how to become a pga pro at a golf course

by Prof. Arjun Schimmel 5 min read

  • Contact your local PGA district for information first.
  • Pass the initial application process.
  • Complete all hours of formal coursework needed.
  • Take and pass the PGA examination.
  • Apply for certification with the USPTR (United States Professional Tennis Registry).
  • Maintain membership dues, insurance, continuing education units, etc.. to remain an active member in good standing within your local association/district.

In order to become a golf pro certified by the Professional Golf Association, there are several steps that you can take:
  1. Complete a background check. ...
  2. Become employed in a golf-related field. ...
  3. Pass the qualifying courses. ...
  4. Complete the PAT. ...
  5. Earn a bachelor's degree or complete an apprenticeship. ...
  6. Continue practicing.
Jun 17, 2021

Full Answer

How to get PGA certified?

 · In order to be certified by the PGA as a pro golfer, you either have to complete a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as professional golf management, or complete the PGA professional golf management apprenticeship program. The PGA apprenticeship program requires that golfers complete three levels of training, which includes areas like:

How do you become a member of the PGA Tour?

 · Professional Golf BA – Honours Degree, University of Highlands & Islands . Once you have successfully completed your PGA course you will have gained many skills and qualifications, which include: Higher Education Qualification; Golf Industry Work Experience; ASQ Level 1 & 2 Certificates in Golf Coaching; Child Protection Course Certificate; First Aid …

How to become a PGA Class A member?

How do you become a PGA professional: 6 Steps Contact your local PGA district for information first. Pass the initial application process. Complete all hours of formal coursework needed. Take and pass the PGA examination. Apply for certification with the USPTR (United States Professional Tennis Registry).

Who are the best players on the PGA Tour?

How to become a Golf Pro. Requirements for becoming a golf pro vary with the type of position desired. For touring professionals, there is usually no certification required other than a PGA or Ladies Professional Golfer's Association (LPGA) membership. These golf pros make it to the elite ranks by successfully touring at an amateur level before moving on to progressively larger …

Can PGA pros play at any course?

PGA members pretty much play free golf wherever they go, at any club or golf course.

How do you become a PGA club pro?

The PGA Associate Program To become a PGA Member, you'll need to become a registered Associate before completing the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA PGM) Program–an award-winning educational program designed for aspiring PGA Professionals that focuses on the People, the Business and the Game.

What handicap do you need to be a golf pro?

+4 to +6The majority of top golf professionals played to handicaps of +4 to +6 before entering the professional ranks. Some current pros still hold active handicaps, and these serve to highlight how much better than “scratch” they really are.

How much does a PGA pro make?

The salaries of Golf Pros in the US range from $73,478 to $105,174 , with a median salary of $82,469 . The middle 57% of Golf Pros makes between $82,469 and $89,955, with the top 86% making $105,174.

How do I get a PGA card?

Win a PGA Tour Event or Major Championship Anybody who wins a PGA Tour event gets an immediate two-year PGA Tour exemption. This means that any non-member who gets into the field at a PGA Tour event via a sponsor exemption or Monday qualifier, and goes on to win that event, gets their PGA Tour card.

How long does it take to become a golf pro?

The program requires a 4.5 to 5 years to complete. Graduates earn a bachelor's degree in golf management and PGA membership.

What age can you go pro in golf?

The PGA Tour's minimum age limit is 18, a rule that was established after Ty Tryon and Kevin Na turned pro as 17-year-olds in 2001. As a result, Kim, who was 17 years and five months at the time, had to defer starting his PGA Tour career until he turned 18 the following summer.

Is it too late to become a pro golfer?

As three over-50 golfers found out, it's never too late to turn Professional thanks to the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour. As three over-50 golfers found out, it's never too late to turn Professional thanks to the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour.

How hard is it to make PGA Tour?

PGA Tour player: 1 in 16486 or 0.006% Lower tour level and mini-tour players: 1 in 6100 or 0.02% Someone making a living out of golf, for example, a club pro: 1 in 226 or 0.4%

Do PGA members get free golf?

PGA of America Members (other than Class F) and their accompanying spouse/partner or guest (not both) may receive complimentary PGA Member Club tickets. Members' immediate children, under 21 years of age, will also receive complimentary access.

