becoming a head golf pro

Question
Hello, my boyfriend is very interested in golf as a career. We looked at the Golf Academy of America, but it was too expensive for us. Since then, we have decided to move to California so he could get his associate's degree in Golf Management. However, we didn't realize the importance of also becoming certified. I've been looking at the PGA PGM program, but that also looks too expensive for us. One affordable option was the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America as a way to take the PAT. My question is, what is the best next step for him to take? Is an associate's degree even valuable in this field? There is another (more expensive) associate's degree through CalUMS that includes the PGA Education Curriculum and the PAT. Or would it be possible to get hired on by a course that would sponsor him to become certified? Thank you for your help!

Answer
Kristi,

It appears that you have done your research to this point. That's very admirable. The best way, if affordable, is take the courses in a PGA accredited college. You mentioned that you looked into a couple but they were too expensive. What about financial aid?

It would certainly be worthwhile for your boyfriend to visit all of the courses in the area and talk to the golf pros about getting a job. I would advise him to call ahead and make appointments instead of just showing up at the course. Some courses will pay for all or part of the course load expense if he can get the job.

Good luck to both of you,

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional