What is a Professional Golf Management Program? Where are these programs located? Who are the people who have been overseeing these programs? Why should aspiring golf professionals attend a university with a PGM program?

Today we get to spend time with Burch Wilkes, who for nearly 30 years has been the caretaker of the PGM program at Penn State University. In our time together, Burch and I will discuss:

The evolution of the program and its curriculum, a program that has produced more than 700 alumni who have been working in the game of golf.

What four years in the PGM program looks like and how prepared graduates are to enter the workforce upon graduation.

What Birch feels are the biggest challenges facing todays students.

We will unpack the tool Birch feels today's golf students and professionals need to embrace and learn to use in order to be most freed up and visible.

We will discuss expectations and how to manage the expectations of both the students and the people who employ them upon graduation.

We get to learn about the unique approach to learning that Birch and his team take to teaching the students about golf course architecture and golf history.

Birch will share what he feels will ultimately lead to success, both in school and upon graduation.

And finally, we will talk what Birch focuses on most with potential students who are interested in attending the PGM program at Penn State.

To learn more about the Penn State PGM program, Click here.

To connect with Chandler, send him a DM on either LinkedIn or Instagram @chandlerwithington

Or, send him a direct email: [email protected].

Music Credits:

Opening: 'Thanksgiving Song' by Ben Rector

Interlude: 'I Guess I Just Feel Like' by John Mayer (Instrumental)

Closing: 'Almost Home' by Ben Rector