Miles Bennett
The PGA Tour is a major organizer of professional golf tours in North America, with a history dating back to 1916. The PGA has evolved over the years, with various tournaments and formats, including the addition of the PGA Championship in 1916 and the Open Championship in 1995. Becoming a PGA professional golfer requires dedication and a strong understanding of the game, with specific programs and qualifications available to help golfers develop their skills and knowledge. The path to becoming a PGA professional can vary, with options including the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program and the PGA Golf Management University Program, which offer extensive training and opportunities for aspiring golfers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | The PGA Tour was formed on April 10, 1916, with the creation of the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA). |
| The roots of the modern PGA Tour stretch back to the early 20th century, with various prestigious golf tournaments offering prize money, such as the North and South Open, the Metropolitan Open, and the U.S. Open. | |
| In the 1920s and 1930s, state open tournaments were organized by the PGA, including the California Open, New York State Open, and Pennsylvania Open Championship. | |
| The tour became more formalized in 1929 with the formation of a tournament committee, and in 1930, Bob Harlow was hired to create a year-round schedule of tournaments. | |
| In 1945, Byron Nelson broke records by winning 18 PGA tournaments out of 30, including 11 consecutively. | |
| In the 1950s and 1960s, stars like Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus dominated, with Palmer winning 43 titles. | |
| Organization | The PGA Tour is a nonprofit organizer of professional golf tours in North America, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. |
| It runs the annual series of tournaments known as the PGA Tour, the PGA Tour Champions (for ages 50+), the Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour Americas. | |
| Membership | There are two main routes to become a PGA member and professional: the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program and the PGA Golf Management University Program. |
| The PGM Associate Program involves a background check and reviewing four qualifying-level courses: Introduction to the PGA PGM Program, PGA Constitution, Introduction to the Rules of Golf, and Career Enhancement. | |
| The PGA Golf Management University Program is offered at 18 universities and provides classroom courses, internships, and player development opportunities, along with a degree in relevant areas like Marketing or Business Administration. | |
| In the UK, the PGA offers a Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies in partnership with universities, covering topics such as Sports Science, Equipment Technology, and Golf Business & Management. |
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What You'll Learn
History of the PGA Tour
The history of the PGA Tour dates back to the early days of professional golf in the United States. While it is challenging to pinpoint the exact beginning of the PGA Tour, the roots can be traced back to April 10, 1916, when the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) was formed. The organisation was established by Rodman Wanamaker, a Philadelphia businessman, with the aim to promote interest in professional golf, elevate the standards of the game, and support the welfare of its members.
By 1916, several prestigious golf tournaments offering prize money were already established in America, including the North and South Open, the Metropolitan Open, the Canadian Open, and the U.S. Open. These tournaments formed the initial schedule of what later became known as the PGA Tour, with the addition of the PGA Championship in 1916. The Open Championship in the UK, founded in 1860, was retroactively recognised as a PGA Tour event in 1995, and all Open Championship wins since 1860 were acknowledged as PGA Tour victories in 2002.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, various state open tournaments emerged, many organised by sections of the PGA. Notable tournaments from this era include the California Open, Florida Open, Maryland Open, Massachusetts Open, and the Wisconsin State Open. The tour, informally known as "The Circuit", became more formalised in 1929 with the formation of a tournament committee.
In 1945, Byron Nelson achieved a remarkable feat, winning 18 out of 30 PGA tournaments he played, including 11 consecutive victories, records that remain unbeaten as of 2024. The 1950s witnessed the rise of Ben Hogan, who, despite injuries from a car crash, won 10 PGA Tour tournaments, including 6 major championships. Arnold Palmer, a young working-class player, also gained popularity in this era, winning 13 PGA Tour tournaments and capturing his first Masters Tournament on CBS in 1958.
In December 1968, the PGA Tour was established as a separate organisation for tour players, distinct from the PGA of America, which primarily focused on club professionals. The "Tournament Players Division", as it was originally called, adopted the name "PGA Tour" in 1975. During the administration of Deane R. Beman, who served as commissioner from 1974 to 1994, the PGA Tour experienced significant financial growth, with assets increasing from $730,000 to over $200 million. The headquarters moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where TPC Sawgrass, the permanent home of the Players Championship, was opened in 1982.
Under the leadership of Tim Finchem, who became commissioner in 1994, the PGA Tour expanded its international presence and introduced new events such as the Presidents Cup. Charity also became a significant focus during Finchem's tenure, with the Tour reaching $2 billion in charitable contributions in 2014. The PGA Tour has continued to grow and evolve, expanding its schedule both domestically and internationally, and adapting to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing its position as a leading organiser of professional golf tours.
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How to become a PGA member
Becoming a member of the PGA of America is a great way to turn your passion for golf into a profession. The PGA of America is one of the world's largest sports organizations, with over 29,000 members. There are two main routes to becoming a PGA member: the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program and the PGA Golf Management University Program.
The PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program is a go-at-your-own-pace, award-winning program that requires you to work at a golf course. You will need to pass a background check and a Playing Ability Test (PAT) before moving on to the Qualifying Level, an introduction to being a PGA of America Golf Professional. The PAT costs \$100 to attempt, and the host facilities may charge an additional fee. Anyone who feels up to it can pay the fees and test their skills. You must complete the PAT at least once within eight years prior to registering for the PGM Program.
