Turn Your Passion Into

A Career

Become a Golf Professional

PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS’ ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA

Members of the PGA of Canada have a strongdesire to succeed as professionals and moreimportantly as experts in their chosen field. Golf istheir vocation, a career path from which they earntheir living.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GOLF PROFESSIONAL

“Being in control of my earning

potential is a very motivating aspect of

my profession as I know that if I push

myself to work harder and commit more

time to golf instruction, I will be well

compensated for that extra effort.

The relationships I have cultivated with

members and coworkers over my career

could be the thing I hold most dear to

me from my time as a Golf Professional.”

– Sean Thompson, Associate Golf

Professional at Calgary Golf and Country

Club

Though it’s a very demanding training program, the

The following skills are considered “musthaves” for an individual wishing to enjoy asuccessful career in the golf industry as a GolfProfessional:

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.

• Competent in Playing the Game of Golf• Strong Work Ethic• Ability to Engage People• A Genuine Passion for the Business of Golf• Positive Attitude• Proper Etiquette and Professionalism• Innovative, Honest, Trustworthy and Dependable• Demonstrates Integrity and Ability to Maintain

Confidentiality

THINKING ABOUT BEINGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL?

A typical day in the life of a golf professionalfocusses on their number one priority,commitment and support toward theirmemberships. Although the day is busy withmeetings with club members, tournamentcoordination, teaching and pro shop operations,they still find time in their day to lend a helpinghand to members practicing on the driving range.

A golf professional provides Instruction to all golfers, Leadership for all golf environments and theExpertise necessary to handle any situation.

“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 itand managing a golf course comes with a lot of questions and learning along theway. 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

Once you have become a Class A Professional, there are manydifferent avenues that you can take your career:

CAREER PATHS

"Similar to other professional industries, golf presents the opportunityto use leadership and entrepreneurship to advance your career. Inaddition to managing a golf facility, a quality golf professional candevelop revenue via lessons, club sales, event management,membership sales and a variety of other channels. The golf industry isevolving just like all industries, and innovation is becoming welcomedand utilized to create a better work and client culture."– Todd Halpen,Candidate for Membership, Golf Canada Centre

HOW TO BECOMEA GOLF PROFESSIONAL

Register with PGA of Canada before June 1st. www.PGAofCanada.com

Register for a Playing Ability Test with the PGA of Alberta. Five P.A.T’s are offered every golf season

Once you have passed the Playing Ability Test paid your dues and completed a police check, you are officially a Candidate for Membership.

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)

Complete the 5 Core Competency Module.

Complete the PGA of Canada formal education component

Complete the required hours in the golf industry and if applicable complete you Class A P.A.T.

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

STEP 3:

STEP 4:

STEP 5:

STEP 6:

STEP 7:

The golf industry can be a very rewarding and challenging field for those who makethe 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 ofCanada 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 topromote the game to Alberta’s 800,000 golfers. Operating as a not-for-profit organization, the PGAof 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 INFORMATIONIf you have any questions or would like more

information on becoming a PGA of Canada Golf Professional please contact:

PGA of Alberta517 - 23 Avenue NW

Calgary, ABT2M 1S7

403.256.88941.888.866.6140 (toll free)info@pgaofalberta.com

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