Top of the class

The latest crop of Applied Golf Management Studies (AGMS) students have raised the bar after the class of 2014 graduated with flying colours – including a record return of four with First Class honours.

All were reunited at the University of Birmingham in July to collect that cherished piece of paper acknowledging their three years of hard work.

Underneath the caps and gowns were an industrious bunch of young men and women celebrating their achievements and embracing the chance to pursue careers in the golf industry and primarily as PGA Professionals.

The AGMS course, run jointly between the University of Birmingham and the PGA, arms graduates with a comprehensive knowledge of golf including business and event management, equipment technology, coaching theory and sport science.

AGMS graduates are highly-sought after and this year’s alumni will be no different.

Leading the way was Johanna Murauer, who has the double honour of being the first German graduate and first overseas student to attain the highest level. She was joined by Tom Owen, Chris Dunsdon and Sam Townend.

Reflecting on her achievement, 21-year-old Murauer (above right with fellow AGMS graduates Jenny Baughan - left - and Jenny Russell - centre), who found about the course from former graduate and Ryder Cup 2018 employee Eleanor Woodhall, said: “It’s nice to just get something for all the hard work. The three years haven’t always been that easy so it’s a nice reward at the end. I wanted to study at university and combine that with my passion for golf and this was the only course I found in Europe.

“Doing the degree has enabled me to meet a lot of great people and live in another country. It has also given me great placement opportunities, including the BMW Open in Munich, and a lot of good contacts. All of that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t done the degree.”

Echoing that sentiment was Townend, whose father Simon is a PGA Professional. He said: “I gave up the playing dream when I was younger but still wanted to work in golf and this was the best option. “It’s been a great three years. The placements are fantastic and a great opportunity to get out into the golf industry and go to some weird and wonderful places.

“I wouldn’t change doing this for anything and it is a great option for anyone looking to go to university and has a great passion for golf.”

Gary Jackson, AGMS Programme Manager for the PGA, praised the group, a number of whom already have roles in the industry and are set to become PGA Professionals.

“This was the 10^th cohort of AGMS graduates and it’s very rewarding to see the course continue to progress,” he said

“This year group has been a pleasure to work with and they’ve approached all aspects of the course with energy and enthusiasm, not to mention ability. The history of this course shows that it isn’t easy to achieve a first, so the four students who achieved this have done extremely well.

“There were other students who weren’t far behind, so it is obviously a very talented group. Many of them have already started in their first jobs either in the UK or abroad, others will be starting in a few weeks’ time and I wish them all the best for their future careers in the golf industry.”