Learn professional golf management at George Williams College of Aurora University

Williams Bay, Wis., July 6, 2006 — George Williams College of Aurora University will debut an undergraduate degree specialization in professional golf management this fall.

The public is invited to an information session from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, in Room 101 of the Winston Paul Educational Center on the campus at 350 Constance Blvd. in Williams Bay.

The new program enables students to complete a major in recreation administration with a specialization in professional golf management and a business administration minor.

Rita Yerkes, dean of AU’s School of Experiential Leadership said, “There is a demand for golf management professionals who have this multi-disciplinary background to manage golf course operations at park districts, public and private golf courses, county clubs and resorts.

Golf course managers enjoy challenging work and the opportunity to work in attractive locations, Yerkes added.

“Students will have golf management experiences on the George Williams College of Aurora University Golf Course and other Lake Geneva area courses as they complete their degree. The George Williams College of Aurora University golf course was designed in 1902 and serves youth, families, seniors and the general public in the Lake Geneva area.”

Yerkes added, “We are very excited to be one of the few colleges in the Midwest to offer this degree program. Students will also have the opportunity to work with our Character and Leadership Education Through Golf program in the summers.”

Under the new degree program, students will complete 120 credit hours. Included are 47 credit hours toward the recreation administration major, 49 credit hours in general education requirements and electives, and 24 credit hours for the professional golf management specialization.

The specialization combines the recreation administration major with a business administration minor and golf management leadership practicums and internships. Specialization courses include Sport and Event Management, Commercial Recreation Management, and business administration classes in financial accounting, management accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics, management, and marketing.

Practicums in golf leadership and program operations may be completed at Lake Geneva area golf courses, and a recreation administration internship may be completed at an approved golf course in the U.S.

For general or major electives, students may apply courses from community colleges in Introduction to Golf Course Management, Introduction to Service Management, Introduction to Turf Management, Introduction to Hospitality Management, and Introduction to Food and Beverage Service.

Call (262) 245-8572 for information about the golf management program.