July 31, 2007

GSW poised to start first PGM program in state

Murie leads the way  

AMERICUS—Seventeen, on the surface this number doesn’t mean much to most people, but to Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) it represents nationwide recognition, marketability and students, potentially 300 more students.

The fact is, there are only 17 colleges or universities in the U.S. with a Professional Golf Association (PGA) accredited Professional Golf Management (PGM) program. Georgia Southwestern would be the 18^th and the only institution with such a program in the state.

Recently, GSW took an important step in this direction. Shaun Murie, former PGM internship coordinator at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), was appointed as GSW’s first PGM program director. His position and this program are housed in the School of Business.

“Mr. Murie comes to Georgia Southwestern with the highest recommendation,” said President Kendall A. Blanchard. “Already, I have been impressed by his energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the success of our program.  I am confident he is the right person for this important job.”

“My short term goal is very simple,” said Murie. “Accreditation by the PGA of America is critical for the long-term growth and success of the program.  All of my efforts over the next few months will be focused on achieving this single goal.”

According to Murie, GSW is well on its way to becoming accredited by the PGA of America. Having attended required PGM information sessions and checkpoints along with the submission of its rationale statement addressing interest and commitment of the University to the program, GSW is currently constructing the required proposal that outlines in detail its projected program. The following step will involve a site visit by key members of the PGA education team.

Another important step in this process is the gifting of the golf course, Southwestern Links located in Americus, from the GSW Foundation to the University. The Foundation’s board of trustees voted in favor of the gifting and it is now awaiting approval from the Board of Regents.

If everything goes according to plan, Murie hopes to have students enrolled into the program by Fall 2008.

“I think that most people will be surprised at how academic this program really is,” said Murie. “Golf is a multi-billion dollar industry. In order to prepare students to compete for jobs in this industry, they need to know more than how to swing a golf club.

“Students enrolled in the PGM program will be expected to complete all of their business major requirements, 16 months of internship, all three levels of the PGA’s Class A certification process, and pass the PGA’s Playing Ability Test in a little over 4 years time,” said Murie.

A native of Royal Oak, Mi., Murie is a Class A PGA member and an experienced golfer, as well.

“When I am playing on a fairly regular basis, I generally play to around a 3 or 4 handicap,” said Murie. “Considering that I have only played three rounds thus far in 2007, this probably wouldn’t be one of those times. If I have a chance to hit the driving range before the round, I can usually keep it in the 70’s.”

While an internship coordinator at FGCU, Murie served as academic advisor for all PGM students; he taught PGM courses; and he was responsible for recruiting prospective students.

Prior to FGCU, Murie served as head golf professional at Highlands Plantation Golf Club in Starkville, Miss. There, he managed all golf, food and beverage operations, managed a staff of fifteen and was responsible for a number of other duties.

Murie earned a BBA in marketing and an MBA from Mississippi State University in Starkville.

“It is always special to be part of something from the ground level,” said Murie. “To have the opportunity to mold the direction of a PGM program is something that very few individuals get the chance to do.”

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