Miles Bennett
Golf is an expensive sport, and turning professional is no different. To become a tour golfer, you'll need to be able to compete with today's tour standard, and there are only 125 spots available. The majority of golfers start on smaller tours, gain experience, and work their way up. One way to do this is to join your local USGA-sanctioned golfer's association, register your handicap, and find local amateur tournaments to build your reputation and confidence. From there, you can try to qualify for events on the Korn Ferry Tour, which is the peak of competition outside of PGA Tours. If you perform well, you can earn eligibility to play in PGA Tour events. Alternatively, you can try to qualify for the PGA Tour directly by earning a PGA Tour card, which can be achieved through various routes, including winning tournaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of spots available | 125 |
| Pathways to becoming a golfer | Collegiate route, amateur career, professional tournaments |
| Tournaments | US Amateur, US AM, USGA Amateur Championship, USGA Amateur Public Links Championship, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, etc. |
| Requirements | Discipline, coach, practice, avoiding injuries, financial support, sponsorships, equipment |
| Golf career pathways | PGA of America, PGA of Canada, PGA UK, PGA Australia |
| Golf career roles | Coach, instructor, golf club/country club manager, golf course designer, golf club employee |
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What You'll Learn
Start young and work your way up
Golf is a highly competitive sport, and people are taking up the game at younger and younger ages. Starting young is a great way to build a career as a tour golfer, but it is not the only way.
The collegiate route is a popular path to becoming a professional golfer. College golf provides a direct pathway to pro tours and prepares students for tour life, as they travel and play on different courses. College golfers can also gain a lot of practice playing against top players. However, college tournaments can be expensive, and there is a lot of pressure to perform well.
If you start young, you can gain experience and build a reputation by participating in local amateur tournaments. These tournaments are a great way to build confidence and get a feel for the game. They usually cost anywhere from $85-200. To register for these tournaments, you must join your local USGA-sanctioned Golfer's Association and register your handicap.
As you build experience, you can work your way up to bigger tournaments. To compete in the US Amateur, for example, you must first compete in a local qualifier. These are 36-hole events where only a few players move on to the main event. Once you get to the US AM, there is a stroke play 36-hole event with a cut, followed by the match play portion.
Another way to gain experience is to sign up for a professional tournament on a mini-tour. You can declare yourself a professional golfer at any time, regardless of skill level. However, tournament fees are not cheap, and you must also consider travel, lodging, and access to practice facilities.
If you start young and work your way up through these tournaments, you can gain the experience and skills needed to become a successful tour golfer. However, it is important to remember that becoming a professional golfer is not just about talent. It requires timing, preparation, resilience, and a deep understanding of the golf industry.
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Compete in local amateur tournaments
To become a tour golfer, competing in local amateur tournaments is a great way to start. This is where most golfers stay, and there is nothing wrong with that. Golfers from their teens to 60+ compete in amateur golf events throughout their lives.
There are many different local amateur tournaments to choose from, and they can be a fantastic way to test your skills and compete against players of a similar skill level. These tournaments are also a great way to get to know other players and meet like-minded golfers.
To get started, look into your local county and/or city tournaments. These tournaments are usually hosted by golf courses and country clubs, and they often have a season-long points race with 1–2 tournaments each month. Most leagues have an annual fee to join, which is typically less than $100, and your annual handicap registration with the United States Golf Association (USGA) is usually included.
Another option is to join an independent golf tour, such as the Golfweek Amateur Tour, which runs its own series of local and regional events. City Tour is another example, which runs team tournaments in and around several big American cities, building towards a national championship.
Before competing in amateur golf events, you will need an official USGA handicap. This is needed for flighted events (gross and net) to ensure you are placed in the correct flight. Additionally, certain events have specific handicap requirements. For example, to qualify for the US Open (which is open to amateurs), men will need a .4 handicap or less.
Competing in local amateur tournaments is a fantastic way to develop your skills, gain competition experience, and connect with other golfers. It is a great stepping stone towards becoming a tour golfer.
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Earn your PGA Tour card
Earning a PGA Tour card is no easy feat. The PGA Tour is an organizer of professional golf tours in North America, and the PGA Tour card is what allows golfers to compete in these events. There are only 125 spots available, with thousands of highly qualified golfers vying for them.
There are various ways to earn a PGA Tour card, and the world's best players have earned theirs from a number of different routes. One way is to go through the collegiate route and gain a sponsors' exemption into a professional tournament, as Jon Rahm did. Another way is to win a notable tournament, as Danny Willett earned his PGA Tour card after winning the 2017 Masters. Qualifying for the US Amateur tournament is another route, as this is an amateur golf event that brings together the best players in the world to compete at a national level.
