Entering the PGA PGM Program

[iacas]

As I wrote on my personal blog , I'm entering the PGA's Professional Golf Management (PGM) program. I'm doing this not to be a "director of golf" or a "head pro" or anything like that, but rather to be an instructor. I've already been working with Dave at Golf Evolution and have helped with or given lessons.

The next step is to take the PAT. That's May 7. I'll also get the introductory materials, the "pre-qual" materials as they call them. It's a three-part study that involve basic rules, the history of the PGA, and something else I always forget. Anyway, it should be relatively straightforward, and if I continue, I'm guaranteed three short vacations in Florida over the next three years.

[enis750]

good for you bro!
I am not one to "teach"...but you have replied to a few of my posts and obvsiously already have a good understanding of what's going on
nothing wrong w a few trips south hey!!?? haha!

[DarkPrince]

I'm looking at doing the same thing actually, but A. My game needs a lot of work, and B. I'm trying to work out exactly what work experience counts under the 6 months of full time employment before application :/

[iacas]

There's no six month requirement anymore.

[Leftygolfer]

Seems like you'd be a natural.

[iacas]

Seems like you'd be a natural.

Thanks. Dave's told me I'm probably already the second or third best teacher within an x mile radius, where x is quite a bit larger than you might guess at first, simply because I know the ball flight laws, I know that the hands travel on a circle/arc, and several other things.

But I'm worried that I'm going to miss some things. That's good, because every teacher misses some things, and if I'm worried that means I care. And I know enough to know that I don't really miss many things - I just don't want the worrying to go away. If that makes any sense... At any rate, if Dave weren't Dave and Stack and Tilt wasn't what it is, I wouldn't be taking these steps right now because the golf swing would still be a mystery. I owe some credit to The Golfing Machine as well. But the point is that my knowledge of the golf swing has grown exponentially not just because I've put more time into it, but also because it's so easy to grasp once you understand the basic geometry of the golf swing. It almost feels like cheating... The secret, then, becomes about choosing the best and most proper pieces in the proper order. That's my focus now, and something Dave will probably tell you he still thinks about often. When we stop thinking, stop learning, and stop worrying about missing things, that's when you fail to improve as an instructor.

[Leftygolfer]

I think being a good teacher (any kind golf, math, whatever) is about figuring out what motivates people and understanding that not everyone is the same and therefore you can't teach them the same. For me, if or when I get serious about improving and have the time to do so, I'd want to be almost make fun of and tell me I can't do this or I can't shoot that. That makes me work harder and want it even more. But that same attitude with my wife will make her cry and never come back. I think the greatest teachers in the world have the ability to relate with their students and understand what they can and can't do. Improvement in golf isn't about having a perfect swing or perfect balance. Look at those old men on the champions tour. They would eat almost anyone alive and they have some of the funkiest ugly swings ever but they do it every time. That is about all I got. Best of luck to you.

[jamo]

Good luck, you will make a good golf teacher.

[Doctorfro]

Very cool, Erik. My son is considering the PGM at Campbell University. Only problem he has is he's not sure what avenue he wants to take with it. The cool thing about it is at Campbell he'll come away with a Bachelors in Business Admin so it's almost like a double major.

Hope you have smooth sailing through the program!

[canadianpro]

Good Luck! You are right....I have been teaching for 45 years and truly never understood the "ball flight laws" until I decided to embrace S&T.; I have learned more in the past two years than I did in twenty. Remember most golf professionals get into the business because of their love of the game. Few get rich but most enjoy.
All the best!
PB

[TheWookie]

congrats! If you need any advice about getting through the program let me know...I completed it pretty fast. Helped that I had huge support form my club/ pro staff. I was one of the first classes to get Class A in Port St Lucie right before they opened the new facilities up.

[right handed phil mickelson]

Good luck man! Some of the tips you gave me a little while ago (which I didn't take at first, then got yelled at, looked at them again, and decided to try them), got me down to where my handicap is now. You're a great teacher, and I hope you have fun!

And my golf coach made me read The Golfing Machine a little while ago. I got through Geometrically Oriented Linear Force and proceeded to drool as I had already been asleep for quite some time....

[uttexas]

very cool---something I'd like to do one day. Thank you for dedicating your time and sharing your knowledge.

[michaeljames92]

Mate that is wicked. I hope everything turns out how you want it.

[Jay-Bird]

Is there any playing exam? Like shoot a certain score at a certain course type test?

[AP2]

Good luck to you in your PGM Program. I'm curious to where you are doing your program at. I ask because I too am doing the program at the University of Central Oklahoma.

[ilikefishes]

I graduated from the PGM program at New Mexico State University in one of the first classes there. Good luck, looks like you are progressing right along and passed the PAT. You still need to go through the PGTP correct? That takes time and money from what I have understood. But, if you have the dedication and desire it is supposed to be pretty attainable.

[iacas]

I have no idea what the PGTP is. I have to pass Level 1, 2, and 3 courses.