Steps to become a PGA Pro

[progolf4life]

how to do it?

I was thinking about going to ITT Tech for 2 years and getting a degree there and then working to become a PGA Pro. I would like to know the steps. I know that you have to take a PAT test, but besides that what else is there? Is there a college just for golf that I could go to so I don't have to go through a PGM College and do the classes all over again?

Any help would be appreciated!!!

[nuby]

well first u need varous pga certificates to qualify as pro and then be allowed to take part in q-school

OR

u play well on national tour and earn an enxemption to either q-school or a pga tour event and go on from there earning more exemptions so you dont have to earn your pga card in q-school

[honmagolf]

Dont think thats what he was wanting to know!!!

 

You do have to take the PAT and a rules test as well.. If you don't go through a PGM college, it is possible to do the 3 levels needed while working under a PGA Professional. Its not a very tough process, most guys can't even pass the PAT so thats the main issue.. I was enrolled in the PGM program, and pretty much completed it.. I just ended up going into the insurance business with the rest of the family...

[DRGJR72]

Here you go my friend:

 

1. Have a job that meets the requirement, Pass the PAT, and enroll in the PRO.

 

Now you are on your way.

 

It also takes 3 years to complete the PGA program (1 credit per month worked for 36 months)

 

Here is a cost breakdown and level breakdown that you would be in store for.

 

http://pdf.pgalinks.com/pgalinks/professionals/form252.pdf

 

Long process and a lot of work to become a PGA member, that is for sure. I was in the business for almost 15 years and decided to get out recently. I would think long and hard about this career path as it is not for everyone. It does have it's merits but there are also drawbacks as there are in any career.

 

Do your homework my friend. You have your whole life ahead of you. If had to to do it all over again, I would have finished my 4 year degree, enjoyed being a college kid, and then decided. Once you have your degree, there are so many more options for you. I now have to return to school and finish my degree, just to get interviews for the business world.

 

I would never trade in my experiences while I was a PGA member that is for sure, but I would have seriously considered my options prior to embarking on this career choice, if I had known then what I know now.

 

Dan

[progolf4life]

Thanks for the replies, I am not sure if I would like to take this path. I just would like to adventually play scratch golf and I would like to have time to actually practice golf.

 

Can anyone tell me what kind of money I could make at Devry and ITT Tech compared to a 4 year college?

 

All I want to do is to have a job that is somewhat fun that pays a lot. I would like it to pay for:

A bunch of golf clubs ;) / a good computer / a nice paintball gun / some of my other hobbies / but most of all I would like it to pay for supporting my future family and i'm hoping I have enough left over to do everything else listed.

 

Can anyone tell me what job I just described? :russian_roulette:

[progolf4life]

I know that, but I would like to know what i'm going to go into as a major and minor.

[mikpga]

Would highly encourage you to talk to some local PGA Professionals and get their two cents worth! It's a huge time committment in my opinion, but if you absolutely love the game and love helping others, it's worth the time!

[DRGJR72]

I know that, but I would like to know what i'm going to go into as a major and minor.

 

Even if you had an idea, there is a chance you will change your mind as you take different types of classes.

 

Talk with your parents and counselors in school and tell them what you like to do and then go from there. They can guide you in the right direction as far as a major and all of that.

 

My two cents would be to go to a four year institution that is going to give you a solid degree. It is always useful and as society places more and more importance on education to separate the pay scales of jobs, and having a college degree will be paramount. Many jobs will not even give you an interview without one.

 

Find out what you like and what you are good at. What about school, what classes do you like, are you interested in? Then go from there.

 

I thought I would be a golf pro my whole life, things changed and now I am stuck going back to school to finish my degree, luckily I could go back into the golf industry if I wanted to, but I don't. I want to finish my degree and do something where I have the potential to make more money.

 

Devry and ITT tech have their merits and I am sure that they are great schools, and depending on what you are looking to do they might make sense. I don't know you, or your interests, so my advice is fairly hindered by that fact. But that is what your parents and high school counselors should be helping you do, not some retired golf pro that does not know you.....

 

Dan

[gentles]

Look towards the future...not what you want now. You say you want it to pay for flash golf clubs and a paintball gun...I assume this is what you want now...not when you are 30. If you just wanna play golf then I suggest something other than a PGA pro. I don't know any PGA guys who get to play golf when they want to. After a full day giving lessongs to hackers and working in a golf shop, the last thing you're gonna want to do is play! Hope this helps