Pune-based International School of Corporate Management (Iscom) plans to start a post graduate programme in golf management to churn out managers with depth of knowledge to run a golf operation as a business venture.

“Sports is no longer an extra curricular activity. It is fast becoming a lucrative source of income," Keshaw Rae, director, Iscom, told Financial Chronicle. The two-year Rs 9 lakh golf management programme with 15-20 candidates will begin from July 2010.

“The successful candidates will be awarded a post-graduate diploma in golf management issued jointly by Iscom and Elmwood College, UK and a diploma in International Golf Course Management from the Royal and Ancient Club of St Andrews, Scotland,” Rae said. The courses are approved by the Scottist Qualification Authority. The students will have a six months internship at Elmwood College, he added.

“The course is specially designed for defence personnel who have a two-year study leave. A graduate golf player with a handicap of around 18 are eligible for the course,” retired Brig Dileep Gole, programme head for Golf Course, said. Handicap represents skills in golf game with 36 handicap being the highest.

Rae said as part of the course, candidates will undergo “six months apprenticeship and on the job” traning programme at one of the golf courses of Elmwood College, Scotland in the same fees. Abhay Munot, president of Iscom, said a 11-acre campus is being developed. “The campus will be up and operational withing a year,” he said.