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 2019. Please contact Kristine Hofmann at the Section office to register (540) 784-4723 or khofmann@pgahq.com.
Thursday, June 4th
Thursday, August 6th
Thursday, October 1st
Thursday, December 3rd
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 21, 2020 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 Postponed |
| May 4, 2020 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 Postponed until further notice |
| Rescheduled for July 13, 2020 May 18, 2020 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 Registration |
| Rescheduled for August 12, 2020 June 9, 2020 PAT Musket Ridge GC Myersville, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (301) 293-9930 Registration |
| June 22, 2020 PAT Locust Hill GC Charles Toown, WV | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (304) 728-7300 Registration |
| July 6, 2020 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 |
| July 8, 2020 PAT Old Trail GC Crozet, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (434) 823-8101 Registration |
| July 27, 2020 PAT Williamsburg National GC Williamsburg, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (757) 258-9642 Registration |
| August 10, 2020 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) 314-9788 Registration |
| September 21, 2020 PAT Woodholme GC Pikesville, MD | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (410) 486-3849 Registration |
| September 28, 2020 PAT Hidden Valley CC Salem, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (540) 389-8146 Registration |
| October 6, 2020 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 |
| October 26, 2020 PAT Bowling Green GC (North Course) Front Royal, VA | Registration Fee: $120 Onsite Fee: $60 (includes greens fee, range, golf cart, and lunch) | Site Phone Number: (540) 635-2024 Registration |