Featured Article on the PGA Program - Methodist University

Another thing that has boosted the program is its official connection to the PGA. In 1999,the program was accredited by the PGA, making it one of a select few in the country. As part ofthat process, the program had to hire a full-time administrative assistant, which is where Kerrstepped into the picture.“I have to say that Jerry is the PGM Program,” Kerr said. “He has done something uniquewith his vision of how you make a program the success that it is.”Hogge is quick to spread the credit around, however. He points out the importance of Kerr,as well as program mainstays Bob Bruns, Steve Conley, Tom Inczauskis and Charles Koonce.Bruns, who is the associate director and oversees the program’s educational component,has been at Methodist for seven years, with a background in owning and managing golf clubsas well as teaching and coaching. He says he appreciates the way alumni remain interested inup and coming students, and the double amount of catching up he gets to do when he visitsstudents who are interning with alumni. When he’s not visiting interns, Bruns says he enjoyscoming to campus every day.“We’re the only program to have our own golf course and practice facility just for PGA GolfManagement students,” Bruns said. “How nice is it to work, teach and play within a minute ofmy office. It’s not hard to come to work when you have these things waiting for you each day.”Conley, one of the program’s assistant directors and the men’s golf coach, started out as thefirst PGM recruiter in 1986 and then became the men’s head golf coach in 1987. He rejoined theacademic program in 1990 as an assistant director as well as coach. Conley stays in touch withhis alumni through Facebook, Twitter, email and texts.“I believe it’s important to maintain those relationships as well as promote what’s going onat their alma mater,” Conley said. “Our greatest strength is our staff of nine full-time people,of which, six are PGA professionals. Our alumni are also a huge asset since they are verysuccessful in the golf industry.”Chris Kelly50Engage. Enrich. Empower.