How to Become a PGA Professional

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) is the organizing body of golf professionals. Becoming a member requires more than being able to stripe a 270-yard tee shot down the middle of a tight fairway. It requires job experience and completing the PGA Management Program (PGA/PGM).

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1

Graduate from high school or be at least 18 years of age with a high-school education. Document that you are a U.S. citizen or a registered alien.

Step2

Work in one of the positions designated by the PGA as meeting the Eligible Employment requirement. This requirement must be met in order to register for the PGA/PGM program. The PGA has a classification of acceptable positions. An applicant must have worked a 6-month period out of the 12 months prior to application.

Step3

Pass the 36-hole Playing Ability Test (PAT). There is a rather complicated formula that determines the exact scores that must be equaled or bettered, but a generally, an applicant must play 36 holes 15 strokes over par or better.

Step4

Complete an apprentice registration form. This verifies employment and documents that an applicant has reviewed the details of the Professional Readiness Orientation (PRO). At this time an applicant also pays an apprentice fee for the national and sectional PGA. An applicant then earns the title of PGA apprentice.

Step5

Work a three-year period as a PGA apprentice in a position that is sanctioned by the PGA. During this three-year period, an applicant must also pass checkpoints for three different levels. These checkpoints are a demonstration of proficiency in golf instruction and principles of business and management.

Tips & Warnings

There are accelerated PGA/PGM programs for college students.
Because of variations within the PGA/PGM program, detailed questions should be addressed either directly to the PGA or its Web site.
Participation in an amateur event disqualifies all prior work done towards accreditation.