how does one become a club golf professional

1. Complete a background check. Prospective golf pros must complete a background check. Candidates are responsible for scheduling and paying for their background check.
2. Become employed in a golf-related field. The PGA requires golf pros to work in a golf-related field prior to seeking certification. ...
3. Pass the qualifying courses. These courses prepare candidates to pass the qualifying test required of all golf pros. ...
4. Complete the PAT. The PGA requires potential golf pros to complete the PAT, or player ability test, prior to awarding golfers with the pro golf certification.
5. Earn a bachelor's degree or complete an apprenticeship. In order to be certified by the PGA as a pro golfer, you either have to complete a bachelor's degree in ...

Full Answer

How to become a professional golfer?

Training You Need to Become a Golf Pro 1 Understanding Golf Operations. Many people who eventually become members of the PGA started their careers as a staff member at a public or private course. 2 Golf Proficiency. ... 3 Developing Customer Service Skills. ... 4 Apprenticeship. ... 5 University Study. ...

What are the qualifications to become a club professional?

Improve your golf game. Although a club professional is not required to be as good as a touring pro, he must be at least good to excellent and routinely score around par. One of the requirements for gaining membership in the PGA is to pass a PGA Playing Ability Test.

How can I get a job at a golf club?

During high school or college, take a summer job at a golf club and learn as much as possible about its operation. Watch the club professional at work, particularly how he interacts with the members or guests, and how he supervises staff. Ask questions and learn as much as you can. Develop customer service skills.

How do I get Started in golf club management?

Get started early. During high school or college, take a summer job at a golf club and learn as much as possible about its operation. Watch the club professional at work, particularly how he interacts with the members or guests, and how he supervises staff. Ask questions and learn as much as you can.

Is it hard to become a golf pro?

Research indicates it could take seven to ten years to become a top professional golfer. It has been reported that athletes need 10,000 hours of practice to master a skill, but practice quality also counts in becoming a professional golfer.

How long does it take to be a golf pro?

University Study. Recognizing the business aspects of being a golf professional, the PGA offers a PGA Golf Management (PGM) University Program through large universities in various parts of the U.S. such as Penn State, Arizona State and Florida State. The program requires a 4.5 to 5 years to complete.

What is a club professional in golf?

A golf club professional is an expert golfer who helps run a golf club and teaches others how to play the game. The specific duties of golf club professionals, or "golf pros," vary depending on the size and type of club where they work.

What qualifies someone as a professional golfer?

A professional golfer is somebody who receives payments or financial rewards in the sport of golf that are directly related to their skill or reputation. Also a person who earns money by teaching or playing golf is traditionally considered a "golf pro," most of whom are teachers/coaches.

How do I start a professional golf career?

In order to become a golf pro certified by the Professional Golf Association, there are several steps that you can take: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.More items...•

What handicap do you need to be a pro golfer?

For a golfer to turn professional, they would usually have a handicap of between +4 and +6 as an amateur, as this would get to the entry-level ability for the pro tours. To be a pro, you'd need to shoot around three over par as a maximum playing on a championship course!

Do golf clubs need a professional?

Golf professionals are an important part of most golf clubs. They play an important part in attracting and retaining members; golf clubs rightly expect their professionals to add value. Equally, golf professionals need to be able to earn a living, and be rewarded for their efforts and the risks they take in business.

Whats the difference between club pro and tour pro?

A "club pro" is a professional golfer who works at a golf course or similar golf facility. A "tour pro" is a professional golfer who makes his or her living by playing tournaments on pro golf tours.

Do PGA professionals get free clubs?

But if you're a PGA member, you may not need to worry about those costs. PGA takes care of its own, providing free golf clubs wherever there are tours. Professional competitions are full of reps from various retailers.

How do I go from amateur to pro in golf?

Here is the step-by-step process to go from amateur golfer to PGA Tour player.Step 1: Get Really Good. ... Step 2: Compete in Amateur Events. ... Step 3: Give Up Your Amateur Status and Go Pro. ... Step 4: Go to Q-School. ... Step 5: Compete on the Korn Ferry Tour. ... Step 6: Become a PGA Tour Player. ... Step 7: Stay on the PGA Tour.

What age can you turn pro in golf?

The PGA Tour's minimum age limit is 18, a rule that was established after Ty Tryon and Kevin Na turned pro as 17-year-olds in 2001. As a result, Kim, who was 17 years and five months at the time, had to defer starting his PGA Tour career until he turned 18 the following summer.

Can you become a golf pro at 40?

The good news from the research is that players can still turn professional even in their early 30s. It was also found that the best years for a golf professional are between 30 and 35, although plenty of tour players have shown they can still win tournaments in their 40s.

How do you get pro status in golf?

How to Become a PGA Tour PlayerStep 1: Get Really Good. You might be thinking, duh, of course. ... Step 2: Compete in Amateur Events. ... Step 3: Give Up Your Amateur Status and Go Pro. ... Step 4: Go to Q-School. ... Step 5: Compete on the Korn Ferry Tour. ... Step 6: Become a PGA Tour Player. ... Step 7: Stay on the PGA Tour.

Can you become a pro golfer at 40?

The good news from the research is that players can still turn professional even in their early 30s. It was also found that the best years for a golf professional are between 30 and 35, although plenty of tour players have shown they can still win tournaments in their 40s.

Do you need a degree to be a professional golfer?

Perhaps the most traditional method to gain professional status is completing a three-year PGA training course. The course involves working for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a golf environment, along with being employed by a certified PGA golf professional.

How do I get my PGA pro card?

Complete 36 hours of work experience credits along with the level kits. You receive twelve credits for a four-year college degree and six credits for a two-year college degree. Earn one credit per month by working under a PGA professional. After completing your work experience credits and Level 3, you are a PGA member.

What is a golf pro?

A golf pro is someone who has completed the requirements to become certified as a professional by the Professional Golfer's Association. Golf pros often manage golf courses and provide lessons to other golfers.

What do golf pros do?

There are several primary tasks that golf pros perform depending on the position a golf club has hired them for, including:

How to become a golf pro

In order to become a golf pro certified by the Professional Golf Association, there are several steps that you can take:

Salary

The average salary for a professional golfer is $29,569 per year. There are many job titles that golf pros have while working at golf courses, such as

Tips for becoming a golf pro

Becoming a golf pro requires extensive knowledge of the game and the ability to perform very well when playing. Here are some tips for becoming a successful golf professional: