If you’re an experienced golfer, it’s understandable that you’re looking into becoming a golf pro. Now is a great time to enter the industry, as the number of golfers in the UK has increased significantly since the pandemic, and the 2023 golf rule changes show the game is becoming more inclusive.
So, what exactly makes someone a ‘golf pro’? This term can be unclear because it can describe both professional golfers and individuals involved in the business aspects of golf. We discuss the process of becoming a golf professional and offer guidance on pursuing a career as a professional golfer.
What is a Golf Pro?
There seems to be some uncertainty regarding the criteria for being classified as a ‘golf professional’. Essentially, anyone with expertise in golf who is engaged in teaching or playing the sport at a professional level could be seen as a ‘golf pro’.
It is commonly acknowledged that there exists a distinction between golf professionals and professional golfers. Golf professionals usually operate in the business or management aspect of golf or provide instruction to amateur or professional golfers.
Next, professional golfers participate in prestigious tournaments such as the Masters and the PGA Tour. Several professional golfers choose to pursue a career as a golf professional after being actively involved in their club during their formative years and obtaining certification.
However, a lot of people begin as beginners and depend on their skills to stand out. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the pathways to becoming a golf professional, allowing you to consider your options and make progress in your career.
How to Become a Professional Golfer?
Get up to Professional Standard
Many players struggle at the first hurdle because it’s more challenging than it seems. If you manage to conquer the challenge of mastering golf, you’re already halfway there.
Hiring a coach can be a beneficial investment if it fits within your budget. With their help, you can create a strong training program to enhance your skills and make progress more quickly than if you were on your own.
Take a Swing at Amateur Events
After excelling in some friendly competitions at your local club, you can now move on to more formal events. Not sure where to begin? With the Golf Empire search tool, you have access to over 10,000 amateur open golf tournaments across more than 1,500 golf clubs in the UK. Consider exploring amateur golf tours and series once you believe you have reached a certain skill level.
Reach PGA Tour Player Status
This stage is crucial for your career. Finishing in the top 25 at the Korn Ferry Tour or securing your card through a conditional status gives you the opportunity to compete among the top golf players in the world.
This will not be an easy task. Now that you are familiar with the steps, you can create a detailed plan to reach this level. Setting SMART goals is an effective method to track your progress.
Requirements to Become a Professional Golfer
Becoming a golf professional is straightforward. However, developing your skills and dedicating yourself to growth as a player is essential, even if you choose to focus on the business side. Entering the world of professional golf requires top-notch skills to compete at the highest level and potentially make a career out of it.
Complete the PGM Associate Program
Each golf club is overseen by a Head Professional who is responsible for running operations, such as managing the course and other staff. This position comes with significant responsibility and represents the highest level you can achieve in your journey to becoming a professional golfer without participating in competitions. If your goal is to become a Head Professional through the PGA in the future. To progress, you must finish the PGM Associate Program and achieve Associate Professional status.
Golf-related Bachelor’s Degree
Obtaining a PGA qualification is a common pathway to becoming a golf professional in the UK, as their degree programs are highly regarded in the world of golf. If you aspire to work on the business side and aim to advance in your career after graduation, this path may be ideal for you. The University of Birmingham offers a foundation degree in Golf Studies (FdSc) that can be upgraded to a BSc (Hons) in Professional Golf Studies.
The University of the Highlands and Islands offers a Diploma in Higher Education Golf Studies (DipHE), which can be upgraded to a BA in Professional Golf, with the possibility to pursue Honors. Consider enrolling in the BSc in Applied Golf Management Studies program in partnership with the University of Birmingham. Upon completion, you may qualify for PGA Professional membership based on your status and application.
PGA Titles Progress
After becoming a PGA Member, there are opportunities for further development through gaining experience, education, achievements, and accreditations. One option is to upgrade from ‘Class A’ to ‘Class AA’ status by earning 100 CPD points in three years through recommended professional development activities. Yet, if you turn 55 and have not advanced beyond Class AA status, you will stay at this level permanently. In addition to these starting positions, you can also submit applications for the following:
- Experienced PGA professional who meets specific criteria and has been qualified for at least three years
- PGA fellow professional who meets the necessary criteria and has at least eight years of experience
- PGA advanced fellow professional who meets the relevant criteria and has been qualified for at least ten years
- PGA master professional—meets the necessary criteria and has a minimum of fifteen years of experience