Passing the PGA PAT

[jslane57]

This is a bit of theater IMO. I can't imagine sections are all that different, but the courses are typically very easy, set up easy, and there certainly aren't any sucker pins. You get to chose where you want to take the PAT in advance so there's plenty of time for practice rounds to familiarize yourself with the layout. Some of these posts make it sound like this is some extreme high-pressure diabolical test.... it's not.

 

Be honest with yourself, the state of your game, and play your game. If you don't hit the number the first go, try again. There's no limits so other than the pressure you put on yourself it's really not as big a deal as some here are making it.

Yes, and no. If your game is good enough to think about mini-tours, place in Pro-ams, make the cut at the state open...yeah, the PAT is easy stuff. But there are plenty of folks who want to manage golf facilities, run tournaments, and truly love the game, that want to be class A PGA members. Some of which have to have a very special day to pass the PAT. A couple of the best pro-shop employees I've ever met left the business because they just never could quite pass the PAT...

This is my opinion only of course, but those folks don't need PGA credentials to run pro shops. A business degree grad would be better suited. The PGA accreditation should, IMO, at the very least be more specialized toward the teaching aspect of the game, and a guy who can't break 80 in back-to-back rounds on a 6000 yd public track has no business teaching. Flame away..,,,

I won't flame away. When you go to the yearly PGA meetings and such, what are the awards? Yes Teacher of the year, but also Merchandiser of year. The PGA of America if all about the business side of things. And playing.

[pinhigh27]

This is a bit of theater IMO. I can't imagine sections are all that different, but the courses are typically very easy, set up easy, and there certainly aren't any sucker pins. You get to chose where you want to take the PAT in advance so there's plenty of time for practice rounds to familiarize yourself with the layout. Some of these posts make it sound like this is some extreme high-pressure diabolical test.... it's not.

 

Be honest with yourself, the state of your game, and play your game. If you don't hit the number the first go, try again. There's no limits so other than the pressure you put on yourself it's really not as big a deal as some here are making it.

Yes, and no. If your game is good enough to think about mini-tours, place in Pro-ams, make the cut at the state open...yeah, the PAT is easy stuff. But there are plenty of folks who want to manage golf facilities, run tournaments, and truly love the game, that want to be class A PGA members. Some of which have to have a very special day to pass the PAT. A couple of the best pro-shop employees I've ever met left the business because they just never could quite pass the PAT...

This is my opinion only of course, but those folks don't need PGA credentials to run pro shops. A business degree grad would be better suited. The PGA accreditation should, IMO, at the very least be more specialized toward the teaching aspect of the game, and a guy who can't break 80 in back-to-back rounds on a 6000 yd public track has no business teaching. Flame away..,,,

I won't flame away. When you go to the yearly PGA meetings and such, what are the awards? Yes Teacher of the year, but also Merchandiser of year. The PGA of America if all about the business side of things. And playing.

 

But why is the point. Why would a pro golfer association teach people how to run businesses, why not the people who teach the rest of the world to run business. Running a golf course is not much different than any business. It makes no sense to have a separate training pathway. Teaching is completely different, so that should be separate

[iteachgolf]

This is a bit of theater IMO. I can't imagine sections are all that different, but the courses are typically very easy, set up easy, and there certainly aren't any sucker pins. You get to chose where you want to take the PAT in advance so there's plenty of time for practice rounds to familiarize yourself with the layout. Some of these posts make it sound like this is some extreme high-pressure diabolical test.... it's not.

 

Be honest with yourself, the state of your game, and play your game. If you don't hit the number the first go, try again. There's no limits so other than the pressure you put on yourself it's really not as big a deal as some here are making it.

Yes, and no. If your game is good enough to think about mini-tours, place in Pro-ams, make the cut at the state open...yeah, the PAT is easy stuff. But there are plenty of folks who want to manage golf facilities, run tournaments, and truly love the game, that want to be class A PGA members. Some of which have to have a very special day to pass the PAT. A couple of the best pro-shop employees I've ever met left the business because they just never could quite pass the PAT...

This is my opinion only of course, but those folks don't need PGA credentials to run pro shops. A business degree grad would be better suited. The PGA accreditation should, IMO, at the very least be more specialized toward the teaching aspect of the game, and a guy who can't break 80 in back-to-back rounds on a 6000 yd public track has no business teaching. Flame away..,,,

 

The target score when I took mine was 152 and was from 6400-6500 yards. Breaking 80 from 6,000 yards wouldn't have been good enough. And I know plenty of PGA Pro's who don't and aren't planning to ever give golf lessons

[Dixie Flatline]

Who's done it and how many times did it take you? Attempt #3 for me is in August. I really don't want to be on the tour if I can avoid it. Ive entered pre qualifying level and will be testing out into Level 1 ASAP.

 

I passed on my 3rd one.

 

First one, I did what everybody at the time told me. I hit irons off the tees and tried to play conservatively because "the course is setup so short and you just have to shoot X". It got in my head and after a few early bogeys, I was derailed.

 

2nd one, I got rained out, but I was a little over the number there, too.

 

3rd one I passed very easily. I think I shot 73-77 or 73-78.

 

The difference was that during the first two, I treated it like full tournament mode. I got there early, went to bed early, "focused", did all that stuff. And at the time, I didn't have enough tournament experience to know how to do that right.

 

When the 3rd one rolled around, it was at a course I'd played more than a few times. I decided to shelve all the advice I'd gotten about laying up and playing for pars. Looking at my game, I figured if I just played golf the way I always did, I'd probably pass 4 out of 5 times based on the scores I was shooting. So I decided to just treat it like a day off where I got out of the shop and got to play 36. I had just started dating a new girl, so instead of going to bed early, we stayed up until about 1 a.m. doing what boys and girls in their 20's do. Like I would in any gambling game with my buddies, I skipped the 1.5 hour practice session and instead, grabbed a Bojangles biscuit and a diet coke. I hit balls for 10 minutes to loosen up and hit about 15 putts. On the course, I just played golf. I hit driver everywhere I normally would have and shot at the flags I normally would have. My attitude was basically that I was a good enough player that if I did everything I normally did, if I didn't pass that one, I'd pass the next one.

 

The target was 153, In the first round, I shot a pretty bland 73 ( I made 2 bogeys and 1 birdie off of 16 GIR). At lunch, I realized I only needed to shoot 80 in the second round to pass, so I felt good at that point. I played well in the 3rd nine, I think I was +1 or +2. At that point I just needed to shoot like 41 or 42 on the last 9 to pass. The only time I felt nervous was on the last hole. It was a par 3 with water short. I think I needed to make a 6 or 7, but for some reason, I started thinking about the possibility of an epic meltdown. I pulled extra club, skanked it way right into a bunker, thinned it out, fatted a chip on the green, and was really shaking. Managed to two putt for a crowd pleasing 5 and finished with either 77 or 78 and passed by 2-3.

 

My advice: If you are a solid 2 handicap, you don't need to play great to pass, you just need to play average. Don't treat it like it's some big deal and put a lot of pressure on yourself. Just go play golf like normal. If you don't make it though, you will the next time. Your game isn't going to disappear if your head is ok.

[Forged4ever]

This is a bit of theater IMO. I can't imagine sections are all that different, but the courses are typically very easy, set up easy, and there certainly aren't any sucker pins. You get to chose where you want to take the PAT in advance so there's plenty of time for practice rounds to familiarize yourself with the layout. Some of these posts make it sound like this is some extreme high-pressure diabolical test.... it's not.

 

Be honest with yourself, the state of your game, and play your game. If you don't hit the number the first go, try again. There's no limits so other than the pressure you put on yourself it's really not as big a deal as some here are making it.

Yes, and no. If your game is good enough to think about mini-tours, place in Pro-ams, make the cut at the state open...yeah, the PAT is easy stuff. But there are plenty of folks who want to manage golf facilities, run tournaments, and truly love the game, that want to be class A PGA members. Some of which have to have a very special day to pass the PAT. A couple of the best pro-shop employees I've ever met left the business because they just never could quite pass the PAT...

 

Meh for a scratch with any tourney experience it should be easy . 99 % of the problems with PAT I see are people not being honest about their cap and playing ability. If you're shooting 78s with your buddies at average muni you probably aren't gonna do well on PAT

This is the experience of the guys who were scratch/plus and had swat and tourney experience. They blew through it and while not Isaac low, the six I'm referring to, well 4 of the 6 were in the red and the other two were a few over through 36. If some guys haven't had the opportunity to Play due to work commitments, well, that sucks and along with Pin's observations can make it more difficult than it wold normally be. They had em on vanilla tracks in Pgh the year that I'm referencing.

 

All the Best,

RP

[PutterKilledTheDream]

This is a bit of theater IMO. I can't imagine sections are all that different, but the courses are typically very easy, set up easy, and there certainly aren't any sucker pins. You get to chose where you want to take the PAT in advance so there's plenty of time for practice rounds to familiarize yourself with the layout. Some of these posts make it sound like this is some extreme high-pressure diabolical test.... it's not.

 

Be honest with yourself, the state of your game, and play your game. If you don't hit the number the first go, try again. There's no limits so other than the pressure you put on yourself it's really not as big a deal as some here are making it.

Yes, and no. If your game is good enough to think about mini-tours, place in Pro-ams, make the cut at the state open...yeah, the PAT is easy stuff. But there are plenty of folks who want to manage golf facilities, run tournaments, and truly love the game, that want to be class A PGA members. Some of which have to have a very special day to pass the PAT. A couple of the best pro-shop employees I've ever met left the business because they just never could quite pass the PAT...

This is my opinion only of course, but those folks don't need PGA credentials to run pro shops. A business degree grad would be better suited. The PGA accreditation should, IMO, at the very least be more specialized toward the teaching aspect of the game, and a guy who can't break 80 in back-to-back rounds on a 6000 yd public track has no business teaching. Flame away..,,,

 

The target score when I took mine was 152 and was from 6400-6500 yards. Breaking 80 from 6,000 yards wouldn't have been good enough. And I know plenty of PGA Pro's who don't and aren't planning to ever give golf lessons

Point? Then why the need to demonstrate playing abilities if you plan to operate a business? I know plenty of exempt lifetime members and there are a lot of great folks in the PGA, but irs a glorified union. I've taken and passed it twice in 10 years but already have a post-graduate degree.

[iteachgolf]

This is a bit of theater IMO. I can't imagine sections are all that different, but the courses are typically very easy, set up easy, and there certainly aren't any sucker pins. You get to chose where you want to take the PAT in advance so there's plenty of time for practice rounds to familiarize yourself with the layout. Some of these posts make it sound like this is some extreme high-pressure diabolical test.... it's not.

 

Be honest with yourself, the state of your game, and play your game. If you don't hit the number the first go, try again. There's no limits so other than the pressure you put on yourself it's really not as big a deal as some here are making it.

Yes, and no. If your game is good enough to think about mini-tours, place in Pro-ams, make the cut at the state open...yeah, the PAT is easy stuff. But there are plenty of folks who want to manage golf facilities, run tournaments, and truly love the game, that want to be class A PGA members. Some of which have to have a very special day to pass the PAT. A couple of the best pro-shop employees I've ever met left the business because they just never could quite pass the PAT...

This is my opinion only of course, but those folks don't need PGA credentials to run pro shops. A business degree grad would be better suited. The PGA accreditation should, IMO, at the very least be more specialized toward the teaching aspect of the game, and a guy who can't break 80 in back-to-back rounds on a 6000 yd public track has no business teaching. Flame away..,,,

 

The target score when I took mine was 152 and was from 6400-6500 yards. Breaking 80 from 6,000 yards wouldn't have been good enough. And I know plenty of PGA Pro's who don't and aren't planning to ever give golf lessons

Point? Then why the need to demonstrate playing abilities if you plan to operate a business? I know plenty of exempt lifetime members and there are a lot of great folks in the PGA, but irs a glorified union. I've taken and passed it twice in 10 years but already have a post-graduate degree.

 

What do you mean what is my point? My point was the fact that it's not breaking 80 from 6,000 yards. It's shooting 76-76 or lower from 6500 yards. Very different things. You grossly exaggerated the requirements and there are plenty of jobs PGA members have that aren't teach OR running a pro shop. The PGA has a ton of classifications that aren't teaching or in a golf shop.

