By Isabel Laulhé
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – For many New Mexico State University students, landing a first job can be intimidating. At the NMSU Golf Course, however, students and college graduates from any major can step in with little to no experience and quickly gain hands-on skills in a fast-paced, real-world environment.
Kevin L. Keller, the NMSU Golf Course head professional, said the different jobs offered provide opportunities students may not find in a classroom setting.
“This is a great learning avenue for students to get real-world learning the classroom may not give them in terms of customer service and interaction,” Keller said.
For many employees, the golf course is their first job, but it quickly becomes more than that. Students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work closely with others in a team-oriented environment.
Former NMSU women’s golf team player Pun Chanachai knows that experience firsthand. After graduating with a degree in hospitality and tourism, she stayed at the golf course.
Now a full-time assistant professional, she manages pro shop operations and organizes tournaments and events.
“We all need a place to start, and this is an environment I’m familiar with,” Chanachai said. “There are really great people above me, like Jason (General Manager) and Kevin (Head Professional), who have taught me a lot. They’ve also seen me grow since I’m on the team,” said Chanachai.
Unlike most golf facilities, the golf course hires students across all college departments, not just those with golf or professional golf management (PGM) backgrounds.
“We’ve hired from every department – biology majors, mechanical engineers, nurses,” Keller said. “So, it’s not just a specific department, it’s not just PGM students.”
That approach reflects its mission to support students across campus, creating a workplace where students gain experience in customer service, merchandising, financial operations, tournament management and course maintenance – often taking on responsibilities beyond a typical entry-level job.
Employers develop a high level of trust with the students, giving them opportunities uncommon in the industry.
“After your first year here, if we’re confident with your skills, we allow you to teach (golf lessons),” Keller said. “At many other places, unless you’re an assistant or an apprentice, they don’t allow you to teach.”
Students can also apply what they learn in their majors to their work at the course, strengthening both their academic and professional development.
“In my major, they already set me to help people, make sure they feel welcomed and satisfied,” Chanachai said.
The work can be demanding. With frequent tournaments and fully booked tee times, the course operates at a constant pace that keeps employees on their toes.
Still, the NMSU Golf Course offers valuable experience, providing students and college graduates with practical skills, professional experience, and mentorship that prepares them for any future job.
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