Dads are somehow both an enigma and incredibly easy to shop for. Golf dads are even easier.

Sure, they annoy us because it’s hard to buy something for the guy who buys himself what he wants when he wants. However, we can turn that into our superpower. Beat him to the punch. Buy him the things that you know he hates buying. The real gift? You saved him a trip.

Here are five golf gifts I’m getting my dad for Father’s Day.

1. Golf Tees

This is arguably the most annoying thing for any golfer to purchase. We know it’s a use item and one that we’re likely going to lose. There are some golfers, like my dad, who really like a specific tee. The “there’s free tees at the golf course” argument gets thrown out the window once he discovers plastic tees with the American flag on them.

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Pride Sports Professional Tee System USA 3-1/4″ Golf Tees 30-Pack

Professional Tee System 3-1/4 inch USA Golf Tees 30 Pack The Golf Gifts & Gallery Professional Tee System 3-1/4 inch USA Golf Tees 30 Pack is the #1 plastic golf tee on the PGA TOUR. It has an enhanced design that improves stability on every swing. These tees come in a pack of 30 with a USA flag design.

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Something else to think about when buying tees is helping dad out on the course. Some of our fathers are getting older, and getting a tee into the ground can become a chore. Luckily, there are a number of tees on the market that aim to help with that. You may recognize the classic Martini tee, but my personal choice is the Maxx Pro PTS tees from Pride Sports. They use the same length-designation system as their normal PTS tees, but with a wider shank and cup that are more durable and easier for pops to get into the ground with less effort.

Maxx Pro PTS 3-1/4″ Tees 10-Pack – Pride Golf

Maxx Pro PTS 3-1/4″ Tees 10-Pack Superior strength in a plastic tee for extended longevity. Oversized head for easy ball placement. Ideal for players of all ages and skill level. 10 Count package.

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2. Gloves

Another perfect trip saver. Another use item that a golf dad knows he’s going to have to buy more of, but it’s a little bit sad every time. The usual solution is to order a big pack of cheap gloves, but we all know how that goes. That just gives you the appearance of saving money. You end up going through those gloves faster and having to replace them anyway. My advice? Go with a glove that may be a bit more expensive, but will last. Better yet, get him two so he can rotate them in and out. He may even go the entire golf season without needing to make another purchase.

My favorite? The Ping Tour glove.

PING Tour Golf Glove

PING Tour Glove Pre-curved fingers engineered for a natural fit & feel Solite Premium Cabretta leather with Micro-Pur technology is engineered for the ultimate in feel, softness and performance Finger vents and perforations optimize breathability Perforated leather Velcro closure maximizes ventilation Wristband features moisture-wicking SensorCool Technology WARNING: Ping Tour Gloves and Ping Sport Ladies Gloves can expose you to chemicals including chromium (hexavalent compounds), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www. P65Warnings.ca.gov

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3. Golf Balls

This one can be tricky. We should all aspire to play the same golf ball every time we play, but golf ball prices have gotten a bit crazy. Do we buy the high-end golf ball that performs exceptionally well, or is the more value-oriented ball the right choice for our dad to play twice a month? There’s also a handy middle ground if you can’t make up your mind. That decision is up to you and your father, but here’s my best suggestions for all three.

The Bridgestone TOUR B R series is great for players at slower speeds who still want the feel and the playability of a tour ball. They also have two options for higher (RXS) or lower (RX) spin. These are great to make sure your dad is dialed in.

