The increasing popularity of golf colleges reflects the incredible interest in golf as a sport and the rapid increase in the building of golf courses and resorts around the world. Each year the need for skilled golf college graduates increases as the sport spawns more resorts, country clubs and even travel packages focusing on golf.

Along with increased demand for golf professionals has come an increase in schools offering golf programs and specialized degrees. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty when potential students try to select a qualified, reputable school. After all, many golf colleges have been around for less than a decade, so it can be difficult to determine whether their reputation can hold up for the long term. In order to decide which school is right for you, consider the following traits that all great golf colleges share, regardless of whether they've been around for fifty years or five:

A golf college should have degree flexibility. While almost all golf colleges offer an associate's degree, the opportunity to move on to a bachelor's degree is important. Many golf schools are affiliated with another college that will offer the advanced degree so that you can begin working with your associate's degree while pursuing the bachelor's degree. The affiliation with a more traditional college or university is a sign of solid financial backing and an excellent curriculum.

The best golf college will offer access to a variety of golf courses. Most golf colleges have either their own course or unlimited access to a single course. The best ones, however, will offer limited but generous access to several different courses so that students can take advantage of different styles of courses. Driving range access is also important so that students can sharpen specific skills.

There is nothing more important than pro training. A golf college that has golf pros teaching all of their hand-on courses will give you greater bang for your buck. Be sure you ask how many instructors are actually golf pros. Access to several different pros gives students an advantage.

An associate's degree should cover ALL aspects of the golf industry. A golf college that teaches golfing techniques but neglects management courses isn't giving you the basis for establishing yourself in the business world of golf. Perhaps you want to go on the professional circuit, but even if you are an excellent golfer, it won't last forever. A great golf college will also educate you in event planning, equipment design and maintenance, golf course design and maintenance, the business of course and pro shop management, public relations and a host of skills that those in the golf industry need. This gives you more flexibility and introduces you to many career options you may not even realize exist.

Golf College should offer financial aid. Loans and grants aren't limited to traditional, four-year colleges and four-year degrees. Be sure the school has a financial aid counselor who will work with you to find the funds you need.

Placement assistance and career information should be available. Be sure to ask about the school's placement rate for graduates (successful job placement should be at least 75 percent). Career counseling should also be a part of your schooling. Counselors can help you uncover unusual opportunities that most don't know about.

When you find a golf college that has everything listed above, you can be confident that you're getting an exceptional education that will prepare you for a career you love in the sport that's your passion.