Becoming a golf teaching pro?

[TigerCent]

Hey everyone,

Just wondering what steps are needed to become a golf pro. I realize there are golf programs you can attend, however i am currently in school working towards a business degree. Is it possible to become a pro with a business degree and then some type of certification? Basically i would like to become a golf pro, but there are currently no programs offered in my area, and i would like to complete my current degree and not have to move. If someone could outline the steps i need to take that would be great.
Thanks!

[jaragon126]

I'm not a golf pro, but am also interested in responses to this post.

I have also read from similar posts that golf pros actually don't get much time to golf at all ... with the lessons & management & supervision involved in the position. Is this true?

[kafka01]

Just check your countries PGA site - here is the link for the canadian PGA and how to become a pro: http://www.cpga.com/about/index.aspx?l=0,1,43,50

[golfbarefoot]

www.pgalinks.com

the key is passing the PAT

[pshizz]

www.pgalinks.com

Not very hard to do.

[Supermanwoot]

Its not what you think it is. A lot of my friends were in the PGM - Professional Golf Management program at the university I go to and out of maybe 200+ starting people, only 7-10 stayed in to graduate since they just don't like the job in the end.

I cant say any more since thats all I know, they all changed to business degrees but with the job market the way it is, thats not much of a help.

[2bGood]

I canada there is the CGA route or this http://www.cgtf.com/certification/level3.htm

The CGTF seems kind of lame to me. I know one CGTF pro and played with him one time and he tried to convince me to try to get hy CGTF level 1 2 and 3 - wich is a total joke as I am a major hacker. The other guy we were playing with was going to sign up for the course. I think he shot a 91 that day and it it wasn't pretty.

I got the sense that the CGTF can find work as driving range pro's though

I like how the CGTF does have a PAT but if you don't pass under the pressure of the PAT tourny you can just shoot an 84 or less 4 times in the next 12 months and get your score attested. Wich means I guy like me with 16 hndcp could get my CGTF with out that much trouble.

[MiniMoe]

You have to go through the PGA program under a class A pro. You have to do book work, pass the PAT, and a few other things. You have to contact the PGA to find out exactly what you need after you graduate. You might be able to do this while working at a golf course while finishing your degree.

[tim31x]

i currently attend the golf academy of america in orlando(formerly san diego golf academy of the south). i plan on being a teaching pro after i graduate. the main thing in getting your certification is passing the PAT(playing ability test). you should look for some in your area and take one. that is the quickest road to it. As far as after you are certified it's just a simple matter of finding clients and a place to work. Each teacher will have their own style so you just need to develop a lesson plan.

[Southpaw Hack]

has anyone graduated from a Golf Academy of America school? How did you like it ? how was the placement process? Overall thoughts? Compared to a PGM degree program ?

I already have undergraduate and grad. degrees so another 4-5 years seems too much for me ?

any thoughts would be appreciated...