I was thinking about becoming a PGA professional. Probably not a teaching pro, but more along the lines of clubmaker or course management. Does anyone have any information outside of what I have read on the PGA site. Does everyone have to pass the PAT, including clubmakers? I already have a degree from a four year university, and I am working for a marketing company, so I know I would have to change jobs to an eligible job first. Any information I can get will help, especially information about how to start the process. I know that I am at a disadvantage living in MI because of the short season, but I am willing to move once I get into a position where I can make some money Thanks in advance.

If you don't want to teach there is no reason to become a PGA professional. It will run you about $5000.

So I am just better off taking a job with some other entity around the country doing what I would like. That sounds like a better idea, but would there be difficulty if I wanted to do something that is PGA related, such as working with a major manufacturer on tour or something like that?

I am in the same boat at the moment. I am finishing up my last semester at The San Diego Golf Academy in Arizona and will be looking for a similar job early next year. Most all of the guys at school are going into teaching and are becoming PGA pros, but Equipment is MUCH more my thing and want to work in the golf equipment industry. I also want to keep my amateur status.

The PGA has many classifications. Most of the Sales Reps or guys that work for the Major club companies are not PGA some are former PGA members. If you would like to be a Head Pro one day than PGA is a needed for almost anyplace. If you want to teach PGA is not as important since the PGA does not focus the majority on teaching. They will have you believe they do, but they don't. The PGA knows that and is working on a program just for teaching since most of the big names you hear about are not even PGA. They train their teachers themselves and create their own titles.

go to PGAlinks.com to find out everything that you need. I am currently in the PGM program and absolutely love it. I am also more interested in the manufacture,design,repair, and marketing of equipment. There are also plenty of club fitting and club repair certifications that you can get through short on site seminars.

if you are working in marketing you might want to work for the pga tour. i interned with them for one of the big tournaments and it's a fun job and you're around golf, but still get some of the benefits of corporate life.

Do you have any specifics on who I should be trying to talk to for the tour? That would be a really cool way to stay involved. You can just shoot me a PM if you want. Thanks!