Turn Your Passion Into A Career Become a Golf Professional
PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS’ ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GOLF PROFESSIONAL
A golf professional provides Instruction to all golfers, Leadership for all golf environments and the Expertise necessary to handle any situation. A typical day in the life of a golf professional focusses on their number one priority, commitment and support toward their memberships. Although the day is busy with meetings with club members, tournament coordination, teaching and pro shop operations, they still find time in their day to lend a helping hand to members practicing on the driving range. Members of the PGA of Canada have a strong desire to succeed as professionals and more importantly as experts in their chosen field. Golf is their vocation, a career path from which they earn their living. Though it’s a very demanding training program, the PGA of Canada ensures that all Members understand the rigors of the golf industry early on in their careers, eliminating as many of the surprises as possible that a Member may encounter on a daily basis as a Golf Professional.
THINKING ABOUT BEING “Being in control of my earning A GOLF PROFESSIONAL? potential is a very motivating aspect of The following skills are considered “must my profession as I know that if I push haves” for an individual wishing to enjoy a myself to work harder and commit more successful career in the golf industry as a Golf time to golf instruction, I will be well Professional: compensated for that extra effort. The relationships I have cultivated with • Competent in Playing the Game of Golf • Strong Work Ethic members and coworkers over my career • Ability to Engage People could be the thing I hold most dear to • A Genuine Passion for the Business of Golf me from my time as a Golf Professional.” • Positive Attitude – Sean Thompson, Associate Golf • Proper Etiquette and Professionalism Professional at Calgary Golf and Country • Innovative, Honest, Trustworthy and Dependable Club • Demonstrates Integrity and Ability to Maintain Confidentiality CAREER PATHS
Once you have become a Class A Professional, there are many different avenues that you can take your career:
“Having played golf from a young age it was very natural to progress into becoming a PGA of Alberta member. Going from playing the game to teaching it and managing a golf course comes with a lot of questions and learning along the way. The learning opportunities provided by the PGA of Alberta as well as the resources and history available have been very helpful along this path.” – Matt Barkway, Head Professional at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort
Golf Instruction, Golf Operations and Club Management Career Profiles • Guest Services Attendant • Teaching Professional • Director of Instruction • Pro Shop Assistant • Pro Shop Supervisor • Pro Shop Manager • Pro Manager • Head Professional • Director of Golf • Executive Professional • General Manager "Similar to other professional industries, golf presents the opportunity to use leadership and entrepreneurship to advance your career. In addition to managing a golf facility, a quality golf professional can develop revenue via lessons, club sales, event management, membership sales and a variety of other channels. The golf industry is evolving just like all industries, and innovation is becoming welcomed and utilized to create a better work and client culture."– Todd Halpen, Candidate for Membership, Golf Canada Centre
HOW TO BECOME A GOLF PROFESSIONAL
STEP 1: Register with PGA of Canada before June 1st. www.PGAofCanada.com
STEP 2: Register for a Playing Ability Test with the PGA of Alberta. Five P.A.T’s are offered every golf season
STEP 3: Once you have passed the Playing Ability Test paid your dues and completed a police check, you are officially a Candidate for Membership.
STEP 4: Complete you rules of golf, club fitting workshop and evaluation, Instructor of Beginner Golfers (IB) and Instructor of Intermediate Golfers (II) contexts from the PGA of Canada’s Teaching & Coaching Certification Program (TCCP)
STEP 5: Complete the 5 Core Competency Module.
STEP 6: Complete the PGA of Canada formal education component
STEP 7: Complete the required hours in the golf industry and if applicable complete you Class A P.A.T. The golf industry can be a very rewarding and challenging field for those who make the decision to call it their chosen profession. ABOUT THE PGA OF ALBERTA
The PGA of Alberta is a provincially organized branch of the Professional Golfers’ Association of Canada which was formed in 1911. It is the second oldest professional golf association in the world. Over 550 PGA of Alberta Members located at 160 facilities throughout the province work to promote the game to Alberta’s 800,000 golfers. Operating as a not-for-profit organization, the PGA of Alberta organizes golf tournaments, education seminars, trade shows and consumer shows all with one goal in mind: to advance the careers of our Members. THE MOST TRUSTED RESOURCES IN GOLF
CONTACT INFORMATION If you have any questions or would like more information on becoming a PGA of Canada Golf Professional please contact: PGA of Alberta 517 - 23 Avenue NW Calgary, AB T2M 1S7 403.256.8894 1.888.866.6140 (toll free) [email protected] Leaders Teachers Players Builders