There are better routes/options in my opinion.  Not to say that some of the "golf schools" aren't helpful or beneficial, if you have the time to go back to school for a couple years.  I would recommend looking at the PGA website for information on getting into the golf industry as well as lots of job openings that are posted there.  There are also a couple of websites that have golf jobs posted, just search golf jobs and take a look.  Good luck with the career change from someone in the same boat!

I agree with Scott

Make sure the school is PGA approved.  You can call your local PGA section for info also. 

Good Luck

Deno

If you are thinking of going into the golf industry and/or working at a course as a pro, look into becoming a PGA Class A - www.pgalinks.com

I've been looking at the same thing for the last couple of months and have the same questions.  I was actually just looking for more info this morning when I found this.  Here is what I have figured out so far...

• None of the 2 year schools are "PGA Approved" but Keiser does get you credits toward membership while the others don't.  The PGA has PGM universities they partner with but they are 4 1/2 years and not really golf intensive - most of your experience comes from summer internships.
• If you want to succeed in the industry plan on getting your PGA membership whether or not you attend one of these golf colleges.
• Learn about the PGA staff at the school -  PGCC uses a lot of part time guys while GAA and Keiser have more full time.
• You can easily get a job at a golf course without this degree but you will likely spend a lot of time behind the counter and outside running carts before you are able to give lessons, run tournaments, etc.  The 16 months at the school gives you a lot of hands on time doing all these things.  They''ll tell you, but you get something like 300+ hours of instruction on golf swing and teaching.  Not saying your first job is going to be any better but you will know a lot more! 
• It isn't cheap!  The GI Bill is helping me out but talk to the financial aid folks at each school.  Don't bury yourself in debt if you are not sure.  If you want a college degree anyway then this makes sense - especially if you can transfer credits to a 4 year program later on. 
• Visit the schools - I flew to Orlando and visited PGCC, GAA, and Keiser all in 2 days.  Ask a lot of questions and visit all the facilities they use.  Range, golf courses, housing, etc.  And talk to the students that are there!!  They will give you the real scoop.  PGCC is right on Orange county national but the guys in school say they hardly ever play there.  (For me AZ was too hot, San Diego was too expensive,and Myrtle Beach just didn't appeal to me so FL sounded right)

Maybe more info than you were looking for, but I have been giving this a lot of thought!  Good luck with your decision.

Frank

Great post and cudos on the info.  Glad you're using your GI Bill.    Thanks for you service.  PGCC at Orange County National is a great location even if you don't play there often.  There are so many good courses and job opportunities in Orlando, I'm sure placement would be a bit easier.  Good idea to visit the site, hang out and talk with other students.  Very smart that you took the initiative and saw for yourself. 

Keep us posted on progress,

Deno

Frank,

What exactly will the GI Bill cover, and are you looking at using the regular GI Bill or the Post 9/11?  I know when I was looking through the schools on the GI Bill website that several of the "golf schools" were on the list of approved schools.  It appeared that the only one that was a "yellow ribbon" school was Keiser, which means that the school should cover any difference not covered by the GI Bill.  At my age I would have to have a full time job so the school route probably isn't the most feasible for me but with the Post 9/11 it may make it a possibility at Keiser.  Guess I may look closer into that.

I agree with most of your post, other than the fact that depending on the course you could learn much more than just working the counter or carts, and be enrolled into the PGA Apprentice program, and earning a paycheck.  I would recommend to anyone to talk to some of the pros at local courses to get more information, this is how I found out that with a full time position I could enroll into the Apprentice program.  There are also lots of courses that have "entry level assistant professional" positions.  It's my understanding that unless you go through a certified PGM program you would still have to enroll in the Apprentice program after completing the two year programs.  This would also require additional fees to get your actual PGA certification, those fees can be found on the link that was posted above.  

Sounds like there are many people interested in this.  Hopefully we can continue to share information and all pursue what we are looking for!  Good luck!

Frank,

Thanks for an informative post.  I am just wondering what school in Florida did you choose?  I am going to Florida to look at some schools with my son this summer.  He is very interested in Keiser, but it seems expensive.

Any thoughts on Keiser would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Julie