If you are a diehard golfer but don’t possess the athletic disposition necessary to pursue a professional career as a player, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are numerous career pathways within the industry. One option you can pursue is becoming a PGA Professional. Pursuing this path entails obtaining the required education qualifications and relevant experience, and excelling in several exams overseen by the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA). The process will require your dedicated effort for several years, but once you achieve PGA Membership at the end of training, many career opportunities will open up within the golf industry.
Understanding the PGA Structure
The PGA of America was founded in 1916 and is the main governing body for professional golfers in the U.S. The body consists of over 30,000 members and oversees the certification of PGA Professionals, equipping them to work in various roles such as management, research, marketing, administration, and coaching. The PGA of America covers over 41 regions across the U.S. to ensure a seamless network of collaboration, community, and communication nationwide.
On the other hand, the PGA TOUR is a separate entity that split from the PGA of America in the late 1960s to organize professional golf tours for players, as opposed to club professionals. You therefore don’t need to be a PGA TOUR player to become a PGA Professional, although most golf enthusiasts aspire to reach this level. It’s worth noting that the PGA of America still collaborates with professional tours to conduct prestigious tournaments such as the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship, and the Women’s PGA Championship.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Become A PGA Professional
There are two primary pathways to attain PGA Membership:
- The PGA Golf Management University Program
- The PGA Professional Golf Management Program (PGA Associate Program)
The PGA Golf Management University Program
If you would love to earn a degree while becoming an expert in the game and business of golf, the PGA Golf Management University Program is the way to go. The college degree program is accredited by The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) and curated for highly motivated, bright men and women who receive training on servicing all aspects of the golf industry.
The program runs for about four-and-one-half to five years, providing extensive classroom courses, internship experience, and player opportunities to aspiring PGA Professionals. Sixteen universities are accredited to offer the program across the U.S., awarding bachelor’s degrees in golf industry-compatible majors such as Hospitality Administration, Marketing, Recreation and Park Management, and Business Administration. Upon completion, graduates can apply for PGA Membership, with their skills currently attracting a 100% employment placement rate.
You can pursue the PGA Golf Management University Program in any of the following institutions, with each offering specific entrance requirements, curriculums, and financial structures:
- Campbell University
- Coastal Carolina University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Ferris State University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Methodist University
- Mississippi State University
- New Mexico State University
- Penn State University
- Sam Houston State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs
- University of Idaho
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas
The PGA Professional Golf Management Program (PGA Associate Program)
It’s mandatory to become a registered Associate before completing the award-winning PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA PGM) Program that sets aspiring PGA Professionals on the path to becoming PGA Members and handling the People, the Business, and the Game. To enroll in the PGM Associate Program, you need to have a high school diploma or be aged 18 years and above with the equivalent of a high school education.
Completing the PGM Associate Program entails meeting the below-listed three milestones:
- Â Background Check
A background performed by HireRight is mandatory when registering or re-registering as an associate. The process involves an online screening session that you pay for at a reasonable cost. You must submit documentation to the PGA Membership Department if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony to determine your eligibility for the program before proceeding.
- Qualifying Level
There are four Qualifying Level courses – Introduction to the Rules of Golf, PGA Constitution, Introduction to the PGA PGM Program, and Career Enhancement. Applicants must review all these courses and complete accompanying quizzes.
- Playing Ability Test
The Playing Ability Test (PAT) requires individuals to complete one of the following within eight (8) years before registering into the PGA Professional Golf Management Program:
- Pass the 36-hole Playing Ability Test
The 36-hole PAT requires you to achieve a 36-hole score within 15 shots of the course rating. The test is conducted in a day and statistics indicate that fewer than 20% of those taking the test pass, so you must prepare adequately.
- Shoot one 18-hole score in a PAT either equal to or less than the PAT target score for 18- holes, plus 5 strokes.
- Submit verification of a current handicap index of less than ten, to satisfy the PAT Qualifying Score. You will however still need to pass the Playing Ability Test to attain PGA Membership.
Eligible Employment
Once the three milestones listed above are reached, you should seek employment in an eligible position within one of the approved classifications to register as an associate. The job could be anything from tournament director and hospitality to sales & marketing and real estate. It’s important to note that in addition to fulfilling the PGA PGM Program, you must earn a total of 28 work experience credits. Eligible full-time employment earns you one credit per month, a two-year college degree contributes six credits, while a four-year degree program awards you 12 credits. Participating in an amateur event leads to forfeiture of all work experience credits earned before.
PGA PGM 3.1 Associate Program Overview
The next step will be joining the PGM 3.1 Program, a three-level process that associates must complete within nine years to attain PGA membership. Applicants must read and write in English to complete the program.
Acceptable Progress entails three levels:
- Level 1 must be completed within three years of the Level 1 Start Date
- Level 2 must be completed within three years of the Level 2 Start Date
- Level 3 and election to PGA Membership must be accomplished within nine years of the Level 1 Start Date
Final Thoughts
Once you have completed the above processes, you’ll be eligible for Class A PGA Membership. As a certified PGA Professional, you can wear many hats, such as General Manager, Dedicated Teacher or Coach, or Head Professional. You can also pursue advanced certifications in areas like instruction and executive management, advancing your career and widening your prospects in the PGA community.