PGA Diploma
Overview
Do you dream of attending a Golf College? If you have a passion for golf and want to make a career out of the game you love, then this 3-year course / golf qualification is for you.
- Receive elite performance training to prepare you for a playing career.
- Study golf-specific PGA subjects to prepare and qualify you for a career in golf.
- Gain practical industry experience, including the chance of 8 weeks coaching in USA.
- Retain your amateur status throughout your studies to enable you to compete on the amateur circuit, represent your province or even your country.
Performance Development
Learners receive elite performance training from the TGSE coaching team, using the Total Golf Coaching System. Skills training and technical coaching comes in the form of both individual and squad sessions.
Fitness training is provided twice weekly at our custom made on-site fitness centre. Golf-fitness levels are assessed each cycle using the Titleist Performance Institute’s screening methods. Each student receives individual fitness training programmes based on these results.
Students train at first class facilities at each campus. They also play a full tournament schedule at top-rated golf courses, such as Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Durbanville GC and Belville GC, where they become members and receive unlimited prepaid rounds of golf.
An Order of Merit is formed from the regular 18, 36 & 72-hole tournaments. All vital stats are recorded and used to form the student’s development process. Fantastic prizes are awarded for the leading players on the Order of Merit.
Academic Component
Learners study the academic component of the PGA qualification. The Diploma is registered with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) under the title: National Diploma – Club Professional Golfing (SAQA ID: 73209), which carries an NQF level 5. South Africa’s leading golf experts mentor learners in each of the PGA subjects:
- Golf Coaching
- Sports Psychology
- Skills Acquisition
- Club Management & Retail
- Tournament Organisation
- Rules of Golf
- Equipment Technology
- Business Finance
- Business Law
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Personal Career Development
Practical Learning
The learning process includes a large practical element to compliment the theory. Students participate in weekly coaching workshops and gain experience through coaching programmes such as the Special Olympics. The students organise golf tournaments such as charity golf days and a Pro/Am events.
The students also gain experience by working at certain Sunshine Tour events such as the PGA Championship and Jo-burg Open.
A select number of students each year gain fantastic coaching and life experience by spending 8 weeks at the Julian Krinsky School of Golf in Philadelphia, USA. These students are chosen on academic merit and attitude.
Who Should Apply?
Learners with a passion for golf, who want to attend a golf college and want a career in golf.
Talented golfers who want to pursue a playing career and give themselves additional career options by attending the leading golf institution with world class expertise.
- Matriculation Certificate or equivalent
- Interview with Programme Director
- Game Assessment Session *
PGA Qualification and Membership
The PGA Diploma is the benchmark qualification for the golf industry.
Graduates wishing to become members of the PGA of SA are required to pass both playing and teaching ability tests, attain a 5 handicap or below and fulfil minimum hours work experience, half of which can be logged whilst studying. Students can retain their amateur status throughout the study period.
Career Options
Learners are trained as ‘all-rounders’ and graduate equipped to enter all areas of the golf industry. PGA members once qualified will typically specialise in the area of the choice. Examples of career choices for the modern PGA Professional include:
- Tournament Professional
- PGA Coach
- Director of Golf
- Club Professional
- Golf Retailer
- Club Manager
- General Manager
- Course Superintendent
- Golf Entrepreneur
- Tournament Official
- Golf Tour Operator
- Golf Events Coordinator
- Golf Agency Owner
- Golf Consultant
Alumni Employment Support
PGA Diploma graduates automatically gain life membership of the TGSE Alumni Club. One of the main benefits is exclusive access to information about worldwide job opportunities. TGSE graduates have gained employment in the golf industry in USA, Asia and Great Britain as well as all over South Africa and the African continent.
Alumni Employment Support
The PGA of SA is affiliated to the PGA’s of Europe and the PGA membership is recognised in over 40 countries worldwide. TGSE has a vast network within the golf industry both locally and around the globe, to help source employment for graduates.
- The Golf School of Excellence is accredited with CATHSSETA as an accredited provider (Registration Number 613/P/000216/2012) to present the National Diploma – Club Professional Golfing, SAQA qualification ID: 73209.