Buies Creek, N.C.-The Campbell University PGA Golf Management program captured its second PGA Jones Cup title at the eighth annual PGA Jones Cup tournament in Port St. Lucie, Fla., Oct. 13-14. Florida State University in Tallahassee and Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C., tied for second overall.
The team’s first round score was 5-under-par for a total of 283 and a 9-over for a total of 297 in the second round. Campbell finished with a total score of 580 and a 15-stroke victory over their opponents. The team members were determined from the qualifying events that were played during the PGM Student Association Tournament Series this fall. The top three players qualified automatically and two captain’s picks were also selected. The team members included Andrew Bierl (79-79, 158), Zac Collins (72-83, 155); Steven Hamby (74-72, 146), Spencer Huggins (69-71, 140) and Andrew Kegarise (68-75, 143).
Kenneth Jones, director of the PGA Golf Management program at Campbell was proud of his team. “They are all solid players and knew how to finish this Championship off,” Jones said. “This title is something that each of these guys is going to take with him into the future and claim they were part of this PGA Jones Cup team.”
The 36-hole event featured all 20 schools in the PGA Golf Management University program. The PGA Jones Cup is named for the late Dr. S. Roland Jones, Mississippi State University’s first PGA Golf Management director. The event not only provides a platform for participants to display ability, but professionalism, character and camaraderie. All participating universities are schools accredited by the PGA of America and offer a four and one-half year PGA Golf Management program with a curriculum that includes extensive classroom studies, an internship experience and player development.
Campbell University’s Golf Management program is the fourth largest of the 20 PGA-accredited programs in the nation. Established in 1995, it received PGA accreditation in 1999. Students earn a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in PGA Golf Management. Course study includes Tournament Operations and Rules, Introduction to Teaching, Facility Operations, Turfgrass Management and Golf Shop Operations. Students are also required to pass the Playing Ability Test and complete 16 months of internship work experience. There are 187 students currently enrolled in the Campbell program.
“The PGA Golf Management program at Campbell prepares students for a variety of employment opportunities as PGA professionals in the golf industry,” Jones said. “Our focus is on developing the analytical, managerial and teaching skills required for success in the golf business.”