How to Get a PGA Card
For anyone hoping to one day play on the PGA Tour, there are two main ways to go about earning a PGA Tour card. The road to earning such a card, which allows golfers to play with the world's elite, is not easy and requires commitment. But with time, practice and a little luck, you can earn your card and start playing PGA Tour events.
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Instructions
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Complete the PGA Qualifying School. This is an expensive option ($2,500 down and $2,500 after completing round one) but it allows aspiring PGA pros to take part in a qualification tournament. The first round has every participant playing four rounds, with the top 10% advancing to the second round. From there, the top ten percent advance to the final round and the top 25 from the final round earn their PGA Tour cards. Those who place 26 through 75 earn spots on the Nationwide Tour.
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Earn money on the Nationwide Tour. The Nationwide Tour serves as a development league for the PGA, similar to Major League Baseball's minor leagues. The top 25 money earners from the Nationwide Tour are awarded PGA Tour cards.
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Win on the Nationwide Tour. Regardless of how low you are in money winnings, if you win three Nationwide Tour events in a season you are immediately promoted to the PGA Tour. You also earn an exception for the following year.
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Tips & Warnings
Note that after you earn your PGA Tour card, you have to perform to keep it. The top 125 on the money listings at the end of each season earn an exemption for that next season.
Don't attempt to enroll in the Qualifying School if you are not sure of your abilities. Dropping $2,500 only to be bounced in the first round can do serious damage to one's financial stability.
References
- Photo Credit Golf image by Vanessa van Rensburg from Fotolia.com