Tour B RX Golf Balls, White – Bridgestone

Bridgestone Tour B RX 2022 Golf Balls REACTIV iQ MORE DISTANCE: REACTIV iQ rebounds quickly on tee shots, delivering explosive velocity and increased distance • MORE CONTROL: REACTIV iQ stays on the face longer on approach shots, providing more spin and soft feel around the green. Gradational Core Added distance and forgiveness comes from the Gradational Compression core. Higher initial ball speed and lower side spin from the Gradational Compression core help give you an advantage on the course. Dual Dimple Extra distance and enhanced aerodynamics are a result of the Dual Dimple technology. The added distance comes from a more efficient ball trajectory thanks to less drag when the ball is in flight. Seamless Cover Consistent flight and performance are a result of the proprietary Seamless Cover Technology. The perfect performance and aerodynamic balance comes from a manufacturing processes that creates a perfectly balanced dimple pattern. Features: The NEW TOUR B with REACTIV iQ is THE SMARTER TOUR BALL Proprietary NEW REACTIV iQ is a SMART cover technology that reacts to the force of impact MORE DISTANCE: REACTIV iQ rebounds quickly on tee shots, delivering explosive velocity and increased distance MORE CONTROL: REACTIV iQ stays on the face longer on approach shots, providing more spin and soft feel around the green Dual Dimple technology provides efficient trajectory and reduced drag through enhanced aerodynamics The TOUR B RX with REACTIV iQ delivers increased ball speed for MAXIMUM DISTANCE off the tee and HIT & SIT performance on approach shots Bridgestone Golf is the #1 BALL FITTER IN GOLF: The TOUR B RX is ideal for players with swing speeds UNDER 105 MPH who want additional distance Played in professional competition by LEXI THOMPSON

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In our middle tier, I’ve got to give the edge to the Wilson Triad. It’s a great ball that spins really well, creates consistent speed and has a nice durable cover so dad can get through a couple months with just a couple boxes.

Wilson Triad 2025

NEW Wilson TRIAD Features: Tri-Balanced Weighting The patented Tri-Balanced Construction delivers uniform density across all three laters, creating a perfect center of gravity for the purest roll possible High MOI Construction High moment of inertia design maximizes ball speeds while reducing driver spin for enhanced accuracy off the tee High-Friction Urethane Cover A thin, high-friction urethane cover increases interaction for best in class control and feel on approach shots

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Finally, for our super value offering, and if you’re going for a quantity play to keep dad busy this Father’s Day, I’ll always default to the Srixon soft feel. It’s a great ball for the casual golfer, and its lower spin properties will help them keep the ball on course as well. It feels wonderful off the wedges, and it may have your dad feeling like the next Champions Tour victor.

Srixon SOFT FEEL Golf Balls

Whether off the tee, approaching, or around the greens, SOFT FEEL lives up to its name. Experience incredible softness with a solid yet comfortable impact on every swing, plus enhanced distance—giving you more confidence as you address each shot. If feel matters most to you, choose SOFT FEEL for ultimate all-around performance. Enjoy a solid yet comfortable impact on every swing, while the premium FastLayer Core generates impressive ball speeds for increased distance. It’s the best of both worlds—soft feel and great length. Product Details: FastLayer Core: SOFT FEEL features Srixon’s FastLayer Core technology, gradually transitioning from a soft inner core to a firm outer edge. This design reduces long-game sidespin for straighter shots while increasing ball speed and distance. Speed Dimple Pattern: The 338 dimple design reduces drag and boosts lift for a higher, longer flight. Shots stay straighter, even in windy conditions. Lower Drag, Higher Lift: A lower drag coefficient helps the ball cut through the air with minimal resistance, while a higher lift coefficient keeps the ball airborne longer, maximizing distance. Soft, Thin Cover: Provides more greenside spin and a softer feel for pitches, chips, and putts.

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4. Sunglasses

Raise your hand if your dad has ever had to go back to the course to look for his sunglasses. Now keep your hand up if those sunglasses were $5 from the gas station. Exactly. We’ve all been there. So let’s get dad a pair he’ll hold on to. If you want to ball out, grab him some Oakleys. If you think that’s still not enough to keep dad from losing them, we can dial it back a bit with some Knockaround styles that are sure to keep him from leaving them behind.

