The PGA of America was founded in 1916 and today consists of almost 29,000 members. A key aim of the PGA is to grow the game and PGA Professionals work in a range of posts, from coaching to administration, to marketing, research, management and more.
PGA professionals are able to teach, to move up and sideways in their careers and to compete in PGA run tournaments across the US. Becoming a PGA professional can clearly open doors, but how does one do it?
Becoming a PGA Professional
There are two main routes to become a PGA member and PGA professional – the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program and the PGA Golf Management University Program.
The PGA PGM Associate Program
To apply for membership you need to complete the PGM Associate Program – Firstly there’s a basic background check, applicants must also reach a qualifying level by reviewing the four Qualifying Level courses – Introduction to the PGA PGM Program, PGA Constitution, Introduction to the Rules of Golf, and Career Enhancement. As courses are reviewed, applicants will complete accompanying quizzes.
Then there’s the Player Ability Test (PAT). Within eight years prior to application, the applicant must post a 36-hole within 15 shots of the current course rating of the course played upon. The test is normally conducted in one day. Fewer than 20% of those taking the playing test return a passing score.
Once the background check, qualifying level and PAT have been met, applicants with eligible employment can apply to the PGA PGM 3.1 Associate Program.
It’s a three level process and associates have nine years to complete it to become elected to PGA membership.
PGA Golf Management University Program
The PGA Golf Management University Program provides extensive classroom courses, internship experience and opportunities for player development in a four-and-one-half to five year program for aspiring PGA Professionals. Offered at 18 universities across the US, the University Program allows students to earn a degree in areas such as Marketing, Business Administration, Hospitality Administration, Recreation and Park Management, providing them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the golf industry. Upon completion students can apply for PGA Membership.
How To Become A PGA Professional in the UK
(Image credit: Future)
There are a number of routes to become a PGA Professional in the UK.
All routes are operated in partnership with either The University of Birmingham or The University of the…
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