What does a PGA caddy make?

As Collins explained, caddies also get a weekly salary negotiated with their player. Caddies can range from $1,500-$3,000 a week. However, some caddies opt for a higher weekly paycheck in exchange for a lower percentage of winnings. "No caddie and player has the same deal," Collins said.

Do PGA players pay to play?

Except at the highest levels, professional golfers must pay entry fees to play in tournaments. It may seem counterintuitive, but a player at the top of golf's food chain often doesn't have to pay an entry fee, because expenses for high-profile tournaments are covered by sponsors and TV networks.

How much do PGA Apprentices make?

$34,460 a yearHow much does a PGA Apprentice make? As of May 10, 2022, the average annual pay for a PGA Apprentice in the United States is $34,460 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $16.57 an hour. This is the equivalent of $663/week or $2,872/month.

What is PGA qualification?

The Qualifications The PGA offers three courses: Foundation Degree in Golf Studies; Diploma in Higher Education Golf Studies; and Applied Management Studies. Learn more about the careers a PGA qualification will open the door to – and where in the world it could take you.

What does PGA professional mean?

Professional Golfers' AssociationProfessional Golfers' Association (with or without the apostrophe) is the usual term for a professional association in men's golf. It is often abbreviated to PGA. There are several PGAs around the world, including: Professional Golfers' Association (Great Britain and Ireland)

What is a golf pro?

A golf pro is someone who has completed the requirements to become certified as a professional by the Professional Golfer's Association. Golf pros often manage golf courses and provide lessons to other golfers.

What do golf pros do?

There are several primary tasks that golf pros perform depending on the position a golf club has hired them for, including:

How to become a golf pro

In order to become a golf pro certified by the Professional Golf Association, there are several steps that you can take:

Salary

The average salary for a professional golfer is $29,569 per year. There are many job titles that golf pros have while working at golf courses, such as

Tips for becoming a golf pro

Becoming a golf pro requires extensive knowledge of the game and the ability to perform very well when playing. Here are some tips for becoming a successful golf professional:

How many classifications does the PGA of America have?

In fact, the PGA of America has 24 classifications that tell the story of the diverse framework that one can establish as a PGA Professional. As an A-18 classification, I am a member of the golf media family that reports the news of the game, enlightens on industry trends and tells the stories of what many in the business feel is ...

How many holes are in a day for the PAT?

In the United States, the PAT consists of 36 holes in one day with a target score equal to or lower than the course rating for 36 holes plus 15.

What is required to be a PGA teaching pro?

Becoming a PGA teaching pro requires a both a playing and written test.

How to register to be an apprentice at PGA?

Register to be an apprentice by filling out the apprentice registration form on the PGA website (see References).

How many hours of work experience do you need to become a PGA member?

Complete 36 hours of work experience credits along with the level kits. You receive twelve credits for a four-year college degree and six credits for a two-year college degree. Earn one credit per month by working under a PGA professional. After completing your work experience credits and Level 3, you are a PGA member.

What are some examples of PGA jobs?

The PGA has a full list of jobs that qualify as eligible employment on its website (see References). For example, golf coach, golf media and assistant pro are all eligible jobs.

How long do you have to be employed to be a PGA member?

To be considered eligibly employed, you need to be employed full time in an eligible position for at least six months at the time of registration.

Who runs the PGA?

There are many teaching pros out there, and most of them have gone through the PGA program. The PGA program is run by the Professional Golfers' Association.

How many levels are there in golf?

There are three levels and you have two years to complete each level. Complete your Level 1 kit and send it in to be reviewed. When the kit is accepted, you take the Level 1 checkpoint test. Level 1 testing consists of Rules of Golf, Tournament Operations and Golf Club Design and Repair.

How do golf pros make it to the elite ranks?

These golf pros make it to the elite ranks by successfully touring at an amateur level before moving on to progressively larger tournaments. Through talent, hard work and no small amount of luck, touring professionals may benefit from a long career as a golf professional.

What is PGA PGM?

Candidates must also enter the PGA Professional Golf Management Program (PGA PGM), which is an apprenticeship that uniquely prepares them for life as a professional golfer. Graduates of the program are knowledgable in state-of-the-art golfing practices as well as techniques to improve the value of their golf facility. Moreover, successful completion of the program equips golf pros with the skills needed to provide exceptional service to customers or clients and act as a public representative of the PGA.

