Professional Golf - BA (Hons)

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

What is special about this course?

Focus your sights on golf coaching and performance on our BA (Hons) Professional Golf, delivered from our UHI Centre for Golf campus and run as part of our partnership with the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA).

Pursue your aspirations of a career in this thriving and varied field on this comprehensive course, unique in Scotland, with 82% of recent graduates employed in a range of roles within the golf industry. Access our dedicated, on-site specialist teaching facilities and equipment, including Trackman, Foresight, Zen, PuttView and SAM Puttlab. Benefit from a range of seasonal internships each year at prestigious UK and International venues, studying themes such as coaching, equipment technology, sports science, and business, with a particular focus on industry demands met by professional coaches.

Enjoy the atmosphere and community of Dornoch, close to the world-renowned Royal Dornoch Golf Club, and benefit from our partnership with the PGA, including access to PGA engagement and support, guest lectures, and opportunities to join the association as a trainee, gain membership of the PGA when you graduate (subject to application), and gain PGA coaching awards through this route.

Special features

Graduates can gain PGA membership (subject to application)

You will benefit from our strong industry links including the PGA, Royal Dornoch Golf Club, and equipment manufacturers, as well as top clubs and facilities in the UK and abroad. Many of these will contribute to your learning via guest lectures and seminars

Work placements can be arranged across the UK, and internationally, including international internship programmes

Access to industry-focussed CPD, including required coaching qualifications, and support from governing bodies within the golf industry

State of the art, world class indoor golf facilities on campus including Trackman, Foresight, Zen, PuttView, SAM Puttlab and full golf workshop

Full-time members of staff are PGA professionals

Enjoy a unique student experience and participate in activities such as running the student golf club, individual coaching, personalised training and development, regular play, and competition including Scottish Student Sport and British Universities and College Sport events

The course is unique due to its proximity and close working relationship with Royal Dornoch Golf Club, rated top 5 in the world. The club is also supportive of our students' development, offering coaching opportunities, hosting golf events and providing placement opportunities

Have institutional support for applications for individual R&A bursaries which financially support elite golfers in tertiary education.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider the following careers:

PGA professional

Golf coaching and development

Golf resort director of golf or golf operations manager

Golf tournament and event management

Equipment manufacturer/custom fitting roles

Golf education

Sports science

Sports retail

Events management and operations

Duration: Full-time: 4 years, 40 hours per week, Part-time: 8 years, 10 to 20 hours per week