Industry education leader grows from humble beginnings to international prominence
February 17, 2014, Birmingham, Ala. – The brainchild of a California educator who recognized a void in golf industry education, Golf Academy of America celebrates its remarkable 40-year history in March 2014.
In March 1974, Fred Schwartz founded San Diego Golf Academy with 15 students meeting in a mobile home on the grounds of Whispering Palms Country Club, now Morgan Run Resort.
Forty years later, Golf Academy of America is an industry icon, offering expert PGA instruction and training at five U.S. campuses equipped with the finest instructional facilities. Many of Golf Academy of America’s more than 5,000 graduates hold prominent positions throughout the golf industry.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” said Golf Academy of America president Jim Hart. “When you look at our modern facilities led by PGA instructors, it’s hard to fathom how it all began.”
Golf Academy of America plans to recognize its anniversary in several ways, including online contests and an anniversary golf event.
An 80-percent job placement rate for graduates is a major factor in Golf Academy of America’s success.
“By hiring our graduates at such a high rate, employers have shown the high regard with which they hold Golf Academy of America’s instruction,” said alumnus Tim Eberlein, now the director of Golf Academy of America’s Phoenix campus.
Schwartz, a community college administrator, founded San Diego Golf Academy with the help of two partners. Campuses were added, beginning with Orlando in 1986 then Phoenix and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Schwartz’s daughter, Dana Powell, and her husband, Peter, sold the company in 2006 to Education Corporation of America. A fifth campus opened in Dallas in 2012.
About Golf Academy of America
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, Golf Academy of America (formerly the San Diego Golf Academy) is the world’s largest and longest-running two-year golf college. Golf Academy of America’s 16-month program balances classroom studies, practical experience and comprehensive understanding of both the game and the business of golf. Campuses are located in San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, Orlando, and Myrtle Beach. For more information, call (800) 342-7342 or visit GolfAcademy.edu. Golf Academy of America is owned and operated by the Education Corporation of America, headquartered in Birmingham, Ala. Visit ECAColleges.com for more information.
Contact:
John Brasier or Erin Barrett at The Brandon Agency, (843) 916-2000
jbrasier@thebrandonagency.com, ebarrett@thebrandonagency.com