What is the best way to become a pro golfer?

Developing an outgoing personality and the ability to listen to customers’ needs and concerns are important aspects of becoming a pro. Giving lessons to club members or daily fee golfers also requires a winning personality and a positive attitude.

What is a golf pro?

A golf pro at a club must be a proficient player and instructor. At both public and private courses, the head golf professional oversees the operations of the golf shop, including merchandise sales. The head pro may also give golf lessons, but at some golf facilities this is done by a teaching professional--a separate position.

How long does it take to become a golf manager?

such as Penn State, Arizona State and Florida State. The program requires a 4.5 to 5 years to complete. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree in golf management and PGA membership.

Do you have to be a professional golfer to be a PGA golfer?

Although club professionals are not expected to be championship caliber golfers like those on the PGA Tour, one of the requirements for earning membership in the PGA is passing a PGA Playing Ability Test. To be a good golf teacher you must have a thorough understanding of golf swing mechanics and be able to communicate this to students.

How long does it take to get into golf level 1?

Technically you have two years to complete the coursework for each level, though you should be able to get it done much quicker than that. Level 1 includes testing material on the rules of golf, tournament operations, and club design and repair.

What skills do you need to be a good golf instructor?

Good communication skills really are a must with this career path. If you’ve ever taken golf lessons before, you are probably well aware of how important it is to have an instructor that is able to articulate their instructions well.

Can you get a golf certification through a classroom?

Ultimately you will have to decide for yourself which method best suits your needs but do also note that there is a degree of pedigree that accompanies attaining your certification through a classroom setting. Given how competitive finding a job on a golf course can be, anything that sets you apart from other candidates is sure to be beneficial.

How long do you have to be a registered alien to play golf?

If you are not a citizen you will need to be a registered alien. The Pro Golf Association will also require that you have six months of relevant employment experience at the time of registration. You can find an extensive list of what jobs they consider relevant on their website.

Do golf courses have a pro on staff?

While some golf retail stores will keep a pro on staff this is somewhat rarer, and generally also less lucrative than working for a course.

Is golf a transient job?

The life of a golf professional is not, by definition, transient, but there are also a limited number of teaching jobs available. Not all golf courses employ teaching professionals at all, and the ones that do usually only keep one on the payroll at a time. If all of the golf courses in your area are already fully staffed you may need ...

Is a golf teacher a teacher?

A teacher of golf is still a teacher so make sure that you are up for the challenge of imparting knowledge to even the most difficult to work with students.

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Different Requirements Between The United States and Canada

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In America, there are two ways to gain PGA membership– through the Professional Golf Management (PGM) Associate Programor via one of the 18 colleges and universities that offer the PGA-accredited Professional Golf Management Program. Being 30 years old when I realized I wanted to pursue a career in golf, I complete…
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Different Types of Golf Professionals and Job Opportunities

  • There are many diverse career options available to PGA members. Whether destined to be a head professional at a golf course, a general managerat a golf entertainment venue, or a member of the media like me, there are many career options for an individual who earns the seal of his or her country’s Professional Golfers Association. When I was an Associate, called apprentice at the ti…
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Costs Associated with Becoming An Accredited PGA Professional

  • The PGA of America charges $100 for each PAT attempt, and the host facilities may charge an additional fee. This is reasonable considering you’ll play 36 holes of golf. The PAT in Canada costs $325, with additional attempts, if needed, costing $150 each. Once registered into the PGM Associate Program, there are online access fees, test fees, and costs to attend seminar session…
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Maintaining Your Membership

  • Once a member of these organizations, there is required continuing education that one must pursue each year, again the trade-off for the dues one must satisfy annually. It is important to find your niche and seek employment in an area of the industry that you will enjoy and thrive in—whether on the grounds of a golf facility as a superintendent, in the golf shop as head or assi…
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Conclusion

  • When completing high school and entering college, we don’t always know what we want to do when we grow up. I always knew writing was for me, but the golf aspect of it came a little later. The PGA of America has two vital programs in place for those who figured it out early, as well as for folks like me who worked in other fields first. The PGA of Canada offers an affordable progra…
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