
How to Become a Professional Golfer
- Method 1 Developing Your Skills Download Article. Start playing as early in life as possible. If you or someone you know...
- Method 2 Finding Opportunities to Play Download Article. Find a reliable golfing partner. Becoming a pro means you need...
- Method 3 Going Pro Download Article. Compete in multiple professional golf tournaments.
- Complete a background check. ...
- Become employed in a golf-related field. ...
- Pass the qualifying courses. ...
- Complete the PAT. ...
- Earn a bachelor's degree or complete an apprenticeship. ...
- Continue practicing.
How do I become a golf pro?
How to become a Golf Pro Requirements for becoming a golf pro vary with the type of position desired. For touring professionals, there is usually no certification required other than a PGA or Ladies Professional Golfer's Association (LPGA) membership.
When should you turn pro in golf?
Turning pro when you’re playing well is a big thing rather than doing it when you’re flat-lining. Some players decide to stay amateur for another year and then stop improving. You need to have the skills to earn money. I’ll ask them if they have a €1 million golf game, because that’s what you’ll need.
What skills do you need to become a professional golfer?
You will need top golf skills if you are going to develop other people to play the game at the best level they can. You will also require complete knowledge of the rules of golf, something you will have to revise as they change with new developments.
How do I find out about PGA Tour pro-ams?
If you're interested in playing in a PGA Tour, LPGA Tour or PGA Tour Champions pro-am, find details by going to the website of the specific tournament or contacting the tournament office by phone.

How long does it take to go pro in golf?
10 years of unfocused effort won't get you closer to your goal. Assuming reasonable levels of talent and physical longevity, in 10 years or less with deliberate focused effort you could be a professional golfer. Learn more about the PGA Performance Program. Tournament play, specialised coaching and training.
How much does it cost to go pro in golf?
It costs a minimum of $110,000 to compete for a year on the PGA Tour—$75,000 on the Nationwide—and there are no guaranteed paydays.
What does it mean to go pro in golf?
The golfers who turn pro are normally high ranking amateur golfers who have been travelling to amateur tournaments on the sponsorship of amateur golf bodies and/or their parents.
Is golf hard to go pro?
Professional golf is one of the toughest careers you could ever consider pursuing. The mind-set for professional golf is relatively easy to understand - achieve a low golf score average in tournaments, but the application of this is extremely difficult to achieve.
How are pro golfers paid?
Professional Tour Player Professional golfers are paid a percentage of the purse for each tournament they play in and finish in the money. For example, the U.S. Open pays down to the 60th place finisher. Rory McIlroy won $1.4 million wining the US Open in 2011. The player in 60th place received a little over $17,000.
How much do caddies get paid?
A caddie on the PGA Tour receives a base salary — usually around $1,000 to $2,000 — to cover travel expenses. He will earn 5% of the winnings if his golfer finishes outside of the top 10 and 7% of the winnings for a top-10 finish. The caddie earns 10% of winnings when his golfer wins a tournament.
Can I play pro golf?
0:4212:22HOW TO BECOME A PRO GOLFER - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you have to do if you want to turn pro. You just go sign up for a tournament. And you check aMoreAll you have to do if you want to turn pro. You just go sign up for a tournament. And you check a box saying i'm going to play as a professional check that box sign up for the tournament.
What age can a golfer turn pro?
In 2001, when Ty Tryon and Kevin Na both turned professional at age 17, the PGA Tour Policy Board established the minimum age for full membership on Tour to be 18.
Is it too late to be a pro golfer?
As three over-50 golfers found out, it's never too late to turn Professional thanks to the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour. As three over-50 golfers found out, it's never too late to turn Professional thanks to the E-Z-GO PGA Legends Tour.
How many balls do pros hit a day?
500 ballsHow Many Range Balls Do Pros Hit A Day. On average, professional golfers hit around 500 balls per day when they're not playing a tournament. The majority of these balls are hit either around the green or on the course, while only 50-100 would be hit at the driving range.
Is golf the hardest sport to play?
If you have just started playing golf and you are frustrated by the slow progress you are making, then do not be discouraged. Golf is known by many to be one of the most difficult sports to play and master, although the dedication and practice required are well worth it!
Do pro golfers have other jobs?
Only the most gifted players are able to make a living on the PGA Tour or one of the mini-tours. But far more professional golfers find careers as teachers and golf course managers, but only after years of study and preparation.
Where is golf spreading?
Golf is spreading around the world, to developing countries such as China and other parts of South East Asia and India and South America. Tournaments follow as this interest grows.
Who was the first person to make money playing golf?
It was not until well into the twentieth century that golfers began to make enough money to live on their prize money. Walter Hagen is generally considered to be the first man to have done this.
What does a caddy do in golf?
The duties involve helping the golfer pick the right clubs, maintaining equipment and repairing the course after they have made the shot. But the essential skill is understanding and motivating people. If you caddy for a top professional, you will need to manage their quirks and know their strengths and weaknesses. To do this well, it helps to have substantial experience as a tournament player yourself.
What is the job of a golf club manager?
It is the top job. You will oversee all the operations at a golf club. It includes staff, maintenance of the course, hospitality and other matters which ensure the success of the club.
Can a professional golfer teach?
There are a whole number of ways it is possible to do this. Professional golfers might teach the game and act as coaches. Some run golf clubs and courses. Others sell and advise other golfers on golf equipment. You can do this and still take part in golf tournaments as well.
Is there a growing number of professional golf tours?
You can be the best player in the world, but if there is nowhere to play for money, then you will never make a living. The good news is that the number of professional golf tours is growing, for both men and women.
Is it easy to get on the PGA Tour?
A good coach is essential. You must give up your amateur status and take a PGA recognized training. Getting on the PGA tour is not easy, but there are routes to do it. And remember there are many other careers a pro golfer can pursue. Good luck in your future golf career.
Is becoming a golf pro right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
How to become a Golf Pro
Requirements for becoming a golf pro vary with the type of position desired. For touring professionals, there is usually no certification required other than a PGA or Ladies Professional Golfer's Association (LPGA) membership.
Step 1
Start playing golf as early as possible and compete in junior tournaments. While there are exceptions -- such as Y.E. Yang, the 2009 PGA Championship winner who started at age 19, and three-time major tournament winner Larry Nelson, who took up the game at age 21 -- most professional golfers started playing as a youngster.
Step 3
If possible, play golf in college, which is an excellent training ground.
Step 4
Participate in the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, which is commonly known as "Q-School." Conducted in four stages, the grueling series of tournaments determines who has the ability to participate on the PGA Tour and the Nationwide Tour, a highly competitive circuit that's considered a stepping stone to the PGA Tour.
Step 5
Play a multitude of professional golf tournaments. Even if you don't participate in Q-School or you fail in your attempt, it's imperative to play in professional golf tournaments.
How to Become a PGA Golf Pro
A PGA Golf Pro is usually someone who runs a golf course or has a golf-related professional and will be responsible for teaching, running tournaments, and other related tasks.
How to Become a Touring Pro
Becoming a touring pro requires much less formal coursework than becoming a PGA golf professional.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an avid golfer with a dream of making the game into your career, you have options to make this dream reality.
