Today@Sam Article

SHSU's PGA Program Earns National Title

December 14, 2023
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

The Sam Houston State University PGA Golf Management Program has established itself as a thriving force within the College of Business Administration (COBA) since its inception in 2005. With prestigious academic results from its members and status as the only program of its kind in Texas, it stands as a unique jewel in the university’s crown.

“We boast 100 percent job placement upon completion of the program,” said PGA Master Professional and Program Director Rich Ballinger. “Over the course of four-and-a-half years, we send our students out on 16 months of internship work. Within the 18 years we have been here, we have already placed students in 48 of the 50 states across the U.S.”

Despite the program’s growth, a PGA University Championship title has always eluded SHSU. This changed in November thanks to the students’ skilled performance during this year’s annual event at the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club in Philadelphia, Mississippi.

“To put our name on that trophy and to be able to say we’re national champions is really cool for our program,” Ballinger said. “We have had that as a goal for quite some time now, so to be able to do that is pretty huge.”

SHSU was able to secure the coveted Jones Cup over the other 15 PGA-accredited universities in the nation thanks in large part to the performance of junior Bret Gray, who shot a 67 on the first day of the event (five under par) and a 66 on the second (six under) to earn the individual title.

“Bret went down there and simply dominated, winning the individual title by eight strokes,” Ballinger said. “He played absolutely phenomenal golf.”

“Today it looked stress-free on the scorecard, but there were a couple of holes where I saved par from some pretty tough spots,” Gray told PGA of America on Nov. 15 after recording a 66. “I think I short-sided myself once or twice, but luckily my short game saved me. I made a couple of good par putts and kept it bogey free.”

Along with Gray, the Bearkats were led by Josh German, Grant Greathouse, Camden Anderson and Tanner Dorsey for an overall group score of 582. This mark bested runner-up group performances by Penn State University (second place), Mississippi State University (third), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (fourth) and Methodist University (fifth).

German shot a 71 on each day for a total of 142, finishing second for the Bearkats.

“I stayed patient and knew I would have opportunities on the back nine,” German told PGA of America. “I took advantage when I could and slowly brought the round back under par. I knew that if I stayed steady, made some pars and found a birdie or two, that we would hold on, and we did.”

Students in SHSU’s PGA Golf Management Program complete a business degree while concurrently completing all of the PGA of America’s membership requirements, which include passing the organization’s playing ability tests and their four-level educational curriculum. These requirements are woven into COBA’s traditional business curriculum.

In order to enroll in the program, a student must have a verifiable 12 handicap or better on the golf course. The program generally admits between 20-30 students per year. Each year, they hold a 54-hole qualifier in which the top three golfers earn automatic spots on the PGA University Championship team. The remaining two slots are selected by Ballinger.

For more information on the 2023 event, visit the PGA University Championship website. To learn more about SHSU’s program, visit their webpage.

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