Love the enthusiasm although I feel I'm getting a bad rap.
Hey guys let me give you a little more information from my end...
At both Plainfield and Spy I was really fortunate to work as an assistant pro and not the bag boy that several of my classmates were stuck as. Also the 3 places I'm striving for this summer, Shinny, Merion, or Maidstone would also use me as an assistant. The argument of big name club vs. job responsibility really doesn't apply and I feel very lucky for that. My goal is to work at the best club, the best course, and for the best pro possible every summer. A few more things to note...
1. Our PGM program requires us to intern for at least two different types of facilities. Since I've been at PCC and Spy that is covered and I'm free to look where I want.
2. It is a PGA of America rule that PGM students can not intern at clubs with discriminatory membership policies so Pine Valley and Garden City are out. (Which sucks as I'm from NJ)
3. A few people mentioned Bandon Dunes. My roommate was there this past summer and while the golf was obviously spectacular the overall experience in Oregon was not ideal. Also, our program is taking a spring break trip there which will include rounds at all 3 courses, a preview of Old Mac, and a round at Pumpkin Ridge. A week at Bandon should be just perfect.
4. We must work for a PGA professional so over seas is very limited as most pros are R&A if anything.
5. At this point I'm looking for possible after school positions. If this summer goes well I could possibly be staying on after my last semester in Happy Valley so the quality of life in the surrounding area is pretty important. Sorry but Sand Hills and Bandon are out.
Wow. I'm sure a good chunk of people are thinking it, so somebody's gotta say it, and I guess I will: I'd be scared to death to hire you if I were a pro. You seem to exhibit a set of expectations and entitlement far beyond what is currently warranted. Why would I hire you if I think you're going to bolt for the next gig a couple of rungs up the Top 100 ladder?
If you don't need advice, and have it all figured out, why did you ask for advice? And I'd love to hear why the argument of why big name club vs. job responsibility really doesn't apply to you...
I asked this question to get your opinions on which golf course, club, and area people liked the most. At each of the three courses I mentioned there are alums of our program to help mentor me along. Everything you guys have said is very true about the lack of actual learning at some top 100 clubs but I feel like these 3 situations are pretty good. I did not mean to give off any sense of entitlement, rather being a member of this site, great golf courses are extremely important to me. While a mom and pop run golf shop would definitely give me a summer of great experience, PGM interns do have the opportunity to work at some of the best places in the country. As the the argument of "big name clubs vs. job responsibility not applying to me," that was only mentioned because of the previous interns and current assistants who worked there are friends of mine. Unlike other places where my friends are just picking the range and pulling clubs from a bagroom, these three golf operations give interns a great chance to learn from the head pro and the assistants. Other factors in my decision also include things like housing and who is already working there.
Shivas,
It saddens me to think how the world has changed since that day, not so long ago, that Jack decided to enroll in the PGA/PGM program. I would like to see all "Golf" universities place a moratorium on future enrollments in their programs to ensure employment for the current crop of deserving and excellent pros. Under the current economic environment I have to wonder why a course would hire full time assistants as long as interns are available. The market is oversaturated as is without graduating future prospects with nowhere to go.
Even after graduating from such an excellent program will the PGA stick you for thousands of dollars to advance your status, or do you get a pass when compared to the swinging dick who wants to get a card.
As for your point Mr. Kavanaugh I completely agree. The PGA of America is going overboard with the number of PGM Universities, now up to 21. With the current and future economy, along with the stagnant number of golfers in America, adding all these PGA members is going to catch up with the industry in a few years. Penn State is one of the few schools lobbying the PGA to cap PGM enrollment and to stop accrediting more and more schools.