Becoming a member of the PGA of America is a huge accomplishment for anyone passionate about this sport and industry. To obtain membership, you can choose one of two routes – PGA Professional Management Program or the PGA Management Education Program.

2 Routes to PGA Membership

Route 1: PGA Professional Management Program (PGA Associate Program)

The PGA Professional Management Program is for those looking to become PGA professionals while working in the industry. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements

To enter the program, you must meet certain criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Pass a background check.

Step 2: Register for the PGA Affiliate Program (Optional)

The PGA Affiliate Program is for those who do not already work in the industry. As an associate, you can complete Level 1 of the Golf Management program, but you won’t have the rights of a full member. Before progressing to Level 2, you must meet PGA Associate requirements.

Step 3: Employment in the Golf Industry

You must have employment in a PGA-recognized facility or business. Positions include roles in course operations, instruction, and management.

Step 4: Complete the Qualifying Level

To officially begin the PGM Associate Program, you’ll need to complete the qualifying level. This includes:

  • Passing a Playing Ability Test (PAT), which measures your golf skills. You’ll need to meet a specific target score, which varies by event.
  • Completing Qualifying Level Courses. These include topics such as Introduction to the PGA PGM Program and Career Enhancement.

Step 5: Progress Through the PGA PGM Levels

The program consists of three levels:

  • Level 1: Topics such as customer relations, teaching and coaching, and tournament operations.
  • Level 2: More advanced topics, including business planning, operations, and turf management.
  • Level 3: Focuses on human resources, merchandising, and career enhancement.

For each level, you’ll need to complete coursework, online seminars, and pass exams.

Step 6: Complete the Work Experience Portfolio

Throughout your time in the program, you’ll work on a Work Experience Portfolio. This is a comprehensive collection of assignments that reflect your hands-on experience in the industry.

Step 7: Pass the Final Tests and Achieve PGA Membership

After you finish all three levels and your work portfolio is accepted, you must pass the final assessments. After passing, you’ll officially become a PGA Member!

Route 2: PGA Management Education Program

The PGA Golf Management Education Program is a four-year college degree program. This is ideal for those who want to become PGA Members while earning a bachelor’s degree. Here’s a breakdown of how to follow this route:

Step 1: Select a PGA-Accredited College 

You must enroll in one of the 17 colleges across the U.S. that offer the PGA Management Education Program. These schools provide degrees in areas such as business, hospitality, or recreation management.

Step 2: Complete Academic Coursework

As part of the program, you’ll complete coursework that prepares you for a career in the PGA industry. This includes topics in business management, marketing, customer relations, instruction, and operations.

Step 3: Pass the Playing Ability Test (PAT)

Like the PGA Associate Program, people in the educational program must pass the Playing Ability Test (PAT).

Step 4: Participate in Internships

A key component of this program is internships. Over the course of the four years, you’ll gain hands-on experience in PGA-recognized facilities. These internships allow you to apply what you’ve learned and develop valuable professional relationships.

Step 5: Complete the PGA PGM Levels

Similar to the PGA Associate Program, you must complete coursework through the PGA Professional Management Program. Content focuses on everything from customer relations to operations and management.

Step 6: Graduate and Attain PGA Membership

After completing the academic requirements, passing the PAT Test, completing internships, and finishing the PGA PGM coursework, you’ll be eligible for PGA Membership upon graduation.