PGA Training Scheme, Course Details

This page will provide the necessary information to be able to assess whether or not you wish to apply to participate in the Foundation Degree Program. The program has been developed with the University of Birmingham and has evolved to meet the needs of PGA professionals in an ever-changing golf industry.

The program is based around various modules. It mixes theory and practice and is assessed by assignments and examinations. Assistants have to work for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a golf environment, employed by a recognised PGA professional, and study via distance learning. In each of the three years of study and in addition to the assignments and exams, Assistants attend a one-week residential course at the National Training Academy at The De Vere Belfry.

Key Study Subjects:

• Coaching
• Equipment Technology
• Sports Science
• Business Management
• Career and Personal Development
• Rules and Tournament Organisation

Graduation from the course after three years can lead to a variety of employment opportunities - anywhere in the world. Currently members of The PGA are employed in over 57 countries and the number is growing as golf expands in more developing countries.

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How to apply:

Upon meeting the entry requirements and satisfying yourself that you will be able to finance the costs of the course you should contact the Bangkok Golf Training Centre for application forms and an interview.

The PGA application currently consist of three forms plus a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) application form and should be completed together at the interview it will then be sent to the PGA, along with the required documentation, copies of certificates and a handicap record. Foreign nationals applying from outside the UK are not required to complete a CRB form but will need to do so should they take up employment in the UK.

If accepted you will be eligible to complete the Admissions Review Program (ARP). The ARP consists of two days at the PGA Training Academy and passing a Playing Ability Test (PAT), which are held throughout the UK & Ireland. Those who can prove a handicap of scratch or better upon application will be exempt from the PAT.

The ARP sessions held at the PGA Training Academy provide potential Assistants with the chance to spend “taster” sessions looking at the core subjects for the course; these will generally run from May through to August each year, with the Foundation Degree course starting the beginning of October.

Upon completion of the Admissions Review Program you will be eligible to sign contracts with Paul Higginbotham, your PGA professional, and once these contracts are received and accepted by the training department, you will lose your amateur status. At this time you will be able to book your place on the Foundation Degree program and commence studies on 1^st October. Assistants must have an email address where they can be contacted and should have internet access. Should you fail to complete the Admissions Review Program you will be sent the relevant forms in February/March the following year.

In addition to the core subjects mentioned above, other qualifications and training courses will need to be completed during the program. These include a Good Practice and Child Protection workshop, currently the Level 1 and 2 Coaching Certificates and an Emergency First Aid Course. To progress smoothly through the program, pass grades must be achieved in the assignments and exams that take place during April of each year.

A playing record must be kept during the training period. Participants will be expected to continue playing and improving their own golf game. During each year of the program Assistants should play in a minimum of seven tournaments each season, meaning that over the three years, 21 rounds must be recorded and submitted, to be eligible to apply for membership.

All the necessary information, study materials, contact people and dates of various courses and residential weeks are sent out by the Academy.

Applications for 2008 are now closed – Dates for 2009 ARP’s and PAT’s will be posted here as soon as we have them.

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ARP Dates for 2009:

18^th – 19^th May                           20^th – 21^st May                           15^th – 16^th June

17^th – 18^th June                           6^th – 7^th July                               8^th – 9^th July

3^rd – 4^th August                          5^th – 6^th August

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PAT Dates and Venues for 2009:

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Frequently asked questions:

Below are the main questions asked from people making enquires about the program:

How much will it cost?

For UK/EU Residents the cost will be approximately £1,400 per year, for those starting in October 2007. Please note this figure is for information only and is reviewed each year.

The cost to applicants who are resident outside the UK/EU, or who have not resided in the UK/EU for the three year period prior to the commencement of the course, will be £4,000 per year.

Do I have to pay everything at the beginning?

No, you pay for the course by year. The first year will be the most expensive because you have the cost of ARP plus First Year Fees.

Will I lose my amateur status by applying?

You will not lose your amateur status when you apply. Only after completing the Admissions Review Program and having your contracts of employment accepted by the Training Department will you lose amateur status.

Can I do the ARP without applying for the Foundation Degree?

No, the Admissions Program (ARP and PAT) is only open to accepted applicants.

Is there any other way of undertaking the Foundation Degree Course to become a PGA professional while I work fulltime in another industry?

No, there is no other way to become a member of the PGA other than by completing the Foundation Degree program whilst working fulltime for a PGA professional.

Why do I need a handicap record, not a certificate?

We ask for a record so that we can see that you are maintaining a handicap of 4 or better and have not just arrived at it, because we find applicants in this situation struggle to pass the Playing Ability Test, putting themselves under more pressure.

May I do the Foundation Degree while working abroad?

You may work abroad while undertaking the Foundation Degree provided the Professional and establishment meet the usual training criteria.

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