Teeing Up Success: How Cesar Balgañon '27 BSBA is Using His Eller Experience to Grow His Business

As a PGA Professional, tournament consultant, and youth mentor, Cesar Balgañon '27 BSBA (Business Administration) built his early career around golf—but he knew that to expand his impact, he needed to sharpen his business expertise.

That’s what led him to the Eller College of Management, where he’s now earning his bachelor's degree in business administration through Eller's online undergraduate business program. 

“Eller is giving me the structure to turn my passion for golf into a sustainable, scalable business. From financial planning to leadership development, I’m gaining real-world knowledge I can apply directly to my work.”

“Eller is giving me the structure to turn my passion for golf into a sustainable, scalable business,” Balgañon explains. “From financial planning to leadership development, I’m gaining real-world knowledge I can apply directly to my work.”

Before coming to Eller, Balgañon worked his way up from interim general manager at Sewailo Golf Club to assistant general manager in just three months, where he oversaw daily operations, managed tournaments and helped launch programs to make golf more accessible. He also started his own business focused on golf instruction, tournament consulting and helping organizations leverage golf for networking and fundraising.

But as his vision for growth expanded, so did his desire to strengthen his business foundation.

“What I love about Eller is how practical it is,” he says. “Everything we learn—marketing, strategy, financial management—it applies to my business today.”

He also points to Eller’s extensive network as a key advantage. Through student organizations, networking events, and mentorship opportunities, Balgañon has connected with peers and business leaders who are helping him think bigger about his future.

His long-term goal? To become a full-time entrepreneur running golf-centered businesses that create opportunities for others—while continuing to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in the game. “Golf has always been my platform, but Eller is giving me the skills to build something lasting with it.”