Section, says,“ Professional Golf Management programs are wonderful for those who have made the early decision to make golf their careers. The college PGM programs earn them degrees in hospitality, business or other related programs, but they also graduate with all the schooling and experience required to become a PGA member.
“ Most earn their PGA membership shortly after graduating, which sets them up for a career in the game and business of golf.
“ To me, the camaraderie of proceeding through the levels of the PGM program with peers is very important, but probably the biggest incentive [ to enroll ] is the internship programs these PGM schools offer. Many of the students can intern at places like Pebble Beach, Congressional, Country Club of Virginia and many others.
“ You can’ t beat that kind of networking and experience!”
Most of the PGM schools are represented in the MAPGA.
WHERE TO GO:
• Ferris State( Michigan) University, 1975
• Mississippi State University, 1985
• New Mexico State University, 1987
• Penn State University, 1990
• Methodist( N. C.) University, 1999
• Campbell( N. C.) University, 1999
• Coastal Carolina( S. C.) University, 1999
• University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 2002
• University of Idaho, 2002
• University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, 2003
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2004
• Florida Gulf Coast University, 2005
• Sam Houston State University, 2005
• Eastern Kentucky University, 2006
• University of Central Oklahoma, 2008
• University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, 2008 the Women’ s Golf Coaches Association Division III player of the year in 2021. Gross qualified for the PGA Championship in 2021 and 2024, and she is a four-time Middle Atlantic PGA Assistants Player of the Year. Both players have been recognized as scholar-athletes.
“ Larkin is a very good player, but he has impressed me in taking on a leadership role with our Assistant Professional Association. He is leading a group that is designed to help his peers grow professionally and educationally,” says MAPGA Executive Director Jon Guhl.“ Jillian is another good player who has found her niche as an instructor.”
Parker was introduced to the game by his father through The First Tee Greater
Jillian Drinkard, second from right, poses with the crew from Farmington Country Club--including Virginia Golf Hall of Famer Robbye Unger( left)— after earning low professional honors at last year’ s Women’ s Open of Virginia.
Richmond program. He was a two-time participant in the Wal-Mart First Tee Open( 2009, 2011). Now known as the PURE Insurance Championship, it is an official PGA Tour Champions event that pairs one junior with a PGA Tour Champions player.
Campbell University’ s PGM program was Parker’ s choice“ because of David Orr. He’ s the best teacher, coach and professor I’ ve ever seen. He made learning golf remarkable. During my visit, he invited
Gavin is the King of Flo.
He has been a leader in utilizing social media( taken TikTok by storm) to build his brand and make a name for himself as an instructor.”
— Jon Guhl, MAPGA executive director
GAVIN PARKER; CHRIS LANG
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