Ava Romero
Golf is an individual sport, so becoming a professional golfer is largely dependent on your playing ability. While many golfers start young, it is not a prerequisite for turning pro. To become a professional golfer, you can either start as an amateur and rely on your talent to get noticed or get certified by the PGA (Professional Golfer's Association). Getting PGA-certified involves working in a golf-related field for at least six months, passing qualifying courses, and completing a player ability test. Once certified, golf pros can teach other golfers, manage golf courses, and compete in high-profile tournaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tournament fees | £100 registration fee for PGA Open series in the UK |
| Playing ability | Complete two rounds of golf (36 holes), shooting equal to or lower than the course rating for 36 holes, plus 15 |
| Education | PGA Golf Management University Program |
| Membership | PGA membership |
| Age | No age limit, Allen Doyle turned pro at 46 |
| Experience | Work in a golf-related field for at least six months |
| Exams | Background check, competency exam, qualifying test, player ability test |
| Courses | Introduction to the PGM and the Golf Management Profession |
| Tournaments | Korn Ferry Tournament, local tournament circuit |
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What You'll Learn
Join local golfer's association, register handicap and play amateur tournaments
If you're looking to turn pro in golf, one of the first steps you can take is to join your local golfers' association. In the US, the USGA collaborates with 57 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) to enhance the golfing experience in each state. By joining your local association, you can benefit from the services and engagement opportunities they provide to golf clubs and facilities in your area. This can help you connect with other golfers, find practice and playing facilities, and stay up-to-date on local golfing events.
Registering for a handicap is also important when starting out in golf. A handicap index is a measure of a golfer's potential ability based on their past scores. It allows golfers of different skill levels to compete against each other on an even playing field. You can establish your handicap by joining a golf club or association that utilizes the World Handicap System (WHS), which is now used in over 80 countries worldwide. Your handicap will fluctuate as you play more rounds and submit scores, so consistent play is important to establish an accurate handicap.
Playing in amateur tournaments is a great way to gain competitive experience and test your skills against other aspiring golfers. These tournaments provide a platform to benchmark your progress and identify areas for improvement. They also offer an opportunity to network with fellow golfers, build confidence, and gain exposure to different course layouts and playing conditions. It's important to note that tournament fees can be expensive, and you may need to consider travel and accommodation costs as well.
As you progress in your golfing journey, you can start evaluating your performance and setting goals. Assess your strengths and weaknesses, and work on refining your technique and strategy. Seek feedback from fellow golfers, coaches, or mentors to identify areas for improvement and develop a plan to address them. Consistent practice and dedication are key to refining your skills and building a solid foundation for your golfing career. Remember, turning pro is not solely dependent on a college education or traditional pathways; it's about your skill, dedication, and perseverance.
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Become PGA member, pass PAT and gain certification
To become a PGA member, pass the PAT, and gain certification, you'll need to meet certain requirements and showcase your golfing skills. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Become a PGA Member:
Firstly, decide whether you want to pursue the PGA Associate Program or the PGA Golf Management University Program. The Associate Program is a flexible, self-paced option that requires you to work at a golf course. It includes a background check, a Qualifying Level, three levels of coursework, and seminars at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, Texas.
On the other hand, the University Program offers a traditional college experience, allowing you to obtain a degree while completing the PGM curriculum. This option takes between 4.5 and 5 years and includes 16 months of internships. There are currently 16 schools in the United States offering this program.
Pass the PAT (Playing Ability Test):
The PAT is a critical step in becoming a PGA of America Golf Professional. It is a measure of your golfing ability and ensures you have the skills needed to teach and grow the game. You will need to complete two rounds of golf (36 holes), shooting equal to or lower than the course rating for 36 holes, plus 15. PATs are administered by PGA Sections, so you can find options to take the test across the country. Once you've entered the Associate or University Program, you'll have eight years to pass the PAT.
Gain Certification:
After successfully completing the PGA Program requirements and passing the PAT, you will be well on your way to gaining your certification as a PGA of America Golf Professional. This certification will showcase your expertise and allow you to work in various roles within the golf industry, such as teaching, golf shop management, course management, and more.
Remember, becoming a PGA member and passing the PAT are crucial steps in gaining your certification and establishing yourself as a recognised golf professional.
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Develop skills from a young age, play junior tournaments
Developing skills from a young age is crucial for aspiring golf professionals. Golf is an individual sport that fosters personal accountability, and those who start early often have a head start in honing their skills. Introducing children to golf can help them develop essential "social skills" and build their "social skills muscle". Golf provides a unique opportunity for interaction and communication with others, both verbal and non-verbal, which occurs over 100 times in a round of golf.
Enrolling children in junior golf tournaments can be an excellent way to develop their skills and introduce them to competitive golf. Organisations like U.S. Kids Golf Foundation offer more than 2,000 tournaments worldwide, providing a perfect platform for young golfers to showcase their talent. Local tours with scaled courses and individual age groups make it enjoyable for juniors to participate and meet new friends.
