F.A.Q.

ABOUT UGP MALAGA
What is University Golf Program Málaga (UGP Málaga)?
UGP Málaga provides an elite golf training and competition program alongside higher education studies. UGP Málaga is based on the American college golf model, players train up to 25 hours a week, compete in around 10 WAGR events per season (7 UGP tour WAGR events and external ones) and study for a recognised degree or qualification at the same time. The program has been running in Málaga since 2014.
Which programs can I choose from?
  • University degree: 4 years, on campus in English or Spanish, starting in September.
  • Gap Year with Spanish course: 1 year or 1 semester, starting in September or February.
  • Road to USA: 1 year, preparation for the SAT and Duolingo tests and enrolment in online courses with Arizona State University, starting in September.
  • Golf Business & Management: 1 year, online diploma with the PGA Institute of Australia, starting in September.

Every academic option includes the full UGP Málaga golf training and competition program.

What is the players’ profile?
Every season the squad has around 30 players, most have a single digit handicap, age between 17.5 and 22 years old and from most of the European countries and the Americas.
What language is spoken during training?
The primary everyday language is English, as players attend from all over the world.
GOLF
Is there a minimum handicap?
No. There is no minimum handicap, but you need a good level of play and the ambition to improve. Every season starts with an individual evaluation: technical tests, Trackman data, mental and physical assessments. Your coaches build your training plan from there.
What does a training week look like?
Up to 25 hours a week of technical sessions, short game and putting, practice rounds, fitness and mental coaching, plus competitions. Sessions are scheduled around your academics and the team is divided in four training groups with a maximum of 8 players per group. A typical day: golf training in the morning, lunch time, academics in the afternoon, fitness training and dinner.
Where do we train and play?
Our home course is Parador de Málaga Golf (18 holes). Short game and putting work takes place at the Miguel Ángel Jiménez Golf Academy, which has a 9-hole par 3 course and full practice areas.
Who are the coaches?
A team of specialists works with every player: PGA professionals Ricardo Cabello and Murdo McCorquodale (golf), Rafa Galindo (fitness and physiotherapy), Walter Bolumar (sports psychology and program coordination) and Guille Cervantes (former USA college player DII, assistant coach).
What technology do you use?
Trackman 4, SAM PuttLab, VisioPutting, video analysis and Golf GameBook to track every round and practice session. You see your data and progress throughout the season through UGP golf App for the program.
Which tournaments will I play?
Players compete in around ten events per season. These include the UGP Tour, a circuit of 7 events that count for the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), an internal league, match play or Ryder with other high performance teams and university championships.
ACADEMICS
Which universities and degrees can I study?
Depending on your goals and language, you can study with partners including Universidad de Málaga, Universidad Europea de Andalucía, Arizona State University online, the Johan Cruyff Institute and the PGA Institute of Australia. Most demanded fields are business, marketing, psychology, sports science and golf management. Our academic advisors will give all the information about your academic program of interest.
Do I study in English or Spanish?
Both languages are possible, on campus or online universities. For the Road to USA and Golf Business & Management are online and they require an advanced level of English. If you want to learn Spanish, the Gap Year program includes a Spanish course on campus.
How do my studies fit around golf?
We only offer programs that fit a full training schedule. You get individual tutoring and the academic advisors who help you choose a program and keep you on track during the tournament season.
Can UGP Málaga help me get to a college in the USA?
Yes. The Road to USA program is designed specifically for players who need an extra year to get ready for American collegiate golf. You take online courses with Arizona State University and earn credits that can transfer to American universities. You also play 7 WAGR events on the UGP Tour, which recruiters follow. And we also work with a scholarship agency that helps players to secure a golf scholarship in the USA.
ADMISSIONS & FEES
What are the entry requirements?
  • Be at least 17.5 years old when the program starts.
  • A high school diploma from the Spanish system or an equivalent qualification.
  • The language level your program requires (Spanish or English).
  • A good golf level and the drive to improve.
How long before my program starts should I apply, and is there a deadline?

Applications open 12 months before the season starts. Places are around 30 players per academic year and fill up quickly in each intake, so we recommend to apply at least 6 months before the commencement day of your program.

The process: 1) complete the online application, 2) schedule a video call with our team, 3) evaluation of your golf and academic eligibility, 4) offer and formalization of the enrolment.

You are welcome to book a one-day visit to UGP Málaga or talk to one of our current players (UGP Málaga Ambassadors) first.

How much does it cost?
Fees depend on the program you choose, we recommend downloading the brochure to see the full fee schedule. The boarding GAP year program costs around €40,000 per year
Are scholarships available?
We have a limited number of financial aid packages and it is assigned by golf profile. Eligibility is assessed case by case during the admissions process, so mention it in your application.
Do I need a student visa?
Students from the EU and Switzerland do not need a visa. Only students from the UK and other countries need a visa to enrol in full or semester program. Every season we have several student who need a visa, so we are used to that. Our admissions team guides and provides all the documents required for your visa application.
LIFE IN MÁLAGA
Where do students live?
Players live in university residences with other college students: Resa Campus Málaga or Alfil University Residence. With a capacity for 300 students, both accommodations offer single rooms, study areas, lounges, a dining room, gym and laundry, close to the universities and public transport.
Are meals included?
Both residences offer full-board meal plans. RESA has the option of upgraded room with a kitchenette and choosing half board.
How do players get to training?
UGP organises daily transfers from the residences to the golf facilities and Sunday practice rounds.
Who looks after the players day to day?
Our coaches and other staff see players every day at training. Parents receive regular progress updates and can contact the program director at any time.
Why Málaga?
More than 320 days of sunshine a year and a mild winter and consolidated golf environment give players the ideal environment to be part of a golf training and competition program. Málaga is a lively university city on the Mediterranean, and its international airport has direct flights across Europe.
Do I need to be fluent in Spanish to get by on campus and with the locals?
Spanish is a plus but not a necessity. We’re in a popular tourist area, which means many locals will understand English.
How much money will I need?
This is a tricky question, as students all have different spending habits. €500-€800 will comfortably see you through a typical month of spending
Still need help? Send us a message!
For any other questions, please write us at info@universitygolfspain.com or call us on
(+34) 676 258 174
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