Annually, the award-winning UNLV PGA Golf Management Program, tees off a new school year with a favorite tradition: the Friends & Family Weekend hosted at a top Las Vegas golf course. In 2026, Serket Golf Club was the spot where current students, alumni, staff, administration, and, yes, friends and family gathered.
Over the years, the UNLV PGA–an important department within the world-renowned Harrah College of Hospitality–has become recognized as one of the top college PGA management programs in the country. And the overall impact of golf on Las Vegas now and over years, has always been part of the story and part of the success.
the College of Hospitality is UNLV’s leading brand and it’s known worldwide in that the PGM program is really one of the core elements of it,” said Chris Heavey, Interim UNLV President. “There’s so few of these in the country and we’re really proud of what they’ve been able to achieve and add to this community. Golf means a lot to the Harrah College of Hospitality and to Las Vegas. Golf has been a precursor to the incredible sports success that the city of Las Vegas has seen. When we came here, we had the rodeo and we had (professional) golf. And now we’re the sports and entertainment capital of the world. To have the PGM program sit at the center of that activity is a proud moment for us.”
The Friends & Family feeling is not just around for the weekend. It is a core element of the UNLV PGA.
“(This weekend) shows the dedication and the buy-in that our program has,” said David Cárdenas, Dean, UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality. “e wouldn’t be where we are if it wasn’t for the people supporting it. The first part has to be the family putting trust into who we are and trusting that we are going to prepare their son or daughter to be the next generation of leaders in the golf industry. And then friends who are helping open up doors, friends that are providing financial support, and more.”