Becoming a PGA professional will open up fantastic opportunities for a fulfilling career in golf in a diverse range of positions at home and abroad.
Although the PGA was formed in 1901, formal training to become one of its professionals began just 40 years ago.
Nowadays training programmes are centred at the National Training Academy at The Belfry; in addition, studies, leading to both the Foundation and BA Honours Degrees take place at the University of Birmingham. Both of these qualifications, once achieved, carry the opportunity to apply for membership of the Association, which now boasts in the region of 7,500 members.
Most of them are club professionals who specialise in the core subjects of coaching and retailing but the number taking on managerial roles at a range of varying golf establishments across the globe is increasing. Likewise the countries where they are employed - PGA professionals now work in more than 60 worldwide.
To become a PGA professional, there are two possible pathways. One is via the Foundation Degree in Professional Golf, the other through the BA (Hons) Applied Golf Management Studies (AGMS) course.
The Foundation Degree course, which is awarded by the University of Birmingham, began in 2000. This qualification can be 'topped up' to a full degree by further study. To be eligible to study the course assistants need:
- Normally to be 18 years old when they start
- Be maintaining a handicap of 4.4 (men) and 6.4 (women) or better.
- Be employed in golf, under the supervision of a qualified PGA professional
- Have the appropriate academic qualifications - a minimum of four GCSE passes at Grade A to C including Maths and English Language or better/equivalent
All candidates must then attend a two-day Admission Review Programme (ARP induction) at The Belfry. These are held from May to September and applicants must also pass a test of Playing Ability (PAT). This is played over 36 holes and applicants must not post a cumulative score of more than 15-over-par. Applicants must also be CRB checked, and complete the ASQ Levels 1 and 2 in golf coaching. Assistants must also complete a Child Protection course and obtain a First Aid Certificate.
The Foundation Degree is a three-year programme delivered through distance learning and supported by a variety of teaching materials. Assistants attend a five-day residential course at The Belfry in each of the three years and have to complete assignments and exams for each of the modules that make up the course. Each module must be passed for applicants to progress.
E-learning and communication via email is playing an increasing role in the delivery of the learning programme so access to the internet is a prerequisite. Assignments must meet deadlines that are spaced out through the academic year. Exams take place at regional centres around the country at the end of April. The main modules are coaching, business management, equipment technology and sport science.
Playing golf is also an important aspect of the programme and assistants must play in at least seven competitive rounds for each of the three years.
In 2002 the PGA introduced another route into the PGA through the full-time degree programme (AGMS) in conjunction with the University of Birmingham. No other golf degree is accepted by the PGA for application to membership.
Applicants need to have or be predicted to have 340 UCAS tariff points (i.e. A, A, B) at A level or equivalent. Certain A level subjects are more appropriate than others in terms of entry e.g. PE or sport studies, business studies, economics, maths, design and technology, biology, physics, chemistry and psychology.
The same playing ability requirements as for entry on to the Foundation Degree programme are required (4.4 for men, 6.4 for women or better). Once again, applicants also have to go through a CRB check before entering the course.
The course runs for three years and comprises lectures, seminars and workshops which are delivered at both the University by its lecturers and at the PGA Headquarters by PGA staff. Assessment is through a combination of assignments and exams. Students also need to complete three work placements consisting of a minimum of 240 hours paid employment in a PGA approved golf facility. These are undertaken in the summer holiday periods.
Students are also required to complete the ASQ Levels 1 & 2 golf coaching awards and obtain a First Aid certificate and complete a Child Protection Course if they then wish to apply for membership.
Students starting the full time degree at the University must have retained their Amateur status, unlike their Foundation Degree peers. However, if a full time degree student wishes to apply to become the equivalent of a registered PGA assistant professional, they must then:
- pass a test of playing ability
- become attached to a PGA professional
- pay annual PGA subscription fees
Amateur status needs to be relinquished by the start of Year 3, if full membership is desired on completion of the degree. If students wish to retain their amateur status until the end of the degree course and then apply for membership, they will need to gain employment with a PGA professional and work for a 12 month period after completion of the degree.
14 January, 2010 | The PGA