History of the US Golf Managers Association

A Natural Evolution

The United States Golf Managers Association has a unique history. It is a division of the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF) established in 1989 which incorporates over 18,000 members worldwide. Having trained and certified golf teaching professionals for twenty years, it was a natural evolution to provide certification for club professionals, golf club managers and golf resort managers.

Old School Methods

The certification courses are unique in that they provide a much needed service that until now did not exist. Certainly there were the traditional 4–6 year “apprenticeship” programs and 2–4 year college programs that offer degrees in golf club management. Similar to 1989, when the USGTF asked themselves why must one attend a 4–6 year program simply to teach the game——–it made no sense,——we now ask ourselves the same question regarding golf club management. This lengthy procedure only made sense to the certifying bodies, because the longer any entity can stretch out the program, the more revenue generated. And with no competition for years, these programs became more expensive, more time consuming, and entrenched as the norm with no alternatives.

For most people though, this type of education in golf club management was frustrating and seemed to deliberately shroud itself in complexity. We knew that old school education was not keeping pace with technology. These practices were outmoded and the consumer deserved better.

Modern Methods of Learning

Fortunately, the world has changed and education in so many fields has improved. It is no longer necessary to spend this amount of time and money to learn about golf club management. Furthermore, Google’s search engine is one of the greatest advantages in business ever. It has allowed ordinary people the opportunity to gain knowledge more expediently. There is now a freer flow of information and ideas and the information is universally useful.

Our Educational Staff

The United States Golf Managers Association has taken advantage of the incredible talent within the United States Golf Teachers Federation and in doing so, we provide education through instruction from currently employed specialists in golf club management. Our colleagues are open and thoughtful people who share their personal knowledge and insights in golf management. They also feel they have a duty to continue to push the boundaries of golf career development.

In our opinion, you can study for years and years about golf club management, or———-you can manage!

Golf Management In General

For anyone looking at a career in golf a certification in golf club management is something that can benefit an individual for a lifetime. Furthermore, there is a difference between golf club management and golf resort management. Golf resort management would include an understanding of food and beverage and hotel responsibilities. These items are also specifically dealt with during the course of the week. In many cases, teaching professionals aspire to become club professionals and then move into either golf club management or golf resort management.

Having a background in teaching is certainly beneficial but not mandatory with regard to golf club management. Many individuals with unique backgrounds from completely other areas of business often find themselves employed in the golf club & golf management sectors of the golf industry.

Once employed, other opportunities often arise; perhaps a larger club with greater benefits or other unique management opportunities. Club Med, the famous French owned worldwide vacation golf resort entity, hires international students to run their facilities. For a young person working together with other international students, traveling and gaining management and interpersonal skills along the way is the idea experience. With the US Golf Managers program conducted at the Club Med golf facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida who better to learn from than many currently employed guest speakers at this resort.

Certified Golf Club Professional®

In order to obtain this particular title, an individual must have a Level III USGTF or WGTF certification. Level III certification is not required for the title of Certified Golf Club Manager™ or Certified Golf Resort Manager™.