The PGA Golf Management University Program is a four-and-one-half to five-year program offered at 18 universities across the US. The program provides extensive classroom courses, internship experience, and opportunities for player development. Upon completion, students can apply for PGA Membership. The program allows students to earn a degree in areas such as Marketing, Business Administration, Hospitality Administration, Recreation, and Park Management, providing them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the golf industry.
Both pathways require completion of the same PGA PGM curriculum, work experience, the PAT, and employment or internship requirements. There are also eligible employment requirements that must be met, including full-time employment at the time of registration. Additionally, participation in an amateur event will forfeit all work experience credits earned prior to the event.
Becoming a PGA member can open doors to a range of career options, from coaching and administration to marketing, research, and management. PGA professionals can also compete in PGA-run tournaments across the US. With nearly 18,000 golf facilities and a growing industry, there are numerous opportunities for PGA members to pursue their passion for golf and succeed in their careers.
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PGA Championship requirements
The PGA Championship is one of the four men's major golf championships, and the only one exclusively for professionals. It is an official money event on the PGA Tour, European Tour, and Japan Golf Tour. The tournament was first held in October 1916 at the Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, New York.
To be eligible to compete, golfers must meet specific criteria, which may change yearly and allow exceptions in exceptional circumstances. A golfer can qualify by winning the PGA Championship or any other major championship within the past five years. Alternatively, finishing in the top 70 in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup standings from the previous season, finishing in the top 20 in the previous year's PGA Championship, or being selected by the PGA of America as a special exemption also qualifies a player.
Winners of PGA Tour co-sponsored or approved tournaments, whose victories are considered official, are also eligible to compete. The PGA of America may also invite additional players not included in the above categories to complete the field. These players are selected from those beyond the top 70 players who have earned the most PGA Championship points.
PGA champions are automatically invited to play in the other three majors and The Players Championship for the next five years and are eligible for the PGA Championship for life. They also earn a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour and a seven-year membership on the DP World Tour.
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PGA Tour players
The PGA Tour, established in 1916, is an organiser of professional golf tours in North America. It runs most of the events on its flagship annual series of tournaments, including the PGA Championship, the Players Championship, and the Korn Ferry Tour.
To become a PGA Tour player, one must become a PGA professional. There are two main routes to achieving this: the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program and the PGA Golf Management University Program. The PGA PGM Program is a three-level process that includes a background check, a qualifying level, and PAT. Applicants have nine years to complete the program and become elected to PGA membership. The University Program, offered at 18 universities across the US, provides extensive classroom courses, internships, and opportunities for player development. This program typically takes four and a half to five years to complete.
In the UK, routes to becoming a PGA professional are operated in partnership with either the University of Birmingham or the University of the Highlands and the Islands in Inverness, Scotland. The PGA offers a Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies, awarded by the University of Birmingham. The course is delivered online, with face-to-face sessions held at the PGA National Training Academy and the Belfry Golf facility. It covers topics such as Sports Science, Equipment Technology, Coaching Theory, and Golf Business & Management.
Some notable PGA Tour players include Byron Nelson, who won 18 PGA tournaments in 1945, Ben Hogan, who won 10 PGA Tour tournaments in the 1950s, Arnold Palmer, who won 13 PGA Tour tournaments and was a TV star, and Sam Snead, who achieved a record-setting 82 PGA Tour career victories.
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PGA Golf Management University Program
The PGA Golf Management University Program is a 4- to 4.5-year structured academic program for aspiring PGA professionals. It is offered at 16 accredited universities nationwide and provides extensive classroom courses, internship experience, and opportunities for player development. The PGA of America is one of the world's largest sports organizations, and the program aims to provide world-class training for aspiring golf professionals.
The PGA Golf Management University Program is a great springboard for a career in golf. It offers a Bachelor's degree in a golf industry-compatible major, such as Marketing, Business Administration, Hospitality Administration, or Recreation Management. The program has a 100% employment placement rate for graduates. In addition to traditional golf locations, it also offers expanded career paths while completing the required internships.
Each participating university has specific entrance requirements, and the selection process is competitive. Students must complete 16 months of internships under the direction of a PGA Golf Management University Program Director. They can gain experience in diverse golf industry settings, including business planning, turfgrass management, golf facility operations, golf merchandising, and human resources.
To apply for the PGA Golf Management University Program, students must submit a university application and a PGM handicap verification form (with a 12 or less handicap) by December 1st. They should also review the specific curriculum, entrance requirements, and financial information for each university before applying.
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Frequently asked questions
The PGA, or Professional Golfers' Association of America, is an organizer of professional golf tours in North America. It was formed on April 10, 1916.
There are two main routes to become a PGA member: the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program and the PGA Golf Management University Program. The former involves a background check and four qualifying courses, while the latter is a four-and-a-half to five-year program offered at 18 universities across the US, allowing students to earn a degree in areas such as Marketing, Business Administration, and Hospitality Administration.
Some famous PGA tournaments include the California Open, Connecticut Open, Florida Open, Maryland Open, and Massachusetts Open. The Byron Nelson tournament, played annually near Dallas, was the first PGA event to be named after a professional golfer in 1968.
