How To Become A PGA Professional

There are a number of routes available for golfers to become a PGA Professional

How To Become A PGA Professional

There are a number of routes to become a PGA Professional in the UK.

All routes are operated in partnership with either The University of Birmingham or The University of the Highlands and the Islands in Inverness, Scotland.

The PGA offers a Foundation Degree in Professional Golf Studies (opens in new tab) (FdSc), which is a core element of The PGA Training Programme, and is awarded by The University of Birmingham.

The course is delivered online, with face-to-face sessions held at the PGA National Training Academy and the famous Belfry Golf facility.

It is made up of 12 modules taken over three years, which cover the topics of: Sports Science, Equipment Technology, Coaching Theory and Golf Business & Management.

The Foundation Degree equates to the first two years of an Honours Degree.

Applicants must be working at a golf facility under a PGA Training Professional and have a maximum handicap index of 6.4(m) or 8.4 (f) handicap.

Want to become a PGA Pro? Find out more on the PGA website (opens in new tab)

For students in Scotland, the education programme awarded by The University of the Highlands and the Islands is The Diploma in Higher Education Golf Studies (opens in new tab) (DipHE).

It is primarily aimed at those with Scottish residency and is made up of 12 modules taken over three years, which covers the same topics and content as the FdSc programme.

With both courses PGA Trainees work at a golf facility under the guidance of a PGA Professional and study part-time.

This is alongside playing, practising their golf, playing in PGA Tournaments and learning to coach.

It's not easy, but the rewards can be huge!

The University of the Highlands and the Islands has a close association with Royal Dornoch GC.

The entry requirements are the same for both programmes.

Just like the FdSc, The DipHE equates to the first two years of an Honours Degree.

On completion of the FdSc or DipHE, students have the opportunity to 'Top-Up' their qualifications to a full degree of Honours degree through additional study, delivered online and awarded by either of the PGA's partner Universities.

The PGA also offers an 'on-campus' experience by studying a three-year Honours degree course at Birmingham University in Applied Golf Management Studies (opens in new tab).

Anyone who meets the education criteria can take the course, although if you do want to become a PGA Professional following the course then you must have a golf handicap of 6.4 or better for men and 8.4 or better for women.

This course is designed not only for future PGA Professionals, but also for those intending entering golf club management or other jobs in the industry.

It is taught in collaboration with The PGA and based both at Birmingham University and at The PGA National Training Academy at The Belfry.

It's a three-year course and modules include: applied sports science, equipment technology, coaching theory and business management.

It also involves studying the following areas: psychology of golf, analysis of swing theory, equipment technology, applied sports science, golf in the 21st century, business and financial performance and event management.

Related: What does the Professional Golfers' Association do?

The course also includes work placements during the summer months, which can be at a golf club in the UK or abroad, with many students choosing to work in countries like Spain, France, Portugal, Austria, UAE and the USA.

Students can take trials to represent one of the University of Birmingham's golf teams in the British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) events.

The University of Birmingham is part of the prestigious Russell Group, which is made up of the top 24 universities in the UK, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Want to become a PGA Pro? Find out more on the PGA website (opens in new tab)

PGA Vision 2020 - Life as a PGA Pro

The PGA's Vision 2020 has seen an overhaul of the organisation's structure, with PGA Professionals now having the choice of three specialisations: PGA Professional, PGA Coach or PGA Manager.

These new categories allow members to select the specialism most suited to their current or planned role and area of expertise.

The PGA 2020 Vision project has also been created to bring others who work in the golf industry – either in a professional or voluntary capacity – under the PGA umbrella via the formation of two new industry membership groups: The Business Management Group and the Club Volunteer Group.

Related: PGA Vision 2020 Explained - What the new roles mean