Additionally, the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) offers a structured tournament schedule with entry limits of a maximum of five tournaments per season, including Open and Ninja® Junior All-Star Series events. These tournaments provide a great opportunity for juniors to test their skills against peers and gain competitive experience.
For those seeking a more traditional path, combining a college degree with the Professional Golf Management (PGM) curriculum is an option. This route typically takes 4.5 to 5 years to complete, including internships and a degree program. It allows for a well-rounded education and the development of connections and a support system, which can be beneficial for a future golf career.
Developing skills from a young age and participating in junior tournaments can provide a solid foundation for aspiring golf professionals. It allows them to build social skills, personal accountability, and competitive experience, setting them up for future success in the sport.
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Focus on golf full-time, consider college or mini tours
If you want to turn pro, you'll need to focus on golf full-time. This means treating golf as your day job, and putting in the hours to develop your skills and build your network.
There are a few different pathways to becoming a golf pro. One option is to go to college and join a golf team, which can provide structure and resources to help you develop your skills. Many colleges offer golf scholarships, which can be a great way to get your education paid for while also focusing on your game. College golf teams compete in tournaments, and the best players can get noticed and even turn pro before graduating.
Another option is to skip college and focus on mini tours. Mini tours are a great way to get competitive experience and build your resume. They are smaller, regional tours that are often less expensive to enter than larger, more prestigious tours. Mini tours can be a good option if you're looking to get more experience before moving up to the bigger tours, or if you're trying to save money while still playing competitively. Some examples of mini tours include the Dakotas Tour, the Swing Thought Tour, the Gateway Tour, and the APT Tour. Keep in mind that mini tours may not offer much in terms of prize money, so you'll need to be dedicated and potentially seek out sponsors to help cover your expenses.
If you're looking to turn pro, you'll need to join a professional golf association, such as the PGA of America or the LPGA. These organizations offer programs to help aspiring golf professionals develop their skills and network with others in the industry. They also offer pathways to certification, which can be important for finding work in the golf industry.
Finally, don't forget that becoming a golf pro is about more than just playing the game. It's also about building a network and seeking out opportunities. Consider finding a mentor or coach who can help guide you through the process and introduce you to the right people. And don't be afraid to put yourself out there and take risks—golf is a competitive industry, and you need to be proactive to succeed.
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Find sponsors, or be able to self-fund
Golf is considered the easiest sport to turn professional in. However, it is also a high-risk investment, as the costs of tournament fees, travel, and lodging can quickly add up. Therefore, finding sponsors or being able to self-fund is crucial for aspiring professional golfers.
To find sponsors, it is important to first define your tournament objectives and identify your target audience. Consider the demographics, interests, and values of your target audience and try to align them with potential sponsors who share similar values and objectives. Research and identify golf tournament sponsors with a history of supporting charitable causes in your community. Local businesses, corporations, golf equipment manufacturers, or those with a vested interest in golf-related events can be good options. Look for sponsors who not only have the financial capacity to contribute but also align with your cause and golfer demographic.
When approaching potential sponsors, it is crucial to understand and articulate how they will benefit from sponsoring your tournament. Companies are looking for a win-win relationship when investing in a golf tournament. Think outside the box and find compelling tie-ins for businesses that resonate with their needs and make the event memorable. For example, create a unique slogan about health and safety for an insurance company sponsor or invite a local furniture store to set up a rest stop for golfers, showcasing their best-selling lounge chairs.
In addition to monetary sponsorships, consider approaching travel services for in-kind donations, such as vacation packages, hotel or resort packages, travel vouchers, or timeshares that can be used as raffle prizes or auction items. Customize your sponsorship offerings to your event and organization's needs, considering the type of golf facility, the number of golfers, and the sponsor perks you can provide.
If you are unable to secure sponsors, self-funding your journey to becoming a golf pro is an option. This may involve paying for tournament entry fees, travel, lodging, and day-to-day practice expenses out of your own pocket. It is important to carefully consider the financial commitment required and ensure you have the necessary funds to cover these costs.
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Frequently asked questions
There are professional golfers who compete in high-profile tournaments like the Masters and the PGA Tour. Then there are golf professionals who work within the business side of golf, teaching others how to play and managing golf courses.
To become a golf pro, you must first work in a golf-related field for at least six months and pass a background check. Then, you need to pass qualifying courses and the Player Ability Test (PAT). The PAT involves completing two rounds of golf (36 holes), shooting equal to or lower than the course rating for 36 holes, plus 15.
There are various costs associated with becoming a golf pro, including tournament fees, travel, lodging, and day-to-day practice expenses. In the UK, entering the PGA Open series typically costs a £100 registration fee, with a £20,000 prize fund.
