Student Information

The SDGA student body is comprised of men and women from all over the world. Interaction among the diverse group of students facilitates valuable friendships, many which will last a lifetime. Class sizes do not exceed 45 for theory/lecture presentation and are appropriately smaller for practical courses and labs where participation and demonstration are prevalent (click to learn more about our degree program & courses). The size of the student population allows the Academy faculty and staff to give students individualized attention.

Academy scheduling allows for serious study of the golf business as well as the golf game. Classes are attended Monday through Friday with ample time for golf play and practice. A golf tournament is held each week for competition experience. These tournaments, as well as the 36-hole SDGA Playing Ability Test, are organized by the students to provide practical golf tournament planning experience. Tournament and open play are conducted on area golf courses. With over 25 full-time PGA professionals on staff, there are significant opportunities for individual lessons as well as group instruction. All of these full-time PGA professionals are committed to improving each student's individual golf experience.

In addition to in-classroom instruction on the game of golf, students receive physical instruction on all aspects of the game during practical courses and labs. A comprehensive driving range package is included in tuition as a vehicle for practice.

Alumni Placement Programs

GolFutures employment opportunities are exclusively for SDGA's alumni seeking careers and career advancement in the golf industry. This exclusivity, combined with both the qualifications and number of SDGA alumni, serves to make GolFutures a recognized and viable employment resource. In addition to graduating students, GolFutures service is provided to all alumni as they continue to advance in their careers and offered to golf employers. This is a unique service in the educational field for alumni; at no charge, throughout their entire golf career, there is access to expanding employment opportunities on a continual basis.

Campus placement directors at each campus are available to:

• Counsel students in the different types of careers within the golf industry as well as continuing education opportunities, such as the SDGA-University of Phoenix Articulation Agreement
• Provide guidance in the writing of resumes and cover letters for the application process
• Assist in preparing for the interview process
• Advise and offer recommendations about potential and existing job offers
• Provide recommendations and/or serve as references

After 30+ years and over 6,000 graduates, SDGA has a worldwide reputation as an employee resource for the golf industry. This is evidenced by the growing number of graduates who have secured positions at golf resorts, country clubs, and golf-related companies throughout the U.S. and the world.