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Kelly Kleckner |
Follow a Dream-Become
a Golf Professional
By Kelly Kleckner,
Rockiesgolf.com Columnist
Class A LPGA Teaching Professional
Cherokee Ridge Golf Course Over the years I have had many questions
from people wondering what the title of "Golf Pro" entails.
Questions such as how many tour events do you have to win? What
is the difference between an LPGA and PGA Professional? Why do some
pros call themselves "Class A" versus others are Assistants
and Teaching Professionals?
I will attempt to answer these and other questions regarding both the LPGA and PGA programs with help from my colleagues. I do hope this will help you when choosing the professional you want to take lessons from. I will begin with the LPGA since that is my organization. First of all, we have two divisions-a touring division and a Teaching and Club Professional Division. You choose either one, but the tour players may become teaching pros without having to take a PAT(Player Ability Test) since they have proven themselves on tour. Having decided to join the Teaching and Club Professional Division there are many requirements we must meet.
LPGA:
Eligibility: Must be at least eighteen years of age, have a high school diploma, and must be employed in the golf profession for at least three months prior to application. Procedure: You must have verification of employment, two letters of recommendation, and proof of a handicap under 10.Then you must pass a PAT(Player Ability Test) at a designated sight within one year of application. You may try four times in one year and if you are unsuccessful there is a waiting period before you can reapply to the organization. *Officially you are out of the golf program if you are unable to pass your PAT within one year. Apprentice: After successfully completing your PAT, written evaluation(100 questions on all aspects of golf), and interview you are considered an Apprentice. You are an Apprentice for two years needing to earn at least eight education credits to be able to advance to the next level which is a Class B. Class B: This is a golf pro who has successfully passed eight education credits along with another written evaluation of golf knowledge, and a graded practical teaching evaluation. This status remains for another two years where she must again earn at least eight education credits. Class A: This member has successfully passed all education requirements, another written evaluation, and an intense practical teaching evaluation given by other Class A Pros and often National Officers to the LPGA. This member has achieved a top teaching status which must be renewed every two years with a minimum of twenty-four education credits. After many years in the golf business, LPGA Members in good standing may also qualify for the following depending on their service and points earned: Master Professional, Life Member, Senior Member, and Honorary Member. Our education points are earned through attending and passing Teaching Schools I,II, and III, Swing Model Workshop, and area seminars.
PGA:
The PGA recently adopted a new program consisting of phases:*Once you pass a PAT you must complete the following in six years: Phase I: You must be employed in the golf business for at least six months, complete a PAT, and a Pro Readiness Orientation. However, you can't take the orientation until you pass a PAT which you have eight years to do so. The Orientation is set up so that half way through the five day course you are given a test, and if you fail you have one retake. If you fail the retake you are finished and must start the process over. Upon successful completion of the above, you are given an Apprentice Card. Phase II and III: You must pass Business School I, II, and III. This can be done in twelve to eighteen months, but you have the full six years. Class A: You must pass an oral interview on all aspects of golf. Every three years you must complete six service points and thirty-six hours of education to renew your Class A. The PGA is also beginning a "Concentration Area" when renewing Class A Professionals. They may choose their education points to concentrate in areas such as teaching and golf management. When discussing the LPGA and PGA with area colleagues in the business, we found the major differences between the two programs was the time a person has to pass their PAT and the focus of the education involved. Both programs have made considerable changes in the last few years trying to cut down on applicants, but the PGA allows eight years to pass a PAT while you may work in a shop, call yourself an Assistant Professional, and accept money for lessons-regardless of your golf background. The LPGA however, allows only one year for an applicant to hold any status without passing a PAT or they're finished in the program. The PGA's education consists of Business School I, II, and III versus the LPGA's Teaching Schools I, II, and III. Basically, if you go into the PGA you are focused in the direction of running a golf shop or golf course-the business aspect is the concentration. In the LPGA, the focus is on teaching students and being the best possible teacher you can be. I should note however, that both programs provide a rounded education in teaching and business although each have their separate concentrations. Titles of Professionals: Apprentice: Someone who is relatively new to either the LPGA or PGA, has passed their PAT,and are beginning the education process in the business. Assistant Professionals: Most in this category work in the pro shop and are working toward their Class A, and many also have not passed a PAT. However, there are some who are Class A's waiting for a Head Pro position or Teaching Pro position to open up. ** Most courses allow applicants working in the pro shop and waiting to pass their PAT's to teach regardless of experience. Golf courses have First, Second etc. Assistants-this depends on the time and dedication they have put into working in the pro shop and does not necessarily reflect their teaching experience or ability. **Due to this title including varying degrees of accomplishments, I recommend asking the assistant's status in the program-then you will have a better idea of how qualified they are to teach. Teaching Professionals: The LPGA considers any Class B or Class A a Teaching Professional. The PGA however only considers their Class A's for this title after ten years of being a Class A. However, PGA Members may call themselves this after six years as a Class A if they choose. Class A: The highest ranking in the PGA and LPGA. These people have the most experience and knowledge when it comes to both teaching and business. Head Professional: A PGA or LPGA Class A Member who is hired to run a golf course. It may be private or public and they have duties of hiring and firing employees along with making sure every aspect of the business is running smoothly. Remember that anyone regardless of their ability or teaching skills can call themselves a "Pro" once they accept money for lessons. To avoid discouraging lessons, always ask questions regarding the person you are interested in taking lessons from before the lessons begin! You may find they are not as qualified or more qualified than what you are looking for in a teacher! *Thanks to my PGA colleagues who helped with PGA guidelines for this article. TIP OF THE MONTH: STAY SQUARE! We sometimes forget how important it is to stay aligned in order to produce our golf shots. Once you have addressed the ball turn your head to look at your target keeping a club across your chest to see where it points. You club should point parallel to your target line(make sure your feet are headed on the same line). If you raise up to look, you will open you left shoulder and it will appear your club is aiming to the left. Set up and make sure your feet and shoulders are parallel to your target by turning you head to look then take your swing-you're sure to be aligned!
Kelly Kleckner, LPGA Teaching Class A: Kelly teaches at Cherokee
Ridge Golf Course in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She played Collegiate
Golf for Colorado State University, and is the founder and director
of the LPGA Girls Golf Club for the area. She coaches and teaches
private and semi-private lessons all year. For more information
call 719-576-9176.
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