Oakley Holbrook XL Sunglasses, Blue/White

Oakley Holbrook XL Sunglasses The look of Holbrook, from its iconic style to keyhole bridge and metal rivets, has been scaled up to fit larger faces. IMPACT PROTECTION Oakley lenses are designed and tested under extreme high mass and high-velocity circumstances to ensure uncompromising protection across a wide range of demanding conditions. PRIZM LENSES Oakley’s exclusive lens technology designed to enhance color and contrast so you can see more detail. Additional Features: Durability and all-day comfort of lightweight O Matter frame material Three-Point Fit: Comfort and performance that holds lenses in precise optical alignment Frame suitable for medium to extra large faces Same lens proportions as the original Holbrook, available in a larger size Prizm lenses enhance color, contrast and detail for an optimized experience HDPolarized: Minimizes glare via technology that produces a comprehensive, single-layered lens (optional) Plutonite® lens material offers top UV Protection filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB up to 400nm and some of harmful blue light Optimal precision and impact resistance that meet or exceed ANSI Z80.3 optical and impact standards HDO® Optics for crystal clear vision and impact resistance

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KNOCKAROUND Moonshot Fast Lanes Sport Golf Sunglasses

Classics combine for standout style in our latest Obsidian Fast Lanes sunglasses. This colorway has become a staple for its gradient that fades from black to clear, along with subtle transparent accents throughout the arms and fronts. Not to be outdone on safety, Obsidian Fast Lanes also feature polarized lenses with UV400 protection and impact resistance for wherever life takes you. Top the whole thing off with dark chrome ‘K’ detailing and prepare to smolder.

5. Accessories

This one’s a lay-up. Or a 20-yard pitch shot to a flat green. It’s easy. Does dad like a certain team? Boom. Headcover. Does his golf towel look like it hasn’t been washed since the 80s? New towel. Does he ever actually clean his clubs? Golf brush. Again, we’re focused on helping dad help himself. Take a look at his bag and see what you can do to either give it some life or give it some practicality.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Swag Golf Big Lebowski Not a Golfer Driver Headcover

Big Lebowski Not a Golfer Driver Headcover. Gear Accessories Headcovers by Swag Golf.

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Ghost Golf Cart Strap Sleeve

Cart Strap Sleeve. Gear Accessories by Ghost Golf.

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Magnetic Golf Towel, Red/White/Blue Camo – STICKIT

Get easy access, every shot with grab-n-go convenience of the STICK IT Magnetic Golf Towel. STICK IT boasts an industrial-strength magnet, designed to withstand 25 lbs of pull for a super-strong, secure hold to golf carts and clubs. Eliminate the hassle of using or losing a golf towel throughout the round. And get ultimate convenience from tee to green with the truly grab-n-go STICK IT Magnetic Golf Towel from Monument Golf. Features & Design TOP-TIER MICROFIBER Superior water absorption and quicker dry time after the round. WAFFLE-WEAVE PATTERN Deep waffle pockets clean grooves better and faster. ALL-WEATHER Silicone patch defends against water and moisture. MACHINE WASH/DRY Removable magnetic patch allows for safe washing/drying. Machine wash and dry the towel fabric only. Unbutton snaps and reattach after care. TOWEL DIMENSIONS: 29 inches

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Joe Buck has called six Super Bowls and 23 World Series. He’s a member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and has received the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Buck has been the voice of some of American sports’ biggest moments over the past several decades. He has faced numerous challenges along the way, but he told GOLF’s Subpar Podcast that nothing compares to the challenge of calling professional golf.

Buck worked for FOX when the network acquired the rights to the U.S. Open and started broadcasting the major championship in 2015. Starting that year at Chambers Bay, he discovered that calling professional golf, especially if you’re only doing it once or twice a year, is a different beast than calling the NFL or MLB on a weekly basis.

“Easily the most challenging thing for me to do,” Buck told Subpar co-hosts Drew Stoltz and Colt Knost. “I remember when FOX got the rights and Johnny Miller was pissed off and everybody at NBC was mad. I was like indignant, like, ‘How could they be mad its network to network?’And Johnny Miller was like, ‘You don’t just fall out of a tree and do a U.S. Open.’ It upset me. I was like, ‘Well, we’re going to do great.’ He was right. He was dead right.

