Detail Of PGA Of South Africa Apprenticeship Programme 2017 / 2018
The PGA Apprentice Programme: Introduction, Application Process, Guidelines and Rules
Introduction
Are you keen on becoming a Golf Professional (as opposed to a Professional Golfer? The PGA of South Africa runs an apprentice programme that is on a par with the best in the world and confers internationally accreditation status to its graduates.
If you wish to register please do not hesitate to contact the PGA head office on 011 485 1370.
Below is a summary of the process which you will undergo and criteria that will need to be fulfilled in order to qualify as a member of the PGA.
Registering with the PGA
To qualify to register with the PGA you must have:
The registration process:
Note: it is not always the case that if an apprentice is employed by a full member he will necessarily pass the interview and be accepted by the PGA
The enrolment process:
Academic registration
The academic year is from 1st of April to the 30th of March
You can register for the following academic year from the first week in January to the 15th of March. The PGA training academy will be closed between Christmas and New Year.
Note: An apprentice can begin the time component of his apprenticeship from March to October and he will be entitled to the privileges of an apprentice member. However when entering tournaments he is last in the priority list that is ordered from the academic years 3rd to 2nd to 1st and then to the “pre-academic apprentice”.
Coaching
Before an apprentice is allowed to coach he must pass his Teaching Ability Test.
The Training Process
The training of potential members has two main aspects. ‘On-site’ training is work done under the guidance and supervision of the employing professional. ‘Academic’ training refers to the courses organized for all trainees by the PGA Director of Training.
On-site training has been the backbone of training received by young professionals. Daily contact in a personal relationship with a professional often with many years’ experience provides an ideal atmosphere for learning. Specific assignments are given and members of the PGA’s training body carefully monitor every aspect of these.
Every trainee is required to attend three ‘academic’ training courses over a three year period which deals with aspects such as:
The programme presented is acquired from the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland and carries Foundation Degree status in the UK. The PGA of South Africa is a member of the PGA of Europe and the training programme carries their accreditation & endorsement.
Educational requirements to be fulfilled during your 3 year apprenticeship you need to:
The Playing Ability test
Professionals are required to be able to play golf to a suitable standard. During the apprenticeship the apprentice is required to score 4 scores of 5 over par or better in PGA tournaments. You are also required to keep an updated playing log and maintain a handicap.