The PGA Academy exists to provide a pathway for individuals that wish to become a fully qualified PGA Professional.
The PGA Trainee Program is ideal for both male and female golfers who have a passion for a career in golf.
PGA Trainees work alongside fully qualified PGA members and receive practical work experience and on-the-job training at approved golf facilities around the country.
In addition to developing real skills for the workplace, PGA Trainees also receive nationally accredited qualifications in a variety of vocational disciplines.
Applications for the 2021 programme are now open. Click below to download the application form.
Let your Passion become your Career
"My time spent as a Trainee Professional and the journey that I have been on through the PGA Academy has been a truly unique experience. Throughout the three years I spent in the programme I've learnt more than I could have ever imagined, I've reached goals that seemed like dreams and met some of the most amazing and interesting people that I have ever had the pleasure to spend time with and learn from. I feel privileged and honoured to have been able to take part and complete the traineeship and incredibly proud to call myself a full member of the PGA, the traineeship has given me the skills and qualification to launch my career in golf and I'm excited to see what the future has in store”.
Sam Abela PGA Member
For more information or if you are thinking about becoming a trainee contact josh.longney@pga.org.nz
Course Structure
Studies in the Trainee Program are a combination of on-the-job training, block release training schools, distance and on-line education.
Academic Content
Key academic program areas for the 2019 program include:
Coaching - knowledge and skills for golf coaching, leading to the highest level of coach accreditation in golf.
Game Development - strategies and skills to actively grow participation and enjoyment of the sport of golf.
Small Business - strategic and operational skills for successfully operating business in the golf industry.
Management - skills and strategies relating to planning, organising and leading a golf club or golf organisation.
Two training schools are held during each year of training covering theoretical assignments and practical examinations to assess the progress of the trainee.
Prior to graduation the Trainee is also required to gain areas of competence from these external bodies:
Comprehensive Workplace First Aid Certificate - a two day course - delivered by Red Cross or St. Johns.
Class A or B Rules Badge from the New Zealand Golf Association. Seminars and examinations are conducted by District Golf A Associations.
Qualifications
Graduates of the PGA Trainee Program are eligible for the following certifications and accreditations:
PGA Coach Gateway Qualification (Career Oriented Participation)
PGA Coach Development Qualification (Career Oriented Participation)
New Zealand Apprenticeship Scheme
NZQA Level 3 National Certificate in Recreation & Sport - Coaching and Instruction
NZQA Level 4 National Certificate in Sport and Recreation
NZQA Level 4 National Diploma in Small Business
Full Vocational Membership of the PGA of New Zealand
Job Outcomes
Potential employment opportunities for graduates of the PGA Trainee Program include:
Head Professional, Director of Golf, Assistant Professional, Golf Operations Manager/Assistant
Teaching Professional, Tournament Professional, Development Officer, Company Sales/Technical Representative, Golf Club Manager.
Practical Playing Requirements
Professional tournament play is an integral component of the PGA Trainee Program. Throughout the program, Trainees are required to complete in a number of professional events to ensure they retain a professional playing standard.
There is a wide variety of playing opportunities for Trainees such as: Weekly trainee matches Domestic Pro-Am events Charles Tour Events PGA National Trainee events PGA Tour of Australasia events (subject to eligibility) m
A minimum of twenty (20) rounds per year is used to calculate an adjusted playing average and successful completion of the playing requirement is contingent on achieving the required average in each of three (3) separate playing periods.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the 2021 PGA Trainee Program
Applicants must:
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age as at January 1 of the year they commence in the program
Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident with the ability to work unrestricted for the duration of the program.
Have attained a minimum of Year 12 or equivalent and provide certified copies of academic transcripts. If minimum Year 12 has not been attained an Aptitude Test will need to be sat at time of interview
Have a handicap (exact) at the time of entry of three (3) or better for males and six (6) or better for females
Attend an interview and aptitude assessment day with representatives of the Academy and provide evidence in support of their application.
Course Fees
In 2020 the yearly fee for the PGA Traineeship was $5060. Therefore, future applicants for the program can expect a yearly fee approximately the same price, normally adjusted for the CPI (Consumer Price Index)