How to Sign Up for the PGA Playing Ability Test

Students who wish to enroll in the PGA Golf Management Program and desire to become members of the PGA of America (to either have the opportunity to play on the Professional Golfers Association Tour or become certified golf professionals at a golf course or country club) must pass the Playing Ability Test (PAT) or at least attempt to pass it before registering for the program. The test can be taken up to three times per year in order to pass the test, which requires a player to post a 36-hole score within 15 shots of the course rating. Signing up for the PAT can be done online or in person.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine when and where you wish to take the test. Go to the PGA Links website and enter "When would you like to attend the event?" -- you will be given the options of "Any Time," "Within the Next 3 Months," "Within the Next 6 Months," "In 3 or 6 Months," or "More than 6 Months from Now." Fill out "In which State?" and "In which PGA Section?" you would like to compete. Click the "Show Schedule" box.

    • 2

      Locate the "Name of Event" that matches your search criteria. In addition to the name, you will be given "City", "State," "Event Dates," "Deadline" (to enter), "Open Spaces," "Number on Waitlist" and "Fee." Click on the name of the event you wish to enter.

    • 3

      Fill out the registration form, where you will then be guided through the "5 Step Online Registration Process," giving details about yourself, including contact information, what you would like to register for, and how you would like to pay. The site will verify that you meet the prerequisites for the event and validate your payment so you can be registered immediately.

    • 4

      You can also sign up in person at the location of your choice. Be prepared to bring identification so that your registration can be verified. Bring the required payment as well (as of publication date, the fee for the PAT is $100 for the registration fee and $60 for the on-site fee, which includes range balls, cart, lunch, and administration costs).