Kristine Alonso
Assistant Executive Director – Membership & Operations
(540) 784-4723 | kalonso@pgahq.com
The PDR Cycle is from June 16, 2025 through June 15, 2028. Where credits are restricted per cycle year, the PDR Cycle Year is defined as June 16th of one year to June 15th of the next year.
36 Required Credits – PGA Approved Education, PGA Coach Education, Professional Standards Education/Training, PGA Meeting Attendance and National Survey Completion, Official Section Mentoring Program, and Specified PGA Player Engagement Programs.
➢ All credits earned in the Required Category are also credited toward the Total Category.
54 Total Credits – A total of 54 credits must be earned, with at least 36 credits from Required PGA Approved Education, PGA Coach Education, Professional Standards Education/Training, PGA Meeting Attendance and National Survey Completion, Official Section Mentoring Program, and Specified PGA Player Engagement Programs, while the other means of obtaining credits toward the total requirement remain per the prior program.
For more information regarding PDR credits, CLICK HERE. Please contact Kristine Alonso, Assistant Executive Director- Membership & Operations, at the Section office if you have any questions regarding PDR credits at kalonso@pgahq.com or (540) 784-4723
If you are participating in online education, there are specific course requirements to be eligible for credits. Those requirements are outlined below:
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 whether you earn your playing privileges within the Section. Below are the Orientation dates for 2026;
The Playing Ability Test or “PAT” is a measure of golfing ability. It means PGA Professionals have the skills needed to teach and grow the game. The 36-hole playing ability test is something you must pass to become a PGA Professional.
Registration links for each site will be available shortly.
| Date & Site | Fee | Phone Number & Registration |
|---|---|---|
| April 14th, 2026
PAT Nutters Crossing GC Salisbury, MD |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number:(410) 860-4653 |
| April 28th, 2026
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 18th, 2026
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 |
| June 3rd, 2026
PAT Musket Ridge GC Myersville, MD |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number: (301) 293-9930Register |
| June 8th, 2026
PAT Williamsburg National GC Williamsburg, VA |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number: (757) 258-9642Register |
| July 6th, 2026
PAT Dominion Valley CC Haymarket, VA |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number: (571) 222-6900Register |
| July 13th, 2026
PAT Renditions GC Davidsonville, MD |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number: (410) 798-9798Register |
| July 20th, 2026
PAT Mountain Branch GC Joppatowne, MD |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number:(410) 836-9600Register |
| August 10th, 2026
PAT Hidden Valley CC Salem, VA |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number: (540) 389-8146Register |
| August 17th, 2026
PAT Bull Run GC Haymarket, VA |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number: (703)-753-7777 Register |
| September 21st, 2026
PAT Hanover GC Ashland, VA |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number: (804) 798-8381Register |
| September 22nd, 2026
PAT Great Hope GC Westover, MD |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number: (410) 651-5900Register |
| October 6th, 2026
Nutters Crossing GC Salisbury, MD |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number:(410) 860-4653Register |
| October 22nd, 2026
Eaglewood GC Langley AFB, VA |
Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) |
Site Phone Number:(757) 764-4547Register |
Click here to view PAT Policies and Procedures.
There are two primary pathways that lead to PGA Membership:
PGA Professional Golf Management Program
To become a PGA Member, you’ll need to become a registered Associate before completing the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA PGM) Program – an award-winning educational program designed for aspiring PGA Professionals that focuses on the People, the Business, and the Game.
The PGA Golf Management University Program
The PGA Golf Management University Program, accredited by The Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA), is a college degree program designed to attract and educate bright, highly motivated men and women to service all aspects of the industry and produce PGA Members.