How to Qualify for the PGA

If you are a low handicapper thinking about making it to the PGA tour, the good news is that anyone with enough game can qualify for the PGA. Every year, thousands of hopefuls tee up, hoping to win their way into the big leagues of golf through the PGA TOUR Qualifying School. Some players have to excel in pre-qualifying stages, while other players can receive exemptions to enter the Q-School at various stages of qualifying.

Instructions

1. Practice often. Focus on your short game to save par, and make the most out of birdie opportunities. PGA professionals spend countless hours hitting golf balls on the range, out of bunkers, out of the rough and on putting greens. One of the main differences the professional player faces is along rough. Make sure you put in a significant amount of practice time from the thickest rough you can find.

2. Create a pre-tournament warm-up routine you will use at every tournament. When you play in bigger tournaments, the routine will help you focus both mentally and physically.

3. Play in some local and regional tournaments to start getting used to the pressure of tournament play.

4. Establish an official handicap with the USGA.

5. Fill out and turn in the application to play in the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament. Be sure to pay all applicable fees.

6. Participate in one of the pre-qualifying rounds of tournaments for Q-School in September. Arrive at the golf course for your region early to play the golf course several times before the tournament. You will play four rounds at this stage.

7. Place within the top 35 to 40 places to advance to the next round.

8. Play in the first stage of qualifying in October. You will play four rounds of golf with the top 25 (plus ties) who have advanced to this level.

9. Play in the second stage of tournaments in November, which includes four rounds. You must be in the top 20 to advance to the next stage.

10. Place within the top 25 after a grueling six-round tournament to qualify for the PGA tour. This round takes place sometime between the end of November and the start of December.

Tips & Warnings

• Qualify for the PGA tour by ending the year at or near the top of the money list on the Nationwide Tour.

• Qualify the way Tiger Woods did: by getting a sponsor's exemption to a PGA tour event and winning the event.

• Find a local sponsor or group to invest in your attempt to qualify for the PGA tour. You will need a significant amount of money to cover travel expenses and entry fees.

• Chances are you won't make the grade the first time, but you will learn how your game measures up to the competition.

Resources

• PGA Qualifying School