Christopher Cain

Director, PGA Golf Management program
Associate Professor in Residence, William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration
Golf Professional
Expertise: Golf Management, Hospitality Management, Exercise & Sport Science

Biography

Christopher Cain, the director of the PGA Golf Management program at UNLV, has been recognized nationally and locally by the PGA of America for his educational impact and for his work as a golf professional. He has been a member of the PGA of America since 1998. At UNLV he prepares students for careers in the golf industry, covering various aspects related to the game including technical skills, working with people, and business practices within the golf and hospitality management industries.

Active on the local golf scene, Cain serves an honorary term as president of the Southern Nevada Chapter PGA until 2013. He is also an adjunct faculty member for the PGA of America and recently accepted a four-year appointment to the PGA of America University Golf Management Accreditation Team.

Cain has been published in the Journal of Recreation and Leisure Education and is in the process of completing his dissertation, which examines student, program, and institutional characteristics of PGA Golf Management programs. Cain serves as an associate professor in residence at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality.

Under Cain's leadership, the UNLV PGA Golf Management University program has been involved in many philanthropic efforts benefiting local charities. Cain was the first Las Vegas based PGA Professional to receive the PGA Southwest Section Golf Professional of the Year in 2011. He was also the Pennsylvania State University PGA PGM Alumnus Golf Professional of the Year in 2007.

Education

  • M.S., Recreation & Tourism Management, The Pennsylvania State University
  • B.S., Recreation & Tourism Management, The Pennsylvania State University

Christopher Cain In The News

CDC Gaming
A golfer stands over a 10-foot putt on the 18th green. If he knocks it in, he’ll win a tournament. But he’s just a bit nervous, his heart rate rising and his palms sweating. What if there was a way to alleviate the golfer’s nerves?
TechXplore
Evenplay, an AI technology company based out of Las Vegas, has created a patented golf simulator application that creates challenges for all skill levels, with the intention of improving play performance through the use of cash rewards.
Associated Press
A golf bag may not seem like it’s integral to a great game, but there are many ways it can help make golfing more enjoyable. Different golf bags have special features like attached stands, weatherproof material and even extra pockets. In short, there’s a lot more to consider than the number of clubs and balls it can hold on the course. Here, you’ll find our picks for the best golf bags available.
PGA
University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) PGA Golf Management University Program Director Dr. Christopher Cain, PGA, has earned the prestigious PGA Master Professional status, the highest educational designation that can be obtained by a PGA Member. Cain achieved his PGA Master Professional designation in Executive Management.

Articles Featuring Christopher Cain

UNLV Golf
Research | March 13, 2025

UNLV’s PGA Golf Management University Program partners with Las Vegas-based AI technology company Evenplay to study the effects of rewards on skill level.

Josh Hawkins, UNLV
Campus News | July 3, 2024

News highlights featuring UNLV students and staff who made (refreshing) waves in the headlines.

A golfer lines up his shot
Athletics | February 8, 2019

How UNLV’s PGA Golf Management Program is using hospitality principles—and a state-of-the-art facility—to help define golf’s future