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
  • 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
  • Cost of Attendance (COA) 24-25

    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 $4,820
    Living Expenses (Housing and Food) $9,148
    Books and Supplies $1,466
    Personal Expenses $3,608
    Transportation $4,018
    Charger Tech 360 Fee $600
    Loan Fees $84
    Yearly Total (Living Away from Home) $23,744
    1 Semester Total (Living Away from Home) $11,872

    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.

  • Requirements
  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
    • To 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 High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with your advisor to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by clicking "Make an appointment" with your program advisor.

    Helpful Academic Background

    • High school agriculture, science, computers, and math.

    Program Fees

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.
  • Outcomes
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-006-122Pest ManagementYes
    Wisconsin Certified Pesticide Applicators 3.0 License
    10-325-101Golf Course OperationsYes
    PGA Membership
    10-325-103Pro Shop ManagementYes
    PGA Membership
    10-325-104Club Financial ManagementYes
    PGA Membership
    10-325-107Soils, Conservation, and FertilityYes
    GCSAA Membership
    10-325-108Tournament PromotionsYes
    PGA Membership
    10-325-109Integrated Turf ManagementYes
    GCSAA Membership
    10-325-110Golf Course Design and RenovationYes
    GCSAA Membership
    10-325-113Golf Course Equipment RepairYes
    GCSAA Membership
    10-325-114Techniques for Teaching GolfYes
    PGA Membership
    10-325-118Golf Course Irrigation SystemsYes
    GCSAA Membership
    10-325-127Turf Grass HorticultureYes
    GCSAA Membership
    10-801-136English Composition 1Yes
    CLEP Test - College Composition
    10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal CommunicationYes
    10-804-107College MathematicsYes
    CLEP test - College Mathematics
    10-809-172Introduction to Diversity StudiesYes