In 2002, John Young landed his first pro shop job in the golf industry through a Humber College job fair. Six years later, he has returned to the job fair – this time to hire students. Young, director of golf at Copper Creek Golf Club, one of Canada's busiest public golf courses, is a graduate of Humber's Professional Golf Management program.
While studying physical education at university, Young worked part time in golf course construction and, after graduation, spent time in bartending and restaurant management. Uncertain of his next move, a friend recommended the golf management program at Humber. “The Humber program tied it all together for me,” says Young. “I took my love of golf, my physical education background and my customer service experience and enrolled in a program that was the perfect fit.”
Now, every summer, Young hires Humber students for internships. “We hire for a variety of positions and groom students to be managers in the industry,” Young says. “These students come in ready for the job. The competition in this industry is fierce and with the program’s diverse curriculum and focus on customer service, Humber students tend to be the best prepared for the business.”
Michael Resciniti, a second-year student in the three-year Business Administration – Professional Golf Management advanced diploma program, has worked for Young for the past two years and will be returning in the spring. “I’ve learned so much,” says Resciniti. “I now know how a golf course should be run and I have improved my communications and organizational skills. John has been a mentor to me.”
The Business School offers a Professional Golf Management diploma program and a Golf Operations Certificate.
Originally published in Humber Today Winter 2009.