Shady Rays Golf Collection

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“It’s hard to pick up the PGA Tour and do our national championship having not done anything else to that point and trying to act like you’ve been there every other week,” Buck continued. “It’s like when I do baseball. I just did a Dodgers-Mets game. I haven’t done a game in a year. It’s hard when you’re not there on a day-by-day basis, and you haven’t kind of walked through the recent history and been there and been attentive to it and known who is hot coming in and you don’t have to research that stuff.”

For Buck, the most difficult thing was that he wasn’t seeing what he was calling with his own eyes. He had to rely on what he saw through monitors and heard through his earpiece.

“Then you add to that the layer of, I’m not looking at any of this with my own eyes,” Buck said. “I’m sitting with my back to the course. I love that game. That doesn’t mean anything. That doesn’t make me any more qualified to do it than anyone else, and I’m not watching it with my own eyes.

“I’m looking forward at cameras and at monitors, and I’m going off information I’m getting out of my ear or from the back of the studio. That’s a weird sensation for me. I usually have the best seat in the house; it’s generated out of my mind for better or worse, I’ve seen it with my own eyes, I can put my own thoughts to it, and now I’m just going off the information [I’m getting through my earpiece].

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PAYSON, UT – Scott Golf is increasing its focus on partnerships with golf professionals, pro shops, and club fitters, offering a premium equipment line designed to provide a differentiated product story at retail.

The company’s lineup includes handcrafted irons, wedges, and putters, positioned for players seeking performance-driven equipment with a strong emphasis on feel and build quality.

“For shops, it’s not just about having another club on the wall,” said Petersen. “It’s about having something that stands out and gives golfers a reason to engage. That’s where we fit in.”

Scott Golf’s products are designed to complement fitting environments, where players can evaluate performance characteristics such as dispersion and strike consistency or allow the player to buy out of the shop.

“When golfers hit these, they notice the difference immediately,” Petersen added. “That gives pros and fitters something real to talk about, not just another list of specs.”

Scott added, “Some companies are known for one category and expand into wedges or putters because they feel they have to. At Scott Golf, our putters, irons, and wedges are all built to the same uncompromising standard. Every category is premium. Every club is luxury.”

Scott Golf continues to build relationships within the golf industry while maintaining a focused distribution strategy.

For more information, visit ScottGolf.com.

About Scott Golf

Scott Golf is a premium golf equipment company focused on delivering performance through craftsmanship and innovative material design. The brand’s lineup includes handcrafted irons, wedges, and putters, including The Woody, which features a proprietary wood fiber insert engineered for exceptional feel and consistency. Scott Golf serves players who prioritize feedback, control, and precision.
For Media Inquiries: Denny Mazur; Denny@InsideSportsTeam.com; 716-771-4843

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A tight lie occurs when the golf ball comes to rest at a part of the course where there is very little grass underneath it. When there is little to no grass underneath the golf ball, the golfer cannot take his normal divot while swinging. A lot of folks also refer to a tight lie as a thin shot or a bare lie.

Golfers of every skill level often struggle to hit shots from a tight lie because the margin of error is so slim. Tight lies make it difficult for the golfer to make solid contact because the ball isn’t sitting up. This is why specific clubs for tight lies, from companies like TaylorMade and Adams Golf, have risen in popularity over the years.

There are several common places where tight lies may occur on a golf course. The most common of which is on the fringe around the greens where the grass is extremely short. Tight lies can even occur while in the fairway, especially in the winter months when the grass doesn’t grow as well.

Most golfers, especially high handicappers, are more comfortable with the golf ball up on the tee or at least sitting up nicely on a patch of grass. This is because, in their minds, it is much easier to get the ball in the air when it is elevated.

However, it is possible to still strike the golf ball well even from the tightest of lies. Here are a few tips from various pro golfers.

