The first 20 students to enrol on the country's first-ever honours degree course in golf at the University of Birmingham were celebrating yesterday after graduating.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Golf Management Studies was launched at the university in 2002 together with the Professional Golfers' Association.

It is thought to have been the first partnership of its kind in the world and is designed to give would-be professionals the chance to combine undergraduate-level academic studies with tuition.

The course involves three university schools - Education, Metallurgy and Materials, and Sports and Exercise Science - and requires students to study a range of subjects including history, psychology, marketing, coaching as well as golfing equipment technology.

Programme leader Martin Toms said some of the graduates would go on to become full PGA professionals while others had plans to take up post-graduate study.

Dr Kyle Phillpots, director of training and education at the PGA, said: "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 University of Birmingham was chosen because of its reputation and proximity to The Belfry, near Sutton Coldfield, where the PGA's National Training Academy is based.