How to Get a PGA Qualifying Card

It takes dedication and money to earn a PGA qualifying card.

In order to play in tournaments on the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour, you will need a PGA qualifying card. There are a number of ways to earn a PGA Tour card, and all of them require skill, determination and practice. That's what is needed to earn a PGA qualifying card and play with the best golfers around.

Things You'll Need

• Golf clubs
• Computer
• Internet access
• Application fee

Instructions

1. Apply to play in the PGA Tour qualifying tournament, called Q School, if you are eligible. There are no set age or handicap requirements to play in the qualifying tournament, but only certain people are eligible to play in the first round of qualifying. There are many ways to be eligible, including being ranked 101-200 on the Official World Golf Ranking or being a member of any of the International Federation of PGA Tours. Fill out an application for Q School at the PGA website.

2. Compete in the PGA Tour qualifying tournament, if selected. Q School consists of a prequalifying round, followed by three qualifying rounds. The top 10 percent of players from the first round advance to the second, and the top 10 percent of players in the second round compete in the final round. The top 25 players in the final round earn PGA qualifying cards, while those who finish 26th through 75th earn spots on the Nationwide Tour.

3. Earn money while playing on the Nationwide Tour. The Nationwide Tour is a development stage for aspiring PGA Tour players. The top 25 money earners on this tour earn a PGA Tour card at the end of the year.

4. Win three tournaments in a single year while playing on the Nationwide Tour. This is called a "Battlefield Promotion" and will result in immediate qualification for PGA Tour card.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice and make sure you are ready before entering Q School. It is quite expensive and the PGA reserves the right to immediately dismiss anyone who posts an uncompetitive score in any round during Q School.

• Be ready to pay for your chance to earn a PGA qualifying card. In 2009, first-stage qualifying cost $4,500, second-stage qualifying cost $4,000 and the finals round cost $3,500, according to the official PGA Tour website.

References

• PGA Tour: Q School - Q and A
• Golf Digest: Nationwide Tour - "The 25"

Resources

• PGA Tour: Q School Homepage
• PGA Tour: Q School Online Application