By Kristi Dumas
AJGA Sponsorship Intern

The PGA of America has a rich history in the game of golf. Since the organization was created in 1916, it has been one of golf's strongest foundations.

The PGA of America is the world's largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf professionals who are recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America had enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry, by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions. Today's PGA Professional is the public's link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.

AJGA staff member Riley Tracy took part in the PGA/PGA program

One of the PGA of America's most esteemed programs is the PGA/PGM (professional golf management) program. The PGA/PGM program, a four-and-one half year college curriculum for aspiring PGA Professionals, is a stuctured educational program accredited by The PGA of America.

PGA/PGM programs provide students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the golf industry through extensive classroom studies, internship experience and player development. Since its inception in 1975, more than 2,300 students have graduated from a PGA/PGM program.

Students attending a PGA/PGM program can graduate with a baccalaureate degree in majors ranging from Marketing or Business Administration to Hospitality Administration or Recreation and Park Management.

In addition to classroom studies, each student is required to complete an approved internship of at least 16 months at a golf industry locale. Students also are required to complete all requirements of The PGA of America's PGM program and pass a Playing Ability Test (PAT). These requirements satisfy The PGA of America's membership requirement.

The American Junior Golf Association is one of the many organizations that has benefited from the PGA/PGM program. Riley Tracy, who is currently completing the final level of the program through the University of Idaho, chose to do his final internship with the AJGA. After the completion of his travel internship with the AJGA, Tracy was hired on full-time and is currently a manager of player services.

"Through the PGA/PGM program, I was able to work toward becoming a PGA member while completing my college degree," Tracy said. "The educational components of the program, as well as the internship experiences, were a great way to gain an introduction to the wide range of opportunities in the golf industry."

Tracy completed his final PGA/PGM internship with the AJGA as a tournament operations intern. He previously completed internships at Spokane Country Club and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and was looking to round out his experience at a location other than a green grass facility.

Bill Cioffoletti, PGA director of recruiting and community outreach as well as a PGA Master Professional and golf-career promoter, knows how hard it can be to start a career in golf. He makes it his personal goal to promote the PGA/PGM program to high school students, golfers, athletic directors, counselors and whoever else can get the word out about the program.

"There are many young men and women with college aspirations who are very interested when they hear about career opportunities in the $62 billion golf industry," says Cioffoletti. "My job is creating awareness."