James Crompton, 22, from Warwick is a former pupil of Aylesford School. While at school he played in football, cricket and rugby teams, and his sporting prowess continued at University as he played for the golf team. He will soon be jetting off to Mauritius to coach, since PGA status is recognised throughout the world.

The Applied Golf Management Studies students graduate at 4.30pm on Friday 8 July at the Great Hall, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Many of his fellow-graduates are soon to become full PGA Professionals, or have further plans to study to Masters level and beyond.

Dr Kyle Phillpots, Director of Training and Education at the PGA says: "Golf is a major sport, a pastime played by millions and a worldwide multi billion dollar industry. Those involved in the development of golf need to be well educated and qualified to the highest level. The PGA is delighted with the success of this programme and all those who have graduated from it. The education of PGA Professionals is vital to the development of the sport and we are proud of the contribution this makes"

Dr Martin Toms is the programme manager for Applied Golf Management Studies and says: "I am proud that these students have achieved an excellent set of results on this remarkable multi-disciplinary programme. These graduands will no doubt go on to achieve success within the golf industry as well as out on the golf course. It is wonderful to see such intelligent and talented golfers achieve great success at Birmingham".

The degree combines applied academic and theoretical aspects of sport management and science related to golf, with vocational aspects of the game. Topics studied include Sports Science and sports psychology; biomechanics; business management including retail management and marketing strategy; materials science at the School of Engineering to study the composition and behaviour of golf balls and clubs, as well as coaching theory.