Attracting students from across the nation to Myrtle Beach for the last 20 years, The Golf Academy of America will close its doors next week.
The closure will leave a hundred students with an unfinished school year and even without diplomas, and 20 staff members unemployed before the holidays.
“Everyone is just heart broken and shattered that this great experience is coming to a screeching halt.” said Brandon Canesi. “All of the hard work I’ve put in for I’m not going to get a diploma and it’s tough for me because this is the first thing I really wanted to see through in my life.”
Part of a massive college shut down impacting 80 other schools across the county, Golf Academy of America’s parent company Education Corporation of America was notified earlier this week that its accreditation for independent colleges and schools was suspended.
“I was like ‘Mom, there’s no easy way to say this but the school is shutting down on December 14 and she was just shocked.” said student, Brian Sears.
The Academy offers an Associate program where students work to recieve a degree in golf operations and management where graduates often go to work at golf courses across the Carolinas and the nation.
“There’s a lot of courses in the area that have graduates that work whether it be assistant pros or head professionals, an we keep that network going, that brotherhood.” student Matthew Cooney said.
News13 tried to reach out to Education Corporation of America by phone and email for a comment but still hasn’t hear back.