Virtually everyone who is looking for a career in the golf industry starts with a passion for the game of golf. When people think of a golf professional, naturally they think of someone who plays golf all the time.
However, this is one of the biggest misconceptions of working in the golf business. There was a time when there was a greater emphasis placed on the golf professionals’ playing and teaching abilities.
In today’s environment, the golf professional has responsibilities as a manager, merchandiser, teacher, player, promoter, leader, etc. In today’s business environment, a golf professional’s career path within the golf industry can be much more specific as well.
How to Earn PGA Membership
It takes about five to seven years to earn membership with the PGA. There is a qualifying test and a series of three checkpoint tests that must be completed. The checkpoints are in-depth courses covering different aspects of the golf industry.
In addition, you must pass a 36-hole playing-ability test. Finally, apprentices must complete 36 work-experience credits. Once all these requirements are met, you are eligible for membership with the PGA.
PGA Programs
There are two ways to achieve membership. First, there is the PGA Golf Management University Program. The popularity of the golf industry has skyrocketed in the past decade. Today, there are 20 universities offering the PGM program. Students who choose the PGM schools will graduate with a degree from the university and membership with the PGA.
There is also the PGA PGM Apprentice Program. This method is for those not interested in attending the PGA University Program. Often people who already graduated or switch careers utilize this program. Both programs have identical requirements to earning membership. However, the programs offer different opportunities while working on attaining membership.
Qualifying Test
To register as an apprentice, participants must pass a Qualifying Test. The Qualifying Test includes three online courses. The three courses are: Introduction to the PGM and the Golf Profession, PGA History and Constitution and Rules of Golf 1. Participants must than pass an online test on the course work before registering as a PGA Apprentice.
Playing Ability Test
The Playing Ability Test is conducted over 36 holes. The course is set from the middle tees with the flags generally in the middle of the green. In order to pass the Playing Ability Test, players must achieve a 36-hole score within 15 shots of the course rating.
The course rating can be found on the course scorecard. Simply double the course rating and add 15 and you will have your target score. For example, a course with a rating of 70 would have a target score of 155 (70 + 70 + 15 = 155).
Checkpoint
Apprentices are responsible for attending level 1, 2 and 3 seminars at the PGA Education Center. A few of the seminar topics include: Customer Relations, Teaching, Business Planning, Tournament Operations, Inventory Management and Supervising and Delegating. Apprentices will test on all the seminar and book work topics at a later time in their geographic region.
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