It's that time of year again, where college students from around the world take a break from their studies and return home to their families for the holidays. Some will spend their free time doing those things they didn't have time to do all semester: sleeping late, visiting friends and, for some, hitting the links for a round of golf.

For Justin Blackledge, the opposite holds true. He's taking a break from golf.

The former Huntington Red Devil golfer is back in Lufkin after completing another semester at the Myrtle Beach, S.C. campus of the San Diego Golf Academy, where he's preparing to enter his final semester.

Yes, Blackledge goes to college to study golf.

"Way back when I was a kid first beginning to play, I realized that I wanted to make golf a part of my life in some way," Blackledge says. "I played golf in Huntington, won a couple of tournaments and not much else. But I knew then that I loved the game and wanted a career in it."

For those who would greet the concept of a "golf college" with skepticism, Blackledge explains that SDGA is an accredited institution focused on preparing students for various careers in golf, whether as prospective golf professionals or as other members of the golf industry. Students hone their skills through classes and organized tournaments (Blackledge won both the Match Play and Medal Play trophies this past semester); playing the game is part of their course load for the 330-350 students attending.

The rest of the curriculum includes classes pertaining to such areas as golf management, course management, country club management and building, golf marketing and advertising. Upon graduation, students receive actual Associate's Degrees, along with the certification necessary to teach golf.

"(The course load) is pretty much the same as a regular college," Blackledge says. "We start classes at 7 a.m., and they can be classes like calligraphy, business writing, a short game class, sports psychology or even business law."

Blackledge says he hopes to continue his playing career, but knows the challenges involved with completing the qualifying school.

"Ideally, I'd like to continue playing after I graduate," Blackledge says. "But if that doesn't work out, we get our teaching certificates and Associates in Business degrees, and we can work as club pros or as golf teachers. That's there for me if going pro doesn't work out.

"No matter what, I want to be around golf."

This passion for the game began when, as a youngster, Blackledge would spend summers with his father Stan, who would take his son along during rounds. Later, the younger Blackledge purchased his own clubs, began teaching himself to play and, along the way, developed his fire for the game. His playing days at Huntington merely served to fan those flames; and after short stints at Angelina College and Lon Morris College, Blackledge began searching for the path that would lead to a life in golf.

He says he found that path on the internet, with the SDGA web site. After receiving encouragement from friends Brian Compton and Tim Cahill, he pitched the idea to his mother, Connie, and the two made the trip to Myrtle Beach to see for themselves.

"We flew out to see their campus and their presentation," Connie says, "and we saw what a well-rounded education Justin could receive in fields that would allow him to work in the golf industry. I was extremely pleased to learn that this school is not all about playing golf; they really push making good grades. In fact, Justin is on the Director's List, which is equivalent to a Dean's List.

"We found no negatives there, and we've been very happy with Justin's decision."

Blackledge says that attending the college not only helped the physical portion of his game – he credits teacher Brian Hughes with improving his overall swing — but the mental portion as well.

"I think the biggest thing I've gotten from this so far has come from winning the events I've won," Blackledge says. "It's helped me see that I really can win tournaments. I didn't always feel that way. Now I believe from the first tee that I can win whatever event I'm in."

After graduating, Blackledge says he'll wait for responses to his resumes. One might think that after playing the Wild Wing Plantation and The Legends Golf Course, Blackledge would choose to remain near such prestigious courses; but he says that isn't the case.

"Actually, when I finish all this, I want to return to East Texas," Blackledge says. "I love this area; I guess it's the people. Every time I come home, I realize how much I want to stay and work here."