When Justin Sturdy envisioned his college experience, he saw basketball. 

“Throughout my childhood and into high school my ultimate goal was to play college basketball,” Sturdy said. “But during my senior year, I tore my ACL and had to give up on that dream.”

Living on the east coast, Sturdy graduated from Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, WA and chose to attend Boise State University. In addition to being a full-time student, he worked for a golf course nearby. It was through his position at the country club that Sturdy recognized a passion for golf.

“I realized I could have a career in the golf industry and decided to transfer to a school where I could study golf management,” said Sturdy. “I researched a few PGA Golf Management programs and immediately narrowed my choices down to the University of Idaho and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). Both of these universities had PGA Golf Management programs in the College of Business and I wanted to get a business degree.”

With his sight on the mountains, Sturdy chose UCCS for the customizable business emphasis option and AACSB accredited business school.

 “The program and the university as a whole want the best for each of their students and are willing to do whatever it takes to get them where they need to be. I have enjoyed meeting and networking with PGA professionals that are willing to help students be successful in the golf industry.”

Utilizing his program connections, Sturdy is finishing up his summer at the number 1 ranked public golf course in the United States: Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, CA. He works alongside other exclusive PGA Golf Management interns to focus on golf operation and course management, taking every opportunity to learn from PGA professionals and Pebble Beach staff.

Once back from interning on the west coast, Sturdy plans to continue his studies with the goal of becoming a General Manager at a golf facility. He will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business with a degree emphasis in accounting. PGA Golf Management students will also receive eligibility for election to membership in The PGA of America as a Class A Professional.

“Transferring to UCCS was one of the best decisions I have made in my life and anybody that has the opportunity to attend UCCS for college should take that opportunity.”