“Golf isn’t just a sport. It’s a way to lift your spirits, build confidence, and create a sense of belonging,” says Chris Cain, director of the UNLV PGA Golf Management program (PGM).
Cain and his team instill this lesson in every student who passes through the PGM program – a unique academic concentration (one of only 16 in the country) offered through the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality. The guiding philosophy is simple:
“We grow the game by making it more accessible,” Cain says. “That means inviting people inside the tent."
To make good on this commitment, PGM students engage in professional tournaments and community-focused events as part of mandatory service hours. Hands-on work experiences like these are a cornerstone of the Harrah College of Hospitality, which has built its global reputation on high-quality experiential learning.
PGM student volunteers regularly participate in summer campus events, food bank activities, and recurring local tournaments, such as the Southern Highlands Collegiate. Recently, the students took part in two very special events:
Viva Golf Vegas at Southshore Country Club
This spring tournament benefited PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of the PGA of America. Leveraging golf as a form of rehabilitation, PGA Hope supports veterans’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. PGM students served across all areas of tournament operations, working to create a welcoming, positive experience for participants. The outcome was a win-win: Viva Golf Vegas raised vital funds for veterans while demonstrating golf’s power to heal.
2026 Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek
At this elite LPGA tournament, PGM students were immersed in high-level professional competition. They assisted with shuttle operations, worked with specialized golf technology, and supported first tee operations. Their assignment with the most impact was helping to run a clinic for approximately 140 attendees from the Muslim Golf Association. For many of these players, the clinic was their first introduction to the game.
Creating Ambassadors of the Game
PGM students start the program focused on learning the business of golf. By the time they graduate, they are excited to share that knowledge with others and welcome new golfers to the game. Volunteering plays a key role in this maturing process, says PGM freshman Paul Narayan.
“You’re doing yourself and the game of golf a disservice by not getting involved in serving your community,” Narayan says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet beginners, learn about yourself as a teacher, and provide people with a fun experience they’ll hopefully remember for a long time.”