5 Pro Tips to Hit a Tight Lie

Hale Irwin’s Tips for Hitting Chip Shots with Tight Lies

Hale Irwin was one of the best short game players on the PGA Tour during the prime of his career. Irwin won 20 PGA Tour events including 3 major championships. Here are some of Irwin’s best tips for hitting chips out of tight lies.

• “Never try to lift the ball when chipping out of a tight lie. If you do, you’ll either hit it too thin or too fat.”
• “Hit down on the ball to make it go up. You want to have a descending blow.”
• “Open the clubface a little to add 1 or 2 more degrees of loft on your low-bounce wedge. This will make for a softer landing on the green.”

Phil Mickelson’s Tips for Hitting Chip and Bump and Run Shots

Mickelson has been a fan favorite on the PGA Tour for several decades. The 6-time major champion has won 45 PGA Tour events which is tied for 8th on the all-time list. Here are some of Mickelson’s best tips for hitting chips or bump and run shots from tight lies.

• “Keep the shaft as vertical as possible during your setup. This will help to get rid of the bounce and allow you to make solid contact with the ball first.”
• “While addressing the golf ball, stick the toe of the club into the ground. This will help the shot come out like a normal chip.”
• “As crazy as it sounds, you want to eliminate the sweet spot of the club to keep the ball from coming out too hot.”
• “When chipping from tight lies, use the same stroke as you would with your putter.”

Moe Norman’s Tips for Pitching Out of Tight Lies

We’ve talked at length on this blog about Moe Norman’s incredible ball-striking ability. Most people don’t know that Norman was a master at hitting shots from tight lies.

Norman learned to play golf in Canada on a municipal course with lots of tight lies called the Rockway. Here’s how to execute Norman’s Rockway Move that he used when hitting out of tight lies. These tips come from Tim Graves, who is known for teaching Norman’s best golf techniques.

• “When pitching out of tight lies, focus on keeping your back foot flat on the ground at all times.”
• “Play the golf ball in the middle of your stance with your feet slightly open.”
• “Make contact with the ball with your back foot still flat on the ground. The hips won’t turn since these shots are only a short distance to the green.”
• “Remember, there’s no forgiveness when hitting out of tight lies. That’s why it’s so important to keep your head down and completely still. Any type of peeking will cause the shoulders to shift forward and will limit your accuracy.”

Xander Schauffele’s Tips for Hitting Out of Tight Lies

Schauffele is one of the PGA Tour’s brightest young stars, as he has already won four events. The 28-year old is an excellent ball striker and he has some good tips for when hitting out of tight lies. Here is some of Schaffele’s best advice.

• “You want to make sure you hit the back of the ball. ”
• “Play the ball off of your right foot.”
• “Keep the hands ahead of the golf ball.”
• “You want your hands to return to where they started.”

David Leadbetter Shows How to Hit Fairway Woods from Tight Lies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr8ZkHn3eL0

When most golfers hear the term tight lie, they automatically think of shots that they’ll have to hit with their pitching wedge or sand wedge. However, tight lie shots with a fairway wood or a hybrid can also be very intimidating.

David Leadbetter may not have played on the PGA Tour, but he did play pro golf on both the European and South African Tours. Leadbetter is one of the most famous golf instructors in the world and has coached the likes of Nick Faldo, Lydia Ko, and Michelle Wie. Here are Leadbetter’s top tips for hitting a fairway wood with a tight lie.

• “Never try to lift the ball. You want to swing down and try to make a small divot in the ground.”
• “Play the ball toward the middle of your stance just as if you were hitting an iron.”
• “Be sure to complete your backswing. Too many golfers have a tendency to rush through it.”

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

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PXG Lightning Tour Custom Driver

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Other ‘stiff profile’ shafts on the LPGA

Another surprising option on the LPGA Tour getting a ton of use is the Diamana WB. Compared to the Ventus Black, it’s a bit of a softer profile, but it’s still created as the low-launch, low-spin part for the slightly stronger player. Something that’s been in the hands of guys on the PGA Tour like Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, and Justin Rose.

You might guess a profile like the Diamana BB would be a more popular part for the women’s game, but with athletes of all genders getting stronger and faster, the need for profiles to keep up with the more athletic fields is more apparent.

