So, you’re quite good at golf and want to go pro? Being a pro golfer is an arduous journey, but if you have the perseverance, determination, and hope of becoming one, you might become the next big star in gold.
However, you might be asking, how do I become a pro golfer? Well, let us tell you. You must do some things to become the next big name in pro golfing.
What Is a Golf Pro?
We can’t blame you if you’re confused about a golf pro. Some people would say that golf pros are involved in either playing or teaching golf professionally; however, you need to know a huge difference between golf professionals and professional golfers. Are you still with us? Good, because we’re about to explain the difference between them.
Golf professionals typically work on the business or management side, like teaching and coaching amateurs or professional golfers. On the other hand, professional golfers are the ones who are competing in high-profile tournaments like the PGA tour and the Masters.
Many professional golfers started as golf professionals. Usually, they apply for a private club, teach some people, and get their certifications to be professional golfers. However, some people are good amateurs and were scouted by private clubs.
Complete a Golf-Related Bachelor’s Degree
Gaining a PGM qualification is perhaps one of the most popular routes to becoming a professional golfer. This is especially true in the UK as their degree programs are the most acclaimed golf qualifications in the world.
If you’re willing to start in the business side of professional golf and work your way up through the ranks, then getting a golf-related degree is the best path for you. You can get a foundation degree in golf studies at the University of Birmingham and can go into a BSc (Hons) in Professional Golf Studies. You can also opt for a Higher Education Golf Studies Diploma at the University of Highlands and Islands.
Progress Through PGA Titles
You can develop yourself for higher goals once you obtain education, experience, accreditation, and achievements. One of the options you have on your plate is to go from Class A to AA, which is usually obtained by getting CPD points within three years of professional development.
However, You have to note that if you don’t get to Class AA status before you’re 55, you will stay at this level for life. Aside from the Class AA status, you can also become a PGA advanced professional, PGA fellow professional, PGA advanced fellow professional, and PGA master professional. These titles can be obtained if you meet the specific criteria and the relevant time as a golf professional.
You have to remember, though, that even if you become a PGA master professional, that doesn’t mean you can automatically become a professional golfer. It’s all about skill with golf, after all.
Get Up to Professional Standard
It’s all about skill, so you must prove your worth among your friends, local tournaments, or club tournaments near you. This is probably the most challenging hurdle you will encounter if you want to be a professional golfer.
Still, you’re already halfway there if you manage to get up to a professional standard. If you think your skills are stagnating, you can hire a coach if you can afford the investment.
Take a Swing at Amateur Events
Once you’ve proven your worth with the friendly competitions within your local club, you can start your career by looking up and joining formal golfing events. Usually, there are plenty of formal golf tournaments in the US and UK. You just have to look them up online.
Check out official amateur golf tours and series worldwide if you think you’re good enough. Progressing through the ranks and dominating in these official golfing events will lead you to be invited or qualify for the big leagues. This is usually the typical way to become a professional golfer.
Commit to Being a Professional
If you’re starting to win consistently at these amateur events, you might want to go on and join their professional counterparts. Golf differs from other sports since instead of a team deciding to go, the decision to go is up to you.
However, be warned that you must be at your best skill level before entering. Professional golf tournaments are highly competitive both in and out of the tournaments since betting is also very popular, and you can see bettors betting big money on FanDuel golf odds.
They are also very expensive to join, so you need to be sure and dedicated. In the UK, the easiest way to transition to the professional leagues is to become a PGA member and enter the PGA Open Series.
Usually, these tournaments have a registration fee of £100 and 20k winning funds. This is a huge leap for you, but if you think you’re at your best skill level and can afford it, you should go for it. Don’t let your age become a hurdle to your dreams. There have been many late bloomers in professional golf before. Take, for example, Allen Doyle. He became a pro golfer at age 46.
Compete in the Korn Ferry Tour
One thing about the Korn Ferry Tour is that before you can compete in this tournament, you have to secure a place by going to Q-school first, which is another thing on its own. But if you are already at this level, you can now call yourself a professional golfer.
The Korn Ferry Tour just sits behind the PGA Tour, so finishing in the top 25 can give you a card to join the PGA Tour. Finishing between 26 and 50 can grant you entry, and you’ll still have a chance to make a professional debut.
Final Words
Becoming a professional golfer is a hard journey with a lot of obstacles. However, if you’re determined to become the best at golf and have the skill to back it up, the PGA Tour will always be within reach. Keep up the hard work, and maybe you’ll be on TV next time.