club pro

Question
What are the steps I need to take to become a class A club pro?

Answer
Hi Ronnie:

Good question.  First you must work at a PGA Recognized Facility.  Most are, but some are not.  Just ask at whatever golf course or driving range you apply with if they are.  Once you decide you want to enroll in the PGA Apprentice Program, you will first need to pass the Players Ability Test.  That is a 36 hole qualifying where you must shoot a stipulated score or lower to make it.  Once you prove you can shoot a respectable game of golf, then you will enroll in the PGA Apprentice Program (Professional Golf Management).  That program is very intensive and will take you about 3 years to complete.  You must be working 40 hours per week and the course will cost you about $6,000.  I am not absolutely sure of the exact cost, however, it is not cheap.  If you are lucky enough to work at a facility that might pick up that tab or help pay for it, great.  If not, you will have to pay for it.  You will then progress through the Levels of Success (3 of them) and learn everything there is to know about running a great operation.  You must test out successfully from each level to move on to the next.  After you pass all levels, you will test out again and graduate.  Then you will have an interview to determine if you will become a Class A Member of the PGA.  If you are serious about becoming a Class A Member and making a contribution to growing the game of golf, I highly recommend it.  If you are looking at it as a way to play free golf, don't waste your time.  Looking forward to having you become a Member.  First step in the process is just getting a job at a course.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member