I was just wondering how long does it take to become certified, how much work does it take, how much does it cost for classes, books, etc, and what the pay is like. Also, how good of a high school golfer were you and how good of a golfer do you have to be to get certified. I have to write a career paper for school and this career kind of interested me. I saw the topic about the guy who just finished 6 level 1 books, looks like a lot of work, at least to get started.

Thanks,
Ryan

Ryan,
Hey buddy, how's it going? I did the same project when I was a senior in high school (class of '02) and now I'm about 1 year into the Professional Golf Management (PGM) program. It is a lot of work and a lot of money. Level 1 books runs you about 800 bucks. All told, I think it's going to end up being about 4000 dollars. As far as my skill level, I was nothing special when I was your age. If I broke 80 I was pumped. When I passed, I was probably about a 6 handicap and now I'm about scratch. I passed the playing test in July of '04. A passing score is anything even with or under the cut, which is determined by adding 15 to twice the course rating. So, if the course rating is 70.2 the max passing score is 155 (140.4+15=155.4). You play 36 holes consecutively in the Playing Ability Tournament (PAT). All of this information is available at www.pgalinks.com. PM me if you have any more questions. I've heard of guys finishing the program in 3 years, some in like 6 or 7.

Eric

Hmm, the course I play has a rating of 74 and 76 depending if I play the blues or blacks. If the PAT portion were at the course I play at I wouldn't have too much trouble with that. I shot a 79 from the tips with the same set up as they had for U.S. Open qualifying.

Anyhow, thanks for all the information, I'm definantly going to check out that site.