If you’ve considered studying for a Diploma of Golf Management through the PGA International Golf Institute (PGA IGI) but need more convincing, go and talk to graduates Mark Hawley and Bach “Cloud” Nguyen, who now work in a field they love – the golf industry.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Hawley and Nguyen recently for this story and both had the unshakable belief in the quality of the PGA IGI program delivered by golf industry experts.
Their enthusiasm and optimism is contagious and it’s little wonder Go Golfing, a Gold Coast award-winning golf tournaments and golf travel company, snared their services after they graduated in 2011 and 2015 respectively.
Hawley has worked at Go Golfing for four years and is Tournament Manager, while Nguyen is the Golf Holidays Coordinator and Tournament Administrative Assistant.
Both young men received a Diploma of Golf Management qualification at PGA IGI and completed a sports management degree at Griffith University.
As Australia’s only Diploma of Golf Management, students combine practical golf training and competitions alongside academic learning that focuses on the business and management of the golf industry.
The Diploma of Golf Management offers pathway opportunities into the PGA Trainee Program, Bachelor Degrees and for many students is the first step towards a career in the golf.
“The biggest thing I took away from the IGI program was the contacts I made through the program,” said Hawley, a recipient of the Adam Scott Foundation Scholarship.
“The fact that the program is run by golfers in a background I love helped me get the position I currently have at Go Golfing, which is managing world-class events for amateur golfers.
“Doing the PGA IGI course, in conjunction with the sports management degree, really steered me in the direction of events when I started doing work experience at the Australian Open and the Australian PGA Championship.
“The best thing about the PGA IGI program is it’s not just a piece of paper you get at the end of the degree.
“It allows you to do so much more by introducing you to industry networks and give you opportunities to gain knowledge and towards a career in the golf industry.
“The PGA IGI staff look after the students to make sure they are getting these opportunities and there are constant reminds of upcoming opportunities.”
When Go Golfing was looking to expanding its operation and needed a new staff member, it had no hesitation approaching PGA IGI.
“When I became Tournament Manager and a position opened up I went to PGA IGI because I knew how well they look after their students and Cloud’s resume was a standout and he was offered a position,” Hawley said.
Five months into his new job, Nguyen, originally from Vietnam, is enjoying the challenge.
“I was always aiming for a position in golf because I am passionate about it,” he said.
“When I was working part-time at a golf club I thought I would end up with a job at a club but it turned out even better because I work for a company that is in contact with all the golf clubs.
“Doing the PGA IGI and the Griffith University degree has really helped get this job straight after graduating in 2015.”
PGA IGI Dean and General Manager Geoff Wessling said it was encouraging to have companies like Go Golfing support IGI students.
“It showcases the quality the program provides in getting our graduates ready for a successful career in golf,” he said.
“PGA IGI Alumni are working within the golfing industry throughout the world.
“Our graduates have forged careers not only across Australia, but in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Oman, Ireland and many more.
“Year after year we look forward to new students joining us as they take their first step towards a career in the golf industry.
“The PGA IGI is the first step for many golfers who take steps to becoming a golf coach, General Manager, Director of Golf, Event Manager or even a PGA Professional.”
The PGA IGI delivers the Diploma of Golf Management at its campus locations in Sydney and the Gold Coast. Applications are open now for 2016 mid-year intakes.
By David Newbery (Inside Golf Magazine – April 2016 edition)