[Mulligan26]

Thank you everyone for the advice and well wishes; especially the PGA members who've chimed in and of course Richard and Maddie (also PGA). To put the whys of the importance of having a good golf game to bed; among the many tasks members are asked to when someone thinks "PGA Pro" they think good player. The term "good" is relative, post a score in the mid 70s during a round with members that struggle to break 90 and you're a god. Post the same round with a state AM champ and he/she knows you work a lot. But both of those people want someone who can help them with anything they ask while at their club. Thats what PGA Professionals do. I'll be honest, in my section if you're a stud and play in every pro am and win but only work 30 hours a week there isn't the same respect as there is for the guy that goes out and shoots 73 and hasn't played in 2 months because of work.

[Mulligan26]

I could expand further but I just put in 26 hours in two days for our biggest outing of the year plus member guest was last weekend. The need for beer is strong

[pinhigh27]

I could expand further but I just put in 26 hours in two days for our biggest outing of the year plus member guest was last weekend. The need for beer is strong

 

Dude that isn't that crazy. People in other industries do that every week. Not to mention working as a golf pro isn't exactly demanding work.

[JohnnyMIke]

I could expand further but I just put in 26 hours in two days for our biggest outing of the year plus member guest was last weekend. The need for beer is strong

 

Dude that isn't that crazy. People in other industries do that every week. Not to mention working as a golf pro isn't exactly demanding work.

Why do you write stuff like that, Pin? I'm genuinely curious what you get out of making comments like that. Serious question.

[pinhigh27]

I could expand further but I just put in 26 hours in two days for our biggest outing of the year plus member guest was last weekend. The need for beer is strong

 

Dude that isn't that crazy. People in other industries do that every week. Not to mention working as a golf pro isn't exactly demanding work.

Why do you write stuff like that, Pin? I'm genuinely curious what you get out of making comments like that. Serious question.

 

Why post on a forum at all? It's just crazy some people think sitting behind a counter and watching espn when you're not seeing a customer is hard work

[apprenti23]

I could expand further but I just put in 26 hours in two days for our biggest outing of the year plus member guest was last weekend. The need for beer is strong

 

Dude that isn't that crazy. People in other industries do that every week. Not to mention working as a golf pro isn't exactly demanding work.

Why do you write stuff like that, Pin? I'm genuinely curious what you get out of making comments like that. Serious question.

 

Why post on a forum at all? It's just crazy some people think sitting behind a counter and watching espn when you're not seeing a customer is hard work

 

Why so negative? Your contributions to this topic have been nothing but negative towards the OP, towards the PGA, etc. Quit trying to stir the pot and move on.

[Mulligan26]

Pretty obvious he has zero clue about what running a golf operation really entails. But who cares, lots of good advice and good vibes from people that do the same job I do and have passed. I'm glad I made the thread.

[ferrispgm]

I could expand further but I just put in 26 hours in two days for our biggest outing of the year plus member guest was last weekend. The need for beer is strong

 

Dude that isn't that crazy. People in other industries do that every week. Not to mention working as a golf pro isn't exactly demanding work.

Why do you write stuff like that, Pin? I'm genuinely curious what you get out of making comments like that. Serious question.

 

Why post on a forum at all? It's just crazy some people think sitting behind a counter and watching espn when you're not seeing a customer is hard work

 

Why so negative? Your contributions to this topic have been nothing but negative towards the OP, towards the PGA, etc. Quit trying to stir the pot and move on.

 

No kidding....I used to be a PGA pro but got out because i got sick of working 70 hours and never having the opportunity to teach like i wanted but i will be the first to say that while sure most of the work isn't demanding, working large tournaments and member/guest events is demanding and can be crazy stressful depending on the type of members....let's not forget the weekly leagues, junior clinics, tournament prep, etc....it definitely is more than sitting behind a counter. Do you think sitting behind a computer all day is hard work? It's no different than sitting by a counter....and since that's the case, you may as well say that accountants, graphic designers, lawyers, etc. dont work very hard either.

[DRGJR72]

Current PGA member here. I passed my PAT on the first try and, as mentioned before, it was more of a mental test than anything for me. You know you have a score to shoot and it kind of messes with your approach a bit as you think about the "number" versus just playing the game.

 

It has been a while since I took mine and passed (early 90's), but from what I recall the course was set up pretty easy distance wise and the pins were not severe. I would say to try to play your game as best you can, whether you are aggressive or not. Limit excessive risk and take the big number out of play, bogies won't kill you, but doubles and worse really put a damper on things in any round, let alone the PAT. The goal is to just pass the thing.

 

With respect to some of the other ideas addressed in this thread, there are so many aspects of the business of golf that being a great player should not be a requirement, but the PGA has to have something to filter potential candidates. Many want to be a PGA member whether it is required by the course they work at or to potentially move up the ladder, or it could be for the general respect many golfers give the title. Gone are the days where the HP was merely a good golfer. So many hats to wear at clubs in today's golf world. It is a bonus if you can do all the other stuff plus be able to golf the ball a bit. Some of the best pro's I have met/worked with are not the best players and that is ok as they still offer great value to the clubs they represent and their boards/members/owners are quite pleased with what they bring to the table.

 

PGA does have classifications for various member types. Moving forward specialization training/member requirements might be a better option as there are many different areas in the golf industry where people can fit. Going through the PGM program does offer a general idea of the different facets, but as mentioned above might not give substantial training compared to what a business degree or the like could prepare someone with regard to the understanding of all they key areas in running a business. For me, that is what the apprentice program allowed me to do, train under someone who did know about the business and how it ran. After leaving golf and returning to college getting my bachelors and masters degrees I have a far greater knowledge base with respect to the business side and other avenues, which I can now utilize in the operations for my current employer.

 

Having an understanding of all facets of the business should make someone a more well rounded pro, and I would argue that in today's market it is something that is/should be mandatory. The PGA of America is a union and as such they have requirements to become a member, not that different than many others (what they offer in regards to tangible benefits/support/protection/etc. in being a member is another discussion entirely). Being a decent golfer is one of their requirements since you are going to be given the title of a PGA Pro, but moving forward maybe the playing requirements could be different for different areas of the business. The golf business model continues to evolve, and as such the PGA, golf pro's, teachers, etc. need to as well.

[PutterKilledTheDream]

Current PGA member here. I passed my PAT on the first try and, as mentioned before, it was more of a mental test than anything for me. You know you have a score to shoot and it kind of messes with your approach a bit as you think about the "number" versus just playing the game.

 

It has been a while since I took mine and passed (early 90's), but from what I recall the course was set up pretty easy distance wise and the pins were not severe. I would say to try to play your game as best you can, whether you are aggressive or not. Limit excessive risk and take the big number out of play, bogies won't kill you, but doubles and worse really put a damper on things in any round, let alone the PAT. The goal is to just pass the thing.

 

With respect to some of the other ideas addressed in this thread, there are so many aspects of the business of golf that being a great player should not be a requirement, but the PGA has to have something to filter potential candidates. Many want to be a PGA member whether it is required by the course they work at or to potentially move up the ladder, or it could be for the general respect many golfers give the title. Gone are the days where the HP was merely a good golfer. So many hats to wear at clubs in today's golf world. It is a bonus if you can do all the other stuff plus be able to golf the ball a bit. Some of the best pro's I have met/worked with are not the best players and that is ok as they still offer great value to the clubs they represent and their boards/members/owners are quite pleased with what they bring to the table.

 

PGA does have classifications for various member types. Moving forward specialization training/member requirements might be a better option as there are many different areas in the golf industry where people can fit. Going through the PGM program does offer a general idea of the different facets, but as mentioned above might not give substantial training compared to what a business degree or the like could prepare someone with regard to the understanding of all they key areas in running a business. For me, that is what the apprentice program allowed me to do, train under someone who did know about the business and how it ran. After leaving golf and returning to college getting my bachelors and masters degrees I have a far greater knowledge base with respect to the business side and other avenues, which I can now utilize in the operations for my current employer.

 

Having an understanding of all facets of the business should make someone a more well rounded pro, and I would argue that in today's market it is something that is/should be mandatory. The PGA of America is a union and as such they have requirements to become a member, not that different than many others (what they offer in regards to tangible benefits/support/protection/etc. in being a member is another discussion entirely). Being a decent golfer is one of their requirements since you are going to be given the title of a PGA Pro, but moving forward maybe the playing requirements could be different for different areas of the business. The golf business model continues to evolve, and as such the PGA, golf pro's, teachers, etc. need to as well.

Great post. My thoughts exactly.

[wmblake2000]

OP: When will you make your next attempt?

[Mulligan26]

August 1st is my next try.

[mikpga]

Missed first attempt by 3 strokes. Passed on 2nd attempt with a 148.

[Mulligan26]

My number in my head is 150

[Forged4ever]

I think the Best Pros are not necessarily the Best Players however they are incredible Ambassodors for the game. They carry themselves with a Class, Dignity & Confidence that whatever room they walk into, be it a board room, the Grill room or the Pro Shop, they exemplify the Best that this game has to offer.

 

Pete Snead, Gary Ellis and Bob Ford are the three at the top of my list.

 

Obviously Bob can Play however as great a Player as he had been, and there ain't many Club Pros ever who've been better over a career, he's a better Man and Ambassador for the game.

 

Then you've got Apprenti and Dan here who are leave it all on the line.

 

Mulls, you're gonna make a Great Pro and any club/course will be lucky to have you!

 

The very best to ya Bro & Please keep us in the loop

 

Fairways & Greens 4ever My Friend,

Richard

[Mulligan26]

Giving an update to keep the thread alive and because Richard asked; took a ride out to WAAAAY western MA today to work with my friend who is an excellent teacher. Pete Egazarian,PGA if anyone wants to look him up. Drove 200 miles, hit 40 balls and a quick short game lesson plus a rain delay. We go out and play 9 from the tips (course hosted the Mass AM last week) and shot a +2 38 with 3 more pars on 10,11, and 12 for good measure before Pete had to get home and I had to make the 3hr trek to the seacoast of NH. Feeling really good about where I'm at right now. The hardest part for me is doing it when it counts, I don't have a lot of time or opportunities to play tournament golf. So like Maddie said, PSR all day and 36 pars later I can take a break.

 

Thanks for the support and good vibes guys, that's why I love this business. We're all in it together.

 

All the best,

Trav

[isaacbm]

Giving an update to keep the thread alive and because Richard asked; took a ride out to WAAAAY western MA today to work with my friend who is an excellent teacher. Pete Egazarian,PGA if anyone wants to look him up. Drove 200 miles, hit 40 balls and a quick short game lesson plus a rain delay. We go out and play 9 from the tips (course hosted the Mass AM last week) and shot a +2 38 with 3 more pars on 10,11, and 12 for good measure before Pete had to get home and I had to make the 3hr trek to the seacoast of NH. Feeling really good about where I'm at right now. The hardest part for me is doing it when it counts, I don't have a lot of time or opportunities to play tournament golf. So like Maddie said, PSR all day and 36 pars later I can take a break.

 

Thanks for the support and good vibes guys, that's why I love this business. We're all in it together.

 

All the best,

Trav

Really wishing you the best!!

 

Keep us posted, though I'm pretty sure you're a shoo- in this time around!

[smcphail10]

I have missed by 1 my first two tries, so frustrating

[Forged4ever]

I have missed by 1 my first two tries, so frustrating

When is your next attempt?

 

Fairways & Greens 4ever My Friend,

Richard

[Mulligan26]

Missed by 5 today Richard, still get really nervous during the start of the round.

[marte]

Missed by 5 today Richard, still get really nervous during the start of the round.

Been following the thread....sorry to hear that.

[jslane57]

Missed by 5 today Richard, still get really nervous during the start of the round.

Been following the thread....sorry to hear that.

Been following as well. Was hoping you'd pass. Next time!

[Santiago Golf]

You will get next time. Don't worry, the national average is 5 times. Keep on practicing and now you can get started with Q-Level since you were inside Acceptable Progress.