For those of you reading at home, this leads into a discussion about how important it is to find the right profile golf shaft for your game, and then match the weight and flex of that profile to your swing’s needs.

Making sure you’re in a profile that activates at the right time in your swing is critical. Weight and flex are then there to make sure that you’re squeezing every bit of performance out of it that you can.

In Auston Kim’s case, they decided to stick with a lighter-weight, stiff flex shaft that they tipped one inch. This tipping stabilized the tip a tad while also making the handle a bit softer, which is very helpful for a wider, more aggressive swing that stays very connected. Again, think Auston, Rory, Cam Young, or Xander.

They don’t yank down on the golf shaft in transition; they keep it wide and long with their wrists relatively stable, and they create separation until impact.

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If you’re already a skilled golfer, we can’t say we blame you for researching how to become a golf pro.

There’s no better time to join the industry, with the number of golfers in the UK continuing to grow and the 2025 golf rule changes demonstrating how much the game is consistently evolving.

But what defines a ‘golf pro’? The term can be confusing, as it refers to both professional golfers and those who work within the business side of golf.

We cover how to become a golf professional, alongside how to take steps towards becoming a professional golfer if this is your goal.

Table of contents:

What is a golf pro?

There’s some confusion around who qualifies as a ‘golf professional’, as anyone who is a golf expert and involved in either teaching or playing golf at a professional level could be considered a ‘golf pro’.  

However, it’s widely accepted that there is a difference between golf professionals and professional golfers.

Golf professionals typically work in the business or management side of golf or teach or coach amateur or professional golfers.

Then, there are professional golfers who compete in high-profile tournaments like the Masters and the PGA Tour.

Many pro golfers follow the route of becoming a golf professional beforehand, as they have a strong involvement with their club growing up and decide to get certified.

But equally, many start as amateurs and rely on their talent to get noticed.

We’ve covered all pathways in this guide on how to become a golf pro, so you can weigh up your options and take actionable steps to progress your career.

Types of golf professionals

Hoping to work in the business side of golf? If so, it makes sense to get an overview of the roles available if you gain employment at a golf club and decide to become a PGM Associate.

To give you an idea of the different types of golf professionals, the PGA suggests that those who complete their qualifications fulfil one or more of the following roles:

• a qualified teacher or coach
• a knowledgeable retailer
• a customer advisor
• a specialist club fitter
• a manager of services, products, facilities, and people
• a tournament organiser
• a good player

Hopefully, this gives you a good overview of your career prospects.

Regarding job titles, the highest level at a club is typically Head Professional, followed by Associate Professional. They usually manage the club and other employees who work there.

The alternative route is becoming a Teaching Professional, which is a more practical role overall and mainly involves coaching clients.

Head Professional and Teaching Professional roles can sometimes interlink depending on the club, but there is room to specialise in one area over the other.

How to become a golf professional

The path to becoming a golf professional isn’t complicated. Still, it requires a high level of skill and dedication to your development as a player, even if you decide to work business side.

Professional golfing is certainly on the cards for those who go down this route, as long as they’re equipped with the skills to compete at an elite level.

Here’s a quick overview of the path to becoming a golf professional in the UK.

1. Complete the PGM Associate Program

Every golf club has a Head Professional overseeing its operations, including managing the course and other employees.

This role carries a large responsibility and is the most advanced path you can reach when learning how to become a golf pro outside of competing in tournaments.

Suppose you want to eventually become a Head Professional through the PGA. In that case, you’ll need to complete their PGM Associate Program and become an Associate Professional before you can climb through the ranks. This involves:

• a background check
• passing a qualifying test
• gaining employment as an Associate Professional
• completing the player ability test (PAT)

This could be helpful if you want to become a pro golfer, as the PAT test is a great way to prove your skill in the sport.

However, as mentioned earlier, you don’t technically require this to enter tournaments and get noticed.

2. Complete a golf-related bachelor’s degree

Gