Golf and resort management comes to Mac
For almost 17 years, Burlington’s Grant Fraser and his Golf Management Institute of Canada have been teaching the new, young leaders in the sport.
The GMIC was able to give its online students from all over the world a grounding in virtually every aspect of the game.
The was one thing the GMIC couldn’t give them, however — a university diploma.
That’s all going to change this August when the McMaster University Centre For Continuing Education enters the world of golf management education with a diploma course in Golf & Resort Management.
McMaster has also acquired the GMIC to give them a basis for their new program and, at least initially, Fraser and his f aculty will teach the Mac program.
“Going forward we will be able to offer a diploma from one of the best universities in the country,” said Fraser. “It’s also the only university in Canada, maybe in North America offering a diploma in Golf & Resort Management and that’s also really cool about this.”
The timing also appears right for McMaster to offer the online program since college (in-class) golf programs across the country are in decline.
Because the growth of golf appears to be international and McMaster has a strong international reputation, Fraser thinks the new course could be a big winner for the school.
Currently there are 32,000 golf f acilities in more than 200 countries around the world and the addition of golf to the Olympics can’t help but grow the sport.
Students who enrol will take courses that include golf club governance, finance, strategic management, marketing, human resources, turf management, golf course design and entrepreneurship all of which apply to golf and resort management.
Fraser thinks the course, which begins Aug. 22, will appeal to potential students at various stages of their careers in golf.
“I think this will appeal to a couple of primary audiences,” said Fraser. “First, obviously, to someone who wants to work in the golf and resort industry, perhaps a younger person. This would be perfect for someone who is starting out in their career.
“The other main audience would be someone who is already working in golf and who is looking to upgrade their skills and get a university credential for career advancement. The example of that
might be someone who is a food and beverage manager who would like to become either a clubhouse manager or a general manager.”
McMasters’ Centre for Continuing Education has more information about the program, including how to enrol, on their website at mcmastercce.ca WHOLE-IN-ONE: Golf courses took a pounding from last week’s massive rain and quite a number that bordered the Grand River, including Deer Ridge in Kitchener and Galt G&CC suffered flooding.
Garry McKay is a veteran, award-winning golf journalist and ex-sportswriter with The Spec. Garrymckay1@rogers.com