CityView Magazine

Steve Conley has served as the head men's golf coach for over 26 years and has seen many students stick with the program and work as golf professionals. Welcome to My World of Promises Kept RBW NMLS 103880 UHM NMLS 2229 R. Bryan Wright • Cumberland County Native • 22 Years in Mortgage Lending • On-Time Closings • In-House Underwriting • VA, FHA, Conventional, USDA Apply online www.yourncmortgage.com bwright@unionhomemortgage.com 910-778-2374 | 937 S. McPherson Church Road | Fayetteville 38 | August • 2013 Steve Conley. He was instrumental in bringing in 55 students from across the country for the inaugural class in the Fall of 1987. Throughout the years, Methodist University has made good on their promise, implementing facilities to include a driving range and a picturesque 18-hole golf course that's closed to the public and only available to Golf Management students or those on the golf teams. The PGA Golf Management program is unique in that it's a fullfledged business degree. "At the big state schools, you can find that the degree is usually based in the hospitality or recreation schools," said Conley. Methodist believes it should be a business degree with the emphasis being in accounting, economics, marketing or business administration. Essentially, it's a "very strong minor in golf management." Since the program's beginning, there have been 1,000 graduates, most of whom are working nationwide. One alum is even teaching golf in China. Conley has served as the head men's golf coach for over 26 years and has seen many students stick with the program and work as golf professionals. "Golf is a big deal here. We have many students coming down from up north for the weather and a private school education, a very attractive combination," Conley said proudly. And it's proven to be a winning combination considering the men's team has won 10 NCAA Division III national championships while the women have walked away with 15. "I think coaching has something to do with it," Conley chuckled. Though he added, "We have so many very talented players, we all play a role." Many of Methodist's players dream of having a professional career, but not everyone can be the next Jack Nicklaus. Because of the school's golf management program, students will be obtaining their degree AND building their golf career. Conley concluded, "We want our students to have something to fall back on." And that's a great handicap. CV

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