There are three pathways that lead to PGA membership:
While the associate and university programs differ in significant ways, both pathways require completion of the same PGA PGM curriculum, work experience, PGA Playing Ability Test, and employment or internship requirements.
The courses cover content and activities every PGA Professional should know and be able to demonstrate when they enter the profession as a PGA member.
The Reciprocity test-out option is available for either current or former LPGA Class A Tour Player members or current LPGA Class A Teaching and Club Professional division members only.
The first few steps can be found below. For more information and questions feel free to contact the MAPGA’s Membership Director Kristine Alonso at (540) 784-4723 or call 1-800-4PGAPRO.
1. Complete a Background Check
2. Register and test out of an online pre-qualifying course
3. Satisfy the Playing Ability Test (PAT) requirement. The MAPGA PAT schedule is listed below.
4. Register into the PGA PGM associate program.
Once you are a registered Associate, you must attend an Associate Orientation if you desire to participate in Section tournaments. All Orientations are conducted at the MAPGA Section office and cost $25.00 to attend. You will take a 50 question rules test that will determine if you earn your playing privileges within the Section. Below are the Orientation dates for 2024. Please contact Kristine Alonso at the Section office to register (540) 784-4723 or kalonso@pgahq.com.
To register for a PAT please click here or call PGA National at 1-800-474-2776. Registration links for each site will be available soon.
The MAPGA does not take registration for PAT’s.
Tee times will be posted one week before the event.
| Date & Site | Fee | Phone Number & Registration |
| April 23rd, 2024 PAT Great Hope GC Westover, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (410)-651-5900 Register |
| May 6th, 2024 PAT Forest Greens GC Triangle, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (703)-221-0123 Register |
| May 28th, 2024 PAT PB Dye GC Ijamsville, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (301)-607-4653 Register |
| June 10th, 2024 PAT Auburn Hills GC Riner, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (540)-381-4995 Register |
| June 24th, 2024 PAT The Dominion Club Glen Allen, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (804)-360-1200 Register |
| July 1st, 2024 PAT Enterprise GC Mitchellville, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (301)-249-2040 Register |
| July 15th, 2024 PAT Stoneleigh G&CC Round Hill, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (540)-338-4653 Register |
| July 29th, 2024 PAT Mountain Branch GC Joppa, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (410)-836-9600 Register |
| August 5th, 2024 PAT University of Maryland GC College Park, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (301)-314-4653 Register |
| August 26th, 2024 PAT Bide-A-Wee GC Portsmouth, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (757) 393-8600 Register |
| September 19th, 2024 PAT Eaglewood GC Langley AFB, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (757) 764-4547 Register |
| September 30th, 2024 PAT Locust Hill GC Charles Town, WV | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (304) 728-7300 Register |
| October 21st, 2024 PAT Sleepy Hole GC Suffolk, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (757) 538-4100 Register |