June 24, 2026

Ferris State PGA Golf Management alumnus Michael Rawlins donates Club Caddie software to support student learning and golf operations

The Ferris State University PGA Golf Management Program and Katke Golf Course are partnering with alumnus Michael Rawlins, co-owner of Club Caddie, who has donated use of the company's golf operations software platform to support student education and enhance daily golf course operations. 

The donation will provide Ferris State PGA Golf Management students with hands-on experience using one of the golf industry's leading management software systems while simultaneously strengthening operational efficiencies at Katke Golf Course, the program's on-campus learning laboratory. 

Rawlins, a 2014 graduate of Ferris State University's PGA Golf Management Program, understands the importance of exposing students to the technologies they will encounter throughout their careers in the golf industry. 

"One of the greatest strengths of the Ferris State PGA Golf Management Program is its commitment to experiential learning," he said. "Students learn best when they have access to the same tools and technologies used by golf facilities across the country. Club Caddie is proud to support the next generation of PGA Professionals and help provide valuable real-world experience before they graduate." 

Club Caddie is a comprehensive golf operations platform that integrates tee sheet management, point-of-sale functionality, customer relationship management, reporting tools, memberships, tournaments, and other key business functions utilized by golf facilities nationwide. 

The partnership allows students to gain direct exposure to the software in classroom, laboratory, and operational settings. This experience will help them to develop practical skills in golf facility management, data analysis, customer service, merchandising, and operational decision-making—competencies that are increasingly important in today's golf industry. 

"Technology continues to transform the way golf facilities operate," said Joe Hatch, director of the PGA Golf Management Program. "Michael's generosity provides our students with an incredible opportunity to learn and work within a modern golf management platform. This partnership strengthens our ability to prepare students for successful careers while enhancing the operational capabilities of Katke Golf Course. We are grateful for Michael's commitment to giving back to the program that helped launch his career." 

The implementation of Club Caddie at Katke Golf Course will create a living laboratory environment where students can learn alongside professionals while observing how technology supports business performance, customer experience, and operational efficiency. 

Rawlins' contribution reflects the strong tradition of alumni engagement that has long distinguished the Ferris State program. Graduates throughout the golf industry continue to support current students through mentorship, internships, employment opportunities, and educational partnerships. 

Founded in 1975, the Ferris State PGA Golf Management Program is the first PGA-accredited university program. The program combines business education, golf industry experience, and PGA Professional training to prepare students for leadership roles throughout the golf industry. 

The program prepares students for successful careers in the golf industry through a combination of academic coursework, extensive internship experiences, player development opportunities, and PGA Professional education. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree while progressing toward membership in the PGA of America.