Becoming A Fully Qualified Teaching Professional
The PGA Academy exists to provide a pathway for individuals that wish to become a fully qualified PGA Teaching Professional.
A golfer who becomes a professional by following the PGA Academy Trainee Programme has the opportunity not only to play at professional level, but also to pursue a career as a qualified teacher, club repair expert, and sales and fitting retailer.
The PGA of New Zealand runs a Trainee Programme in conjunction with existing Class A members. Of three years duration, the programme is available to any golfer - male or female - who wish to become fully qualified PGA Teaching Professionals. Before starting on such a programme however they must meet the PGA's demanding eligibility requirements.
During their three years of training, which is spent as an apprentice in the employment of a Class A Professional at an approved golf course or driving range, Trainees receive valuable on-the-job training and experience. Through attendance at PGA Schools and workshops, they learn the theory and practice of teaching the golf swing, acquire skills in club fitting and repair and the management of a business. At the same time they are required to demonstrate that their own game is improving by participation in regular trainee tournaments, and meeting an annual playing standard.
ACADEMIC CONTENT
During their Traineeship Trainees will study subjects under the following categories:
- The Golf Swing, and how to teach it.The most important part of a Club Professional's work is teaching the golf swing.The trainee examines teaching methods, and learns how to use modern teaching aids and techniques in the most effective way;
- Golf Science, which imparts an understanding of human anatomy and biomechanics, and their impact on the golf swing;
- Club Design, Construction and Repair. While few golf Professionals nowadays make clubs, they do need to understand their construction in order to be able to offer a first class fitting and repair service. The rapid evolution of technology in the design and construction of golf clubs presents a constant challenge to the Club Professional.
- Retail Theory : specific to the golf business;
- Golf Specific Psychology;
- Tournament : promotion and management.
Regular Schools are held, and theoretical assignments and examinations assess the progress of the Trainee.
Prior to qualifying the Trainee is also required to gain areas of competence from three external bodies:
- A Practical First Aid Certificate - a two day course - delivered by Red Cross or St. Johns.
- A Golf Management Programme - conducted by the PGA International Golf Institute in conjunction with the PGAs of New Zealand and Australia. The purpose of this course is to ensure that graduates from the PGA Training Programme will have the expertise to enable them to survive and prosper in the modern economic world in a golf specific business sense. The golf management programme is built into each years level of study.
- A Class A Rules Badge from the New Zealand Golf Association. Seminars and examinations are conducted by District Golf Associations.
PLAYING ABILITY
Although Club Professionals do not normally play a lot of competitive golf they are expected to be able to demonstrate playing ability, and tournament play is an important part of the PGA's Trainee Programme. Each year a Trainee is required to return thirty cards for rounds played under Academy approved match conditions. The best 80 per cent of these must show a playing standard over par of 5.75 or better in Year One; 5.00 in Year Two and 4.00 in Year Three.
Trainee Professionals are encouraged to enter and play in NZPGA conducted tournaments where eligible.
To find out more information on the PGA Academy Trainee programme see "How to Turn Pro.