Beginning in 2023, top finishers on the DP World Tour's season-long points list, the Race to Dubai, at the season's end, earn status for the following PGA Tour season. Ten PGA Tour cards are available to the highest-ranked players in the final Race to Dubai standings who don't already hold PGA Tour status.
Another way to earn a PGA Tour card is to qualify for the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. The top 25 money winners over the regular season (i.e., before the Tour Finals) receive PGA Tour cards, as do the top 25 money winners in the Finals. A total of 50 PGA Tour cards for the next season are awarded at the end of the Finals.
It's important to note that there is no single right or wrong route to earning a PGA Tour card. Golf is an expensive sport, and it requires dedication, discipline, and sacrifice to make it to the professional level.
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Understand the financial burden
Golf is an expensive sport, and the financial burden of becoming a professional golfer can be heavy. There are various costs to consider when pursuing a career as a tour golfer, and it is important to understand the financial commitment required to achieve this goal.
Firstly, tournament fees for amateur events can range from $85 to $200, and these costs can quickly add up if you are participating in multiple tournaments. In addition to tournament fees, travel expenses and lodging costs must also be factored in, as these can vary depending on the location and duration of the tournament.
Sponsorships can help offset some of the financial burden, but they are not always easy to come by. Sponsors can range from club manufacturers to personal connections who believe in your talent. However, even with sponsorships, there will still be significant out-of-pocket expenses. It is also worth noting that sponsorships may come with certain expectations or requirements that need to be met.
Another financial consideration is the cost of equipment. Golf equipment can be expensive, and while sponsorships may provide some equipment, it may not cover all your needs. This includes the cost of golf clubs, balls, bags, clothing, and any other accessories required for participation.
Lastly, it is important to consider the opportunity cost of pursuing a career as a tour golfer. This may include lost wages from time spent practising, training, and participating in tournaments, as well as any other financial sacrifices made to dedicate time to your golf career.
While the financial burden of becoming a tour golfer is significant, it is important to remember that there are different pathways to success. Some golfers may start on smaller tours, gain experience, and work their way up. Others may take advantage of college programmes that provide a direct pathway to professional tours. Understanding the financial commitment required and exploring different avenues for support can help alleviate some of the financial strain.
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Join a Professional Golf Management (PGM) program
Joining a Professional Golf Management (PGM) program is a great way to start your journey towards becoming a tour golfer. The PGM program is one of the primary pathways to becoming a PGA of America member and pursuing a career in golf. Here are the steps you can take to join and benefit from a PGM program:
First, it is important to note that the PGM program is offered at accredited universities nationwide. You can start by researching the participating universities and reviewing the specific entrance requirements for each. Contact the PGA Golf Management University Program Director at your university of choice to learn more about the curriculum, entrance requirements, and financial information.
To apply for the PGM program, you will typically need a 12 or lower handicap. This demonstrates a certain level of proficiency in your golf game and is a common requirement for entry. Once accepted into the program, you will have the opportunity to further develop your golfing skills while pursuing a Bachelor's degree in a golf industry-compatible major. Suitable degree programs include Marketing, Business Administration, Hospitality Administration, and Recreation Management.
The PGM program provides extensive classroom courses, internship experiences, and opportunities for player development. You will be guided by PGA of America Golf Professionals who will help you build your professional network and gain valuable industry experience. The internships will allow you to learn from experts, work on your game, and compete in amateur golf events.
By successfully completing the PGM program, you will earn your Bachelor's degree and be well-positioned to pursue a career in the golf industry. The knowledge and connections gained through the program will open doors to various roles within the golf world, including the potential to become a tour golfer. Remember, the path to becoming a tour golfer is challenging, and there are limited spots available, so dedication and perseverance are key.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to complete the Professional Golf Management (PGM) Associate Program and become licensed by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) of America.
Join your local USGA-sanctioned Golfer’s Association and register your handicap. Then, become a member, get a registered handicap, and find local amateur tournaments.
There are only 125 spots available for golfers on the PGA Tour, and thousands of players want them. Mini-tours are smaller tours that golfers start on to gain experience before working their way up to the PGA Tour.
Some golfers take the collegiate route, while others turn pro after a successful amateur career. Golfers can also participate in Monday Qualifiers to get into a tournament or play in Q-school on any of the tours.
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