How Long Does It Take to Become a Professional Golfer?

How long does it take to become a professional golfer? That is a question that many aspiring golfers want to know. 

The answer, of course, depends on the person. 

Some people are able to achieve this goal in a shorter timeframe than others, while others may take longer. 

In this blog post, we will explore the different paths one can take to becoming a professional golfer. 

We will also discuss the training and practice that is required to reach this level. 

So if you are looking to turn your love of golf into a career, read on!

1. What does it mean to be a professional golfer

When most people think of professional golfers, they imagine someone who plays a lot of golf and is good at it. 

While it is true that professional golfers do spend time outdoors, there is a lot more to being a pro golfer than that. 

For many people, it means earning a living by playing or teaching golf. 

And those people are correct, in fact, according to the dictionary, it means: “Someone who earns a living by playing or teaching golf”.

Being a professional golfer is more than just earning a living by playing golf. 

It means dedicating oneself to the sport, mastering the techniques, and developing the mental & physical stamina required to compete at the highest levels. 

It takes years of practice and dedication to become a professional golfer, and the journey is not always easy. 

2. Types of Professional golfers

2. What are the different tours for professional golfers?

For Seniors:

  1. PGA Tour Champions
  2. Staysure Tour

For Men

  1. PGA Tour (USA)
  2. PGA European Tour (Europe)
  3. Japan Golf Tour (Japan)
  4. PGA Tour of Australasia (Australia)

For Women

  1. LPGA Tour (USA)
  2. Ladies European Tour (Europe)
  3. LPGA of Japan Tour (Japan)
  4. ALPG Tour (Australia)

2. How long does it take to become a professional golfer?

Becoming a professional golfer takes a lot of time and dedication. 

The average person who wants to become a professional golfer will need to practice 30 hours per week for 3 years to complete a PGA training course.

Or in other courses, full-time i.e 40 hours per week for at least 2 years straight under the guidance of a professional coach, if you want to do it faster. 

However, there are other factors that need to be considered, such as:

  1. Natural talent
  2. Your focus & hard work
  3. Your handicap
  4. Determination & mental resilience.
  5. How good or bad your coach is.
  6. Your experience in a variety of different situations
  7. Ability to handle the pressure of competition and keep your cool under pressure. 

The more of the above that applies to you, then the higher chance you might have what it takes to become a professional golfer.

3. The different paths you can take to becoming a pro?

As mentioned above, the traditional route to becoming a professional golfer is to complete a three-year PGA training program, there are alternate avenues that can lead to the same destination. 

For instance, some golfers choose to forgo formal education and instead gain experience by working at a golf course or in a related setting for a period of time. 

Once they have accumulated enough on-the-job experience, they then take the necessary exams to become certified as a professional golfer. 

While this route may not be as direct as the other, it can still be an effective way of becoming a pro. 

Ultimately, the path that one takes to become a professional golfer is up to them and what works best for their individual situation.

4. Different ways you can make money as an amateur golfer?

It’s a very common question, but it’s the wrong question to ask!

An amateur golfer is an unprofessional person who plays golf without getting paid, if they get paid, then they aren’t amateurs.

So, Amateur golfers do not get paid.

5. Different ways you can make money as a pro golfer?

  1. Golf coach/teacher
    A person who teaches golf to others to improve their golfing skills.
  2. Tournament golfers (tour professional)
    A person who competes in golf tournaments & competitions, like Tiger Woods for example.
  3. Golf groundkeeper
    A person who takes care of the grass by growing & repairing damaged grass.
  4. Become a Club Professional
    A person who works full-time at a golf course and manages the club facilities.
  5. Become a Golf Retail Manager
    A golf retail manager is responsible for the opening and closing of the pro shop, as well as taking care of financials & accounting.