PLAYING ABILITY

TEST (PAT)

For those PAT’s that are currently being conducted, please note that they are moving forward with a few revised rules that can be summarized here.

Playing Ability Test Qualifying Score: While some PAT’s are currently not being conducted, individuals may temporarily submit verification of a current handicap index of ten or less, to satisfy the PAT Qualifying Score in order to register as an Associate. This is commensurate with the current parameters of the Qualifying Score, listed in the chart on this page. All individuals who enter in this manner will still need to eventually fully pass the Playing Ability Test to elect into PGA Membership.


Please submit your proof of handicap, along with any official supporting documentation, to membership@pgahq.com for review.

2025 Playing Ability Test (PAT) Schedule

Date Event Facility Male Yardage Male Target Score Female Yardage Female Target Score
Thursday, May 1, 2025 PAT #1 Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club 6,680 156 5,700 159
Thursday, May 15, 2025 PAT #2 Indian Tree Golf Club 6,513 154 5,537 157
Thursday, May 22, 2025 PAT #3 Aurora Hills Golf Course 6,692 156 5,619 157
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 PAT #4 CommonGround Golf Course 6,692 156 5,543 155
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 WC - PAT #1 Eagle Ranch Golf Club 6,600 155 5,423 156
Thursday, July 24, 2025 PAT #5 Thorncreek Golf Course 6,699 156 5,649 157
Thursday, August 14, 2025 PAT #6 Coyote Creek Golf Course 6,412 154 5,633 158
Thursday, September 11, 2025 PAT #7 Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club 6,680 156 5,700 159

Requirements

The Playing Ability Test or “PAT” is a measure of golfing ability. It means PGA Professionals have the skills needed to teach and grow the game.

The 36-hole playing ability test for golf is something you must pass if you want to become a PGA Professional.


You must complete one of the following within eight (8) years prior to registering into the PGA Professional Golf Management Program:


  • Pass the 36-hole Playing Ability Test
  • Attempt the PAT at least once within the eight (8) years prior to registering into the PGA PGM Program. Within that time frame, shoot one 18-hole score in a PAT that is equal to or less than the PAT target score for 18- holes, plus 5 strokes. Note: Each PAT score has a validity date of eight years.



The 36-hole PAT remains valid during the Acceptable Progress period. In order to pass the 36-hole PAT, you must achieve a 36-hole score within 15 shots of the course rating. For example, if the course rating is 72, the target score for the 36 holes would be 159 (72 x 2 – 144 +15 – 159).

36 HOLE PAT TARGET SCORE 18 HOLE TARGET SCORE TARGET SCORE TO REGISTER AS AN APPRENTICE
Course Rating for 36 holes + 15 (36 PAT Score/2) (36 PAT Score/2) + 5
151 75.5 80
152 76 81
153 76.5 81
154 77 82
155 77.5 82
156 78 83
157 78.5 84
158 79 84
159 79.5 84
160 80 85
161 80.5 85
162 81 86
163 81.5 86
164 82 87
165 82.5 87

This competition is normally conducted in one day. Fewer than 20% of those taking the test achieve a passing score, therefore, it is highly recommended that you work diligently on your game prior to registering for the PAT.


The PAT is conducted from the middle tees of the golf course with the flagsticks set on a generally flat area of the green. Although this sounds relatively simple, less than 20% of those taking the test achieve a passing score. If your game is marginal, it is highly recommended that you work diligently on improving prior to registering for the PAT.


To register by phone, please contact PGA Membership Services at 1-800-474-2776

Work with a Coach to Pass Your PAT

GOLFTEC is offering assistance to aspiring PGA Professionals who are actively pursuing PGA membership and a career in the golf industry. If you have previously attempted the PAT or registered for an upcoming PAT, you are eligible to sign-up for a free GOLFTEC Game Plan that consist of a swing evaluation, 25 lessons, 12 months of practice and a club fitting.

Click the button below to register with GOLFTEC for this program

REGISTER →

NOTE: Playing Ability Tests may be added or removed at the discretion of the Colorado PGA.  Access the online PAT Schedule and to register for events. To register by phone, please contact the Member Service Center at 1 (800) 474-2776.

Americans With Disabilities Act

The PGA of America offers reasonable accommodations for individuals that require accommodations due to a disability for their Playing Ability Test needs based on the Americans With Disabilities Act (“ADA”). For additional information, please contact the PGA Membership Department at (800) 474-2776.

PAT Collegiate and Professional Event Consideration

Scores from the first two competition rounds of a PGA Qualified Professional Tour golf tournament or collegiate golf tournament (Division I, II, III, NAIA, and Junior College) may be used to satisfy the 36-hole PGA Playing Ability Test requirement. Playing Ability Test validity would extend eight years past the date of passing. Applicants would be responsible for submitting documentation of scores, yardage and course rating to verify Playing Ability Test eligibility, and all PGA minimum standards for the Playing Ability Test must be met. PGA Qualified Professional Tour is defined by a regular and continuous series of events for Professionals accepted at the discretion of PGA of America

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