To Be Recognized As One Of The Premier PGA Golf Management Programs In The United States
There are currently 20 PGA Golf Management universities in the United States. Sam Houston State University has the only program and Texas and strives to be recognized as one of the premier programs in the United States.
Objective
To Produce College Educated PGA Members
Successful completion of the program will result in a demonstration of proficient golfing ability, the completion of the PGA's educational curriculum and the completion of 16 months of practical application of the learning outcomes while on internship.
Indicator
Playing Ability Test
Among other requirements, students must pass the PGA of America's 36 hole test of playing ability prior to graduation. The cumulative two round score total is the indicator for the test of playing ability.
Criterion
Pass The PGA Of America's Playing Ability Test
Successful completion of the PGA''s Playing Ability Test will require students to shoot a target score on a given day at a given golf course. The target score is arrived at by multiplying the rating of the course by 2 and adding 15. On SHSU's home course, the target score is 155 or lower for men and 157 or lower for women. The PAT must be taken once per semester until it is passed. While only 18% of people who attempt the PAT pass it at any one given time, it is the goal of the program to maintain an overall program pass rate of 70%.
Finding
PAT Pass Rates
SHSU has a PAT pass rate of 65%, which ranks highly amongst other PGA Golf Management University programs. The average PAT pass rate at other universities is in the 50% range.
Indicator
Internship Experience
PGA of America Standars and Criteria dictate that all students must complete 16 months of internship work in three different settings. Internships contracts and evaluations must be tracked by the university.
Criterion
Internship Experience
Each student is evaluated by the host professional at the conclusion of the internship experience. It is expected that all students receive a positive evaluation from the host professional. Successful completion of the internship experience will include that it take place in at least 3 different settings with a detailed evaluation filled out by each host. SHSU staff will collect all required forms associated with the internships and complete on-site visitations.
Finding
Internships Evaluation
SHSU is still maintaining 100% internship placement for students enrolled in the program. SHSU also continues the trend of 100% job placement after graduation. For the summer of 2012, over 50 students were placed on internship while 12 graduates will find permanent employment. All internship placements will be contacted over the summer months and evaluated by their supervising professionals at the conclusion of the experience. Student evaluations and host evaluations will be compared and documented in a meeting with staff a the conclusion of the internship experience. Additionally, site visits were conducted in Florida and Colorado. Internship sites visits will also be conducted in Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin.
Indicator
Complete PGA Of America's Educational Program
Successful completion of the PGA of America's three level educational program.
Criterion
PGA Educational Program
All eligible students successfully pass all knowledge tests and simulations associated with Level 1,2, and 3 of the PGA Professional Golf Management program.
Finding
PGA/PGM Educational Program Success Rate
In the fall of 2011, SHSU averaged 69.5% pass rate on PGA Testing. The 100% success rate was eventually achieved when the remaining students completed retake tests and passed the Level 1 and Level 2 requirements. SHSU would like to have a first time pass rate of 70% for PGA testing. In an effort to produce better first time results, more class time will be devoted to reviewing PGA learning objectives.
Action
Completion Of The PGA Golf Management Program
The SHSU PGA Golf Management program is successfully producing graduates who meet the PGA of America's membership requirements. Current policies and procedures are meeting PGA requirements and will be maintained for continued success. The PAT success rate and educational testing continue to provide positive results. The program Director and Internship Coordinator will again travel throughout the summer of 2013 to visit internship sites and build relationships with host professionals. Trips have already been planned to Colorado, Florida, the Northeast section of the country, and the middle Atlantic region. Additionally all sites within driving distance (Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston) will be visited by program staff. Staff will also focus efforts on producing a first time pass rate of 70% on PGA of America educational checkpoint testing.