Become a PGA Member

Today, there are nearly 18,000 golf facilities with approximately 60% employing PGA members. Seventy-seven (77%) percent of all golf courses with 18 or more holes have a PGA member. There are over 18,000 PGA Members currently active in the golf business and approximately 8,000 Associates working toward eligible PGA membership. This equates to a considerable amount of competition for each and every job in the golf industry.

There are four pathways that lead to PGA membership — the PGA Professional Golf Management Program, the PGA Golf Management University Program, a test-out option for current & former LPGA members, and an affiliate route.

While the associate and university programs differ in significant ways, both pathways require completion of the same PGA PGM curriculum, work experience, PGA Playing Ability Test, and employment or internship requirements.

The courses cover content and activities every PGA Member should know and be able to demonstrate when they enter the profession.

The Reciprocity test-out option is available for either current or former LPGA Class A Tour Player members or current LPGA Class A Teaching and Club Professional division members only.

Please learn more about each program at pga.com/workingolf

Steps to Become a PGA Professional through the Associate Program

In order to become a PGA Member, you’ll first need to become a registered Associate and go through the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA PGM) Program.

To register for the PGA PGM Program, you must:

1. Create a PGA.org account. Click here.
2. Satisfy the PAT requirement; for more information click here. PLEASE NOTE: You are encouraged to verify the expiration dates for the Qualifying Level Courses and the PAT requirement. These expiration dates are noted in the above links.
3. All individuals registering or re-registering as an Associate must complete a Background Check. To complete the background check, click here.
4. Access the Qualifying Level courses on the PGA Knowledge Center. Log in to your PGA.org profile to access the PGA Knowledge Center.
5. Meet the Eligible Employment requirements described:
   • Individuals shall be eligibly employed in one of the following classifications
   • You must be full-time eligibly employed at the time of registration
   • Participation in an amateur event will forfeit all work experience credits earned prior to the event
6. Register as an Associate. Download the registration form.

PGA PGM Program at a glance

We know this may seem like a lot of information so we would be happy to talk with you any time to help you learn more.

Contact

Stephen Monday, PGA
Membership Director
smonday@pgahq.com
951-331-4736