With the endorsement of the Professional Golfers' Association of America, UNLV will offer a new degree concentration to future golf course management professionals beginning this fall. The PGA recently approved the professional golf management curriculum at UNLV, bringing to 13 the number of colleges and universities offering the program.

The four-and-half-year program grants a bachelor's degree in recreation with a concentration in professional golf management.

"The addition of the professional golf management program is an important step for the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration," said UNLV President Carol C. Harter. "It will offer our undergraduate students an intense learning experience and an opportunity to be fully prepared as professionals in the growing field of golf course management."

Stuart Mann, dean of the college, said, "This rigorous academic program is going to prepare our students to take on the business challenges specific to their chosen industry. In addition, the urban setting of UNLV is going to enable us to offer many opportunities that other institutions may not have. The strong golf and tourism industries in the community make this an ideal program for UNLV."

The curriculum includes classes in customer service, personnel management, pro shop operations, and food and beverage concession management.

"The PGA has very stringent guidelines for institutions offering the program," said Jim Busser, the college's associate dean for academic affairs. "As they go through the program, students complete many of the seminars and much of the testing required for the PGA's Golf Professional Training Program, which leads to certification as a PGA member."

Students must also complete 16 months of internship positions and demonstrate proficient playing ability. To help students maintain their playing skills while completing the academic requirements, the college has partnered with Walters Golf. Students in the program will be able to play and practice at Walters Golf's Stallion Mountain and Desert Pines courses at significantly reduced rates.

"We are deeply grateful to Bill Walters and Walters Golf for their support of this academic program," Harter said.

For more information, contact Bill Moore, director of the professional golf management program, at 895-3865.