- 1). Hone your own golfing skills. Knowing how to play the game correctly will boost your confidence when instructing others. Understanding how to perform the fundamentals allows you to better instruct your students how to correct their own flaws.
- 2). Learn as much as you can about the game. If you have the title of golf professional, you should be an expert in the field. Read books and magazines; watch movies and training videos. You should always keep up with the latest happenings around the sport of golf.
- 3). Develop strong communication skills. Dealing with golfers on an individual basis will require different levels of communication. One hour you may be working with an 8-year-old and the next an elderly golfer. Being able to describe what adjustments need to be made clearly across all ages and levels of experience is essential.
- 4). Enroll in the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America training program. This course can be completed either at home or on-location. Two tests are required to pass the program: a 100-question, open-book written exam and a playing ability test. The playing test requires four scores of 83 or less. This score differs depending on sex and age.
If you are instead interested in becoming a PGA-certified pro, you will need to join their apprenticeship program, which must be completed within eight years. This requires you to be an eligible employee at a PGA-recognized facility. A 36-hole playing test is also part of this program. The score guidelines are dependent on the course rating. - 5). Begin giving lessons. Whether you apply for a job at a golf facility or provide lessons on your own, you're now a pro. This real-life, on-the-job experience will help serve as a foundation for your future as a pro.
- 6). Take refresher courses and attend conventions throughout your career. As a golf pro, you should be aware of all the latest technology. Your students will definitely ask for your advice on the newest driver or putter. You should also continue improving on your own skills. For instance, if you're an expert at chipping, take some long-iron courses to better tie the two together.
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