Having two former players compete in this year's Ryder Cup is a great accomplishment for a university golf program. But in September, UNLV reaped more than an enhanced reputation when two graduates made the coveted 12-person team.

Chris Riley, '96 BA Communication Studies, and Chad Campbell, '97 BS Hotel Administration, designated UNLV to receive $180,000 as part of a PGA of America initiative to increase participation in the sport.

UNLV is among 14 colleges and universities selected by the 2004 U.S. Ryder Cup team to receive grants to fund Golf: For Business and Life classes. Since the program was established in 1999, the PGA of America has distributed more than $4.5 million to colleges and universities on behalf of U.S. Ryder Cup team members.

The UNLV Golf: For Business and Life program is a William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration initiative that offers juniors, seniors, and graduate students the opportunity to learn how to use golf as a business tool. Taught by PGA professionals, the classes also feature business leaders who discuss how the game has enhanced their professional careers.