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| Become a Golfer Fancy yourself as a Pro? Or just want to play down at your local Golf Course? This guide should help. From thegolfdomain.com Have you ever considered becoming a professional golfer? If you have, the following information will help answer some of the questions you may have. Taking the First Steps and Forfeiture of Amateur Status The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews governs all aspects of amateur golf in Britain and lays down very clear rules on the forfeiture of amateur status. These are printed on the back of the Rules of Golf. Anyone thinking of turning professional should read them very carefully before taking any action. Making enquiries, seeking advice, approaching the PGA or one of its members for information will not affect your amateur status. The PGA has experienced staff at National Headquarters and in each of its Regions who will be happy to handle any queries. In broad terms, applying for a position with a golf professional and even working for a golf professional need not jeopardise an individual's amateur status. However, registering with the PGA as a trainee or becoming involved in playing or teaching golf for financial reward, certainly does violate the Rules of Amateur Status Registering onto the Trainee Diploma Programme The programme has been designed to meet the developing needs of the professional golfer in all aspects of the profession including sports science, coaching and managing a business. An Admission Review Programme takes place over two days at the National Training Academy based at the De Vere Belfry. The programme provides the opportunity to assess the suitability of potential students to enter the profession, testing their commitment to the PGA, its values and philosophy. It will also provide potential students with an understanding of career opportunities within the profession. Those successfully completing the ARP will be eligible to take the Playing Ability Test which is held over 36 holes to a defined national standard. To be eligible for both of these programmes candidates will: > Hold a handicap of 4 or better for men and 6 or better for women >Have 4 GCSE passes at Grade C demonstrating literacy and numeracy or: First Diploma or a National Certificate with a credit or merit profile (in a relevant subject) or: Intermediate GNVQ in Business, Information Technology, Leisure & Tourism or Retail & Distributive Services or: NVQ (Level 2) in Administration, Customer Service Information Technology, Management, Retailing, Sports & Recreation or Travel & Tourism. Qualifications gained at a higher level - e.g. A Levels, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3,4 or 5, Advanced GNVQ, HNC and HND will all be accepted. Scottish and Irish equivalents accepted: Scotland: Standard Grade Credit (SCE) GSVQ - II Scottish Group Award 9 Intermediate 2 SVQ - Level II Ireland: Junior Certificate - Grades A-D Leaving Certificate Applied NCVA Foundation - Grades: Pass or Honours Before training can commence, candidates will be required to: > Have attained the age of 18 years > Be working on a full time basis with a fully qualified member of the PGA, holding A(T) status. Five major subjects are covered during the three year training programme: > Business Management > Swing: Theory & Practice > Equipment Technology > Rules & Tournament Organisation > Sports Science Each subject involves approximately 70 hours of study in each year of training. The three year Programme comprises the following elements: > Attendance at a five day residential course each year, held at the National Training Academy. > Self-study programme will be delivered through distance learning packages over the three years. The distance learning will be supported with a variety of teaching materials. > One-day regional examination in both Years I and II. > Two and a half day final examination at the end of the final year (Year III). Once a trainee has passed all elements of the final examination, application for membership follows. When elected, a qualified member is free to apply for any position advertised. Further details are obtainable from the PGA National Training Academy on 01675 470333. |
