Become a PGA Member
There are three pathways that lead to PGA membership:
• PGA PGM Associate Program
• PGA Golf Management University Program
• Test-out option for current and former LPGA members
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 Hofmann 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.
ASSOCIATE ORIENTATION
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 2021. Please contact Kristine Hofmann at the Section office to register (540) 784-4723 or khofmann@pgahq.com.
Thursday, December 3rd 2020
Thursday, February 4th
Thursday, April 1st
Thursday, June 3rd
Thursday, August 5th
Thursday, October 7th
Thursday, December 2nd
To register for a PAT please CLICK HERE or call PGA National at 1-800-474-2776.
The MAPGA does not take registration for PAT’s.
Tee times will be posted one week before the event.
PAT Adjustments for COVID-19:
Playing Ability Test Qualifying Score: While PATs are currently not being conducted, individuals may temporarily submit verification of a handicap index of ten or less, to satisfy the PAT Qualifying Score in order to register as an Associate. This is commensurate with the current parameters of the Qualifying Score, listed in the chart on this page:
All individuals who enter in this manner will still need to eventually fully pass the Playing Ability Test to elect into PGA Membership.
| PAT Schedule | ||
|---|---|---|
| April 13th 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 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| May 3rd PAT Worthington Manor GC Urbana, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: 301-874-5400 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| May 17th 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 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| June 22nd PAT Shenandoah Valley GC Front Royal, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: 540-636-4653 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| July 12th PAT CC of the Highlands Chesterfield, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: 804-796-4800 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| July 12th PAT Argyle CC Silver Spring, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: 301-598-6949 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| July 26th PAT Old Hickory GC Woodbridge, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: 703-580-9000 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| August 2nd PAT Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech Radford, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: 540-633-6732 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| September 20th PAT Kiln Creek GC & Resort Newport News, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: 757-988-3212 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| October 12th PAT Ocean Pines GC Ocean Pines, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: 410-641-6057 Registration Link Coming Soon |
| October 25th PAT Bowling Green CC Front Royal, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: 540-635-2040 Registration Link Coming Soon |