Special to KPUA.net by H.I.E.D.B
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board is a private non-profit organization whose mission is, "To provide and promote private-sector support and expertise for balanced economic growth in Hawaii County, in partnership with federal, state, county and private resources."

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Aloha Section of the Professional Golf Association of America Advisory Board Member, Hilo resident and lifetime golfer Whitey Rose believes the University of Hawaii at Hilo is a natural fit for a PGA-certified baccalaureate degree in professional golf management. The Aloha Section of the PGA recently endorsed this idea that would provide training and skills for future golf professionals. "Currently, anyone desiring a college degree in a golf management career, must enroll in one of several mainland universities that offer such programs," says Rose.

"An on-island program means our talented young people could go to school on the Big Island, conduct their internships on the Kohala Coast, and possibly have job opportunities here upon graduation. With our year-round golf, this program would also be a magnet for students from out-of-state. It would have positive economic potential for years to come," Rose suggests.

Golf is a complex, competitive industry. Those of us on the outside looking in might not appreciate the years of training and knowledge required. It is somewhat expected that course managers have excellent knowledge of the game itself along with PGA-level playing ability. But, they must also be qualified in all operations including such topics as turf grasses and irrigation, retail operations and pro shop merchandizing, golf equipment and maintenance, food and beverage management, marketing, event organization and human resources.

Hawaii Island already holds the distinct designation as the "Golf Capital of Hawaii." Imagine how an accredited university program could expand this sphere of influence.

The PGA has developed an accredited Professional Golf Management program (PGM). This four-year college degree program is designed to attract and educate bright, highly motivated men and women to service all aspects of this expanding industry. The PGA/PGM programs integrate all the curriculum requirements of a Business/Hospitality/Recreation major with the PGA/PGM program and include 16 months of co-operative education and internship experiences. The resulting baccalaureate degree includes an academic major compatible with the industry of golf. Students are required to pass the PGA¹s "Playing Ability Test" or PAT by the time they graduate. This insures students not only have the academic ability for the program, but are also among the best when it comes to the actual game of golf.

Fourteen colleges and universities now offer four- to five-year golf management programs. The Aloha Section of the PGA feels strongly that alignment with the PGA certified and accredited program brings a superior level of professionalism and accountability with PGA oversight.

Whitey Rose has championed the idea that a PGA/PGM program would be a natural fit for University of Hawaii-Hilo and the golf courses on the Big Island. Imagine a sustainable program of professional golf management, with the principles of Audubon certification and "green" management. Development of the academic plan could take up to one year and the University of Hawaii's Board of Regents would need to approve any new offerings at UH-Hilo. Funding for the program would also have to be sourced.

Strict program enforcement and guidelines for PGA certification would have to be met too. Curriculum development must include components to address the "business," the "people," and the "game" of golf. Checkpoints to monitor student progress at various levels and stages of the program must be in place. And of course, fully qualified faculty must be sought out.

None of these are impossible goals. With Aloha Section PGA¹s endorsement, community support and UH-Hilo's will, this is a viable, sustainable program that could rapidly become a reality on Hawaii Island.