Gibraltar Graduate Pursues Career in Golf

This spring, 2005 Gibraltar High School graduate, Steven Cox, was among the second graduating class from University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Golf Enterprise Management Program. Cox also passed both his player’s ability test and written test, two necessary to steps in earning his PGA professional status. This spring, Cox has accepted a three-month position in the far reaches of North Star Golf Club in Fairbanks, Alaska.

As a member of the Gibraltar golf team under head coach Fred Anderson, Cox enjoyed two trips to State in both his junior and senior years. He followed older sister Laurel to UW-Stout and joined the newly established golf program, a four-year degree focused on developing business management skills related to golf. Cox also graduated with a minor in Business Administration.

Last year, Cox took an internship with Oneida Golf and Country Club under the tutelage of former Gibraltar graduate and Director of Golf, Jim Schultz. Prior to that, he spent summers working at Peninsula Golf Course.

In September of ’09, Steve passed his player’s ability test, a grueling test of skills and nerves, on his first try with no strokes to spare. “Some of the guys I was playing with – it was their third or fourth try. I think the nerves got to them,” commented Cox. “But it was my first try, so I really didn’t have anything to lose.”

In a one-day, 36-hole playing test at Oakwood Park Golf Course in Franklin, Cox finished with a total score of 155 (78, 77) exactly the total score needed to pass. “I hit a 12-footer on the last hole and didn’t even realize at the time that I had to make it.”

The golf program director at Stout assisted Cox in getting his newfound internship in Alaska. After his stint at North Star, Cox will have completed his job experience requirements, completing the PGA Management Program and officially acquiring his PGA professional status. Come fall, Cox intends to return home and plan for his future in his new career in golf. Steve’s parents are John and Shelly Cox of Ephraim.