How to become a professional golfer

Ever thought about going pro as a golfer? Then read our guide on the steps you need to take to make your dreams come true.

Going pro can be a big step in your golfing life

We all love a good round of golf but for some, 18-holes on a Saturday with friends simply isn’t enough. For them, there’s the urge and desire to see how far they can take their game. Going pro - whether to tackle the many competitions yourself or help train others - is the next step.

Here’s how to make the transition.

Get good

While practice apparently makes perfect, what really improves your game is getting a coach. We’d suggest the least you need is a swing coach to iron out any problems you might have. Especially if you plan on going into teaching – you don’t want to pass on your bad habits.

You also need to work on getting your handicap down. While there’s not an official level for going pro, a rule of thumb is that you need to get it below 5.

It’s also worth taking part in a number of amateur competitions, as if you’re not performing well at this level there’s no reason to become professional. Up the levels of competition each time from local to nationwide.

From amateur to professional

Becoming a professional means you have to give up your amateur status. As an amateur, you’re not allowed to accept any money from any competitions you enter, unless it’s for charity. Going pro means you can start to make a living from these competitions.

But you can only go back to being an amateur once you’ve given up your professional membership. The R&A manages amateurs and has a rule book on what it means to be an amateur. Read it before you make the move.

Once you go pro you can enter PGA competitions. Rebecca Naden/PA Wire

Getting your card

At this point you can start to compete in PGA Tour events. Try a few qualifying rounds and see how far you get. You won’t be winning a Major any time soon, but it’s worth seeing where you are compared to other pros on the circuit.

At some point you’ll be at a stage to earn your PGA Tour Card. To get this you can go down one of the following routes:

Place in the top 50 in a 3-tournament series
Win 3 Nationwide Tour tournaments in a season
Be a former major champion or former multiple tournament winner
Get a top 50 status in lifetime career earnings
Be 18 years of age by the first round of the first tournament in the season

But be warned - your card can be revoked if you’re not performing well enough. You have to keep playing and end up in the top money lists to keep your card.

You can start to apply for teaching positions

Start studying

In the UK, one of the best ways to become classed as a professional is by completing a foundation degree.

To get on the 3-year course, you need to complete a 2-day assessment that will put your skills to the test over 36 holes.

The course doesn’t just improve your game. It’ll also teach you about business management, equipment technology and the rules of the game and various tournaments.

If you complete the course, you can then apply for PGA membership. Once elected, a qualified member can apply for any position advertised.

The costs

While going pro opens up potential prize money, there are also a number of costs associated with it.

One of the main costs is transport to tournaments. Without sponsorship deals, you’ll have to fund this from your own pocket.

Then there are entry fees to tournaments, which can range from around £500 to over £1,000. And you’ll have to upgrade and maintain your equipment.

But, if it’s what you want, going pro can open up a whole new world of golf for you.