The golf industry is demanding, requiring more multi-disciplined, business minded professionals than ever before. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's associate degree program exceeds the industry's demands in the most efficient way possible, by providing a focused education and accredited associate's degree in golf course management in only two years.
Our golf course instructor, Scott Kennedy, is one of the most qualified PGA Professionals in the business. His thirty years experience make him an expert in innovative curriculum that focuses on business management, game improvement, modern teaching methods, cutting edge technology, and sound interpersonal skills.
- Overview
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Is This Program for You?
If you enjoy leading people in pursuit of a unified goal, have a passion for the game of golf, and possess enthusiasm for exceptional guest service, then a career in golf course management may be for you.
Students entering the Golf Course Management program should:
- Enjoy working with people.
- Have a basic knowledge of the game of golf.
- Demonstrate leadership skills.
- Have good oral and written communication skills.
- Exhibit flexibility and creativity.
- Have good organization skills.
Program Basics
- Associate degree, requiring a minimum of two years to complete.
- Day classes.
- Summer internships.
- Financial aid available.
- Classes start in August.
- Transferable to four-year colleges and universities.
- Curriculum & Costs
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Cost of Attendance (COA) 25-26
Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.
Category Amount Tuition and Fees $4,932 Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $10,305 Books and Supplies $1,463 Personal Expenses $3,065 Transportation $4,103 Charger Tech 360 Fee $700 Loan Fees $85 Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $24,653 1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $12,327 Based on Wisconsin Residents.
Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.
Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.
These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.
- Admissions & Requirements
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Admission and Program Requirements
- Submit Application
Most programs admit students as applications are completed. For certain high-enrollment programs with limited space, applications are reviewed in order of residency and review dates. Programs currently in this category include Radiography, Electrical Power Distribution, Midwifery, Cosmetology, and Nail Technician. Learn more about our Admissions and Wait List Policy.Academic Preparedness Requirements
- Log in to your MySWTC account, go to My Profile → Document Center → All Programs to complete the following:
- Send your transcripts and scores to Southwest Tech: While not required, sending your transcripts and test scores helps us make sure your classes are the right fit. We consider any previous college credit you’ve earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit your high school transcripts, college transcripts, and test scores by emailing admissions@swtc.edu, or mailing them to Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
- Career Assessment Plan
Start your Student Success Plan by exploring your career interests, talking through your program choice, and confirming your path feels like the right fit. This step can be completed either by setting up a One-on-One Career Assessment Meeting with a recruiter or as part of your Student Success Plan Meeting with an advisor. Schedule a Student Success Plan Meeting by clicking “Make an appointment” with your program advisor. - Academic Map + Supports & Services Plan
Continue building your Student Success Plan by planning your courses, reviewing funding options, and connecting with resources. To complete this step, schedule a Student Success Plan Meeting by clicking “Make an appointment” with your program advisor.
- Submit Application
- Outcomes
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Program Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:
- Create and implement a marketing plan
- Plan and administer budgets and buying plans
- Coordinate golf shop/tournament operations with cost analysis
- Deliver quality golf instruction and facility promotions
- Direct turf and equipment management practices with budget oversight
- Oversee food and beverage operations with cost controls
- Use effective communication, math, and human relations skills
- Comply with regulatory and legal issues
- Career Opportunities
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Opportunities for employment in the golf industry are excellent, with Wisconsin having more golf courses per capita than any other state. Entry-level employment positions may include:
- Golf Course Manager
- Clubhouse Manager
- Golf Course Superintendent
- General Manager
- Head Pro
Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.
- Transfers
- Prior Learning
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Credit for Prior Learning
Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!
Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.
For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.
At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.
Golf Course Management Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:
Course # Course Title Challenge Exam
(Demonstration)Challenge Exam
(Standard)CLEPCredentialPortfolio10-006-122 Pest Management 
Wisconsin Certified Pesticide Applicators 3.0 License 10-325-101 Golf Course Operations PGA Membership 10-325-103 Pro Shop Management PGA Membership 10-325-104 Club Financial Management PGA Membership 10-325-107 Soils, Conservation, and Fertility GCSAA Membership 10-325-108 Tournament Promotions PGA Membership 10-325-109 Integrated Turf Management GCSAA Membership 10-325-110 Golf Course Design and Renovation GCSAA Membership 10-325-113 Golf Course Equipment Repair GCSAA Membership 10-325-114 Techniques for Teaching Golf PGA Membership 10-325-118 Golf Course Irrigation Systems GCSAA Membership 10-325-127 Turf Grass Horticulture GCSAA Membership 10-801-136 English Composition 1 CLEP Test - College Composition 10-801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication 10-809-196 Introduction to Sociology