At the start of the year, several members, faculty, and alumni of Campbell University’s PGA Golf Management program met to educate, learn and network at the Orange Country Convention Center in Orlando. The event was an opportunistic time for freshmen to gain potential internship opportunities in the industry, meet some of the PGA’s governing body and connect with many of the program’s alumni who are now based all around the country.
“I had an incredible time at my first PGA Merchandise Show,” said PGA student Luc Gagon. “It was a great opportunity to connect with clients in the industry and learn about the various aspects of the game, from merchandising to golf fitness and coaching.”
Gagon said he was introduced to several different companies and discovered new career paths that he was previously unaware were available in the industry. “One of the highlights of my experience was conversing with some of the industry’s top mentors and celebrities like coach Sean Foley, professional golfer Annika Sörenstam, U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and long-drive champion Kyle Berkshire.”
The program held an Alumni Networking Social after the show’s festivities to allow for rekindling of relationships and for current students and faculty to follow up with where the industry has taken them recently.
“We had 15 students attend with us this year, many for their first time” said Director Gabriella Story. “I love seeing the excitement on those students’ faces when they grasp just how large the industry is, and how every facet collides in one place. It re-energizes me as a professional to see the next generation of golf professionals walk through the door.”
Story extended a special thanks to Lundy-Fetterman School of Business Dean Dr. Kevin O’Mara, who joined the group as a guest, for “his continued support of this program and fostering new relationships with clients and companies abroad to help our program continue to be its best.”