Information for FdSc Applicants
STAGE 1
Meeting the Criteria
Find out all you need to know about the age, academic, employment and playing requirements for prospective PGA Trainees
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To apply, you must be at least 18 years old when you begin your training, and there is no upper age limit for applicants - it's never too late to pursue your passion for golf and become a PGA Professional.
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Academic requirements vary depending on your location. In England and Wales, you'll need a minimum of 4 GCSEs at grades 4-9, including Maths and English Language.
For Scotland, Ireland, and international applicants, equivalent qualifications are required.
International students must also complete an IELTS certification. And if you're 25 or over without the relevant qualifications, you may be able to apply as a mature student, providing a life synopsis to demonstrate how your experience has equipped you with equivalent skills in maths and English.
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To meet the employment criteria, you'll need to secure a position at a facility where a PGA Training Professional is based, and this must be their primary place of employment.
You'll need to be working a minimum of 25 hours per week with a contractual agreement in place, earning at least minimum wage, and your Training Professional must be a fully qualified GB & Ireland PGA Member.
These employment criteria are essential for you to be able to apply your learnings effectively whilst you are studying.
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You'll need a maximum handicap of 6.4 for men or 8.4 for women. Those coming on to the programme at the higher handicap will need to meet additional playing requirements.
If you are eligible to apply, you’ll need to submit a playing history within your application, so be sure to take a look at our Playing History Submission Guide in preparation.
STAGE 2
Submitting your application
Find out all you need to know about submitting your application, including the correct way to submit your playing history.
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After reading the documents attached to your invitation to apply. You will need to submit your application. Your submission must be precise and complete.
Applying early will increase your chance of securing a place.
Submit your playing history exactly as requested, as all incorrect formats will be rejected. Upload your academic certificates as PDFs, or if you're 25 or over, you may have been asked to provide a life synopsis.
For players with scratch or better handicaps, enter zero in the handicap field when requested. Remember to include your CDH number and current handicap index certificate.
Taking time to submit all your information and documents correctly, will ensure a smooth application process
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All applicants, including playing professionals, must submit a playing history.
You must include your current WHS Handicap Index and a complete 12-month playing record featuring competitive rounds, ensuring all competitive rounds are clearly highlighted. Your submission needs to be signed and dated by a PGA Professional or Club Official, to verify its authenticity.
You can submit scanned documents, images, or screenshots from trusted sources such as England Golf or Howdidido etc. You can find some examples of correctly formatted submissions in our guide.
STAGE 3
Completing your documents
Find out all you need to know about completing your documents to secure your place on the course. A conditional offer doesn’t mean your place is secure, there are still several key documents you’ll need to submit.
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You'll need to complete a Safeguarding Declaration and your reference form, requiring two references from non-family members, as well as submitting your Employment Contract Declaration form. This must be signed by both you and your Training Professional.
Next, you'll need to submit your passport-style headshot in JPEG format. But please wait to receive email instructions before applying for your Enhanced Disclosure.
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Your transition to professional status automatically occurs on October 1st, when you officially start the course, making you eligible for PGA tournaments.
If you need or would like to turn professional earlier, contact admissions and note that pro-rata membership fees will apply for those choosing to turn pro early.
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Fees vary based on location and these are included in your conditional offer letter.
First-time students can apply for government loans through Student Finance. Remember to select part-time forms as this is a part-time distance learning course.
The University will contact you with payment details once your acceptance is processed. Student Finance will be best placed to support you with all your finance queries.
STAGE 4
Welcome to The PGA
Congratulations! You’ve received an unconditional offer and secured your place on the PGA Training Programme. Here’s what you need to know ahead of starting your course.
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Your documentation package includes essential guides for distance learning, including your course introduction and training program guide. Ensure you read these before you start the course.
Keep an eye out for an email from the University regarding registration – then complete this promptly to ensure a smooth start to your professional journey.
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You will likely be eager to access your University account, but please allow 5 working days for your account to be activated after receiving an email from them.
Remember - you will have a university student number and a PGA number so be sure to make a note of both.
Your Year 1 administrator will soon be in touch regarding your residential, as well as further essential information in the weeks to come.
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Upon receiving your unconditional offer, you will be able to access BlueGolf, via the PGA Members area.
Here you can view tournament schedules and specific tournament information as well as being able to register. But please allow up to 5 working days for your account to become active.
ACTION REQUIRED
Getting you ready to apply
Here we go through the steps to take if you do not meet the requirements for entry onto the course.
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First, take some time to review the Stage 1 application guide, check the eligibility criteria, and see where you may have come up short.
If you ‘ve done that, and still believe you meet all the entry requirements, but weren't invited to apply, double-check that all your information was entered correctly, before contacting our Admissions team.
Unfortunately, most enquiries can’t be progressed because they don't meet one or more of our entry requirements.
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If you're missing academic qualifications, explore some external pathways to help you achieve them, there are courses you can complete with varying timeframes, just ensure your qualification meets the academic requirements listed in Stage 1 of our application guide.
If you are missing a qualification certificate, contact the relevant educational institution or exam board, to request a replacement.
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You can view all current training vacancies and also create a job seekers profile - just ensure your potential employer is a GB & Ireland PGA Professional, who can provide the required hours and support you need.
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The solution might be simple: play more golf! Get those competitive rounds in, lower your handicap, and keep an official record of your rounds.
You can also book golf lessons with your local PGA Professional via PGA Play.
Playing professionals, remember to present your tournament history in the specified format, and those with medical exemptions should provide formal documents to support your submission.
Meet our Staff
The PGA has been involved in training and educating Golf Professionals for over 50 years.
Hear from PGA Executive Director - Education, Dr Paul Wiseman on why there is nothing like the PGA Training Programme anywhere in the world.
