Buies Creek, N.C.—Three Campbell University PGA Golf Management students flew to California recently to participate in a golf instruction certification program sponsored by the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). Alex van der Linden, a junior from Rodondo Beach, Ca.; Ricardo Castillo, a sophomore from Elgin, Ill; and Matt Reagan, a junior from Addison, N.Y., were accompanied by Ryan Dailey, assistant director of Golf Management at Campbell.
The students flew to Oceanside, Calif. where they participated in a seminar that focused on the development of junior golfers between the ages of four and 14.
“We are the only PGM school in the country that will travel with our students to gain certifications,” said Dailey. “We care enough about our students to accompany them as they gain trainings.”
The seminar focused on developing athletes first and golfers second, added Dailey.
“Golf is a very difficult game. Many times we expect golfers to be successful at striking a golf ball when they do not have the fundamental skills needed to be successful. The seminar opened our eyes to developing those fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, balance and coordination first. Once these patterns are established, golf specific skills can be more successfully introduced,” Dailey said.
The TPI golf instructor certification will not only make Campbell students better golfers, but better qualified for future employment.
“Every golf course owner and general manager understands how important junior golf programs are for the success of their facility and for the future of the golf industry,” Dailey said.
The PGA Golf Management program is designed to prepare students for a variety of employment opportunities in the golf industry, from general manager of a golf course to Director of Golf, Head Professional, Golf Pro and sales representative. The proliferation of A-list internships and an outstanding placement record are important program benefits.
In addition, students receive course credit for managing Campbell’s 27-hole championship golf courses and are eligible for election to the PGA of America upon graduation. The Campbell PGA Golf Management program has graduated 137 students since its establishment in 1997.
Photo Copy: Campbell University junior Alex van der Linden; Dr. Greg Rose, a co-founder of the Titleist Performance Institute; and Ryan Dailey, Assistant Director of Golf Management at Campbell, at the Titleist Performance Institute in Oceanside, Calif.