ASU’s PGM program welcomes Black

ASU’s Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness has announced the appointment of Mark J. Black as the director and lecturer of the professional golf management (PGM) program, effective Feb.11. Black replaces Curt Hudek.

Black has been a PGA professional at private, daily fee and resort golf courses for nearly 25 years. Most recently, Black has been the director of golf at the Fortress, a resort golf course in Frankenmuth, Mich.

He also is a PGA master professional, the highest level that can be attained by a member of the association, certified in the area of general management. Just 2 percent of all PGA members achieve the master professional level.

“Mark brings the industry experience, playing and teaching skills, and experience with the PGA that are essential to lead the ASU professional golf management program and make it the best PGM program in the nation,” says Paul Patterson, dean of the Morrison School. “Under his leadership, I am confident that the program will continue to prosper and grow. His skills, experiences and friendly demeanor will be tremendous assets in our recruiting, retention and placement efforts.”

Black started in golf as a teenager and played for his college team. Today, not only is he working in the golf industry, his love of teaching has led Black to coaching the Frankenmuth High School golf team, which he has been doing for the past 13 years. During that time, his teams have won eight consecutive conference championships and had two All-State players. He also was honored with a Division III Coach of the Year award for the state of Michigan.

Black was one of 34 original adjunct faculty members in the PGA education program. While serving in this role, he has become an expert in the “People and Business” courses, and he is a member of the PGA accreditation and evaluation team that travels to the 19 PGA-accredited university programs. He also is a certified professional program mentor and a staff member of the PGA master professional program.

His skill and ability in the game has granted him the opportunity to play in five PGA national championships, one PGA senior national championship and two PGA Tour events. In November, he finished 50th at the Champions Tour School finals in Coral Springs, Fla.

“Having worked in the public, private and resort sectors of golf, I feel that I will be able to mentor students on how to navigate the profession of golf in their specific career paths,” Black says. “The bench strength of the current staff is terrific, and I look forward to being a part of their continued success while growing the ASU/PGM program.”

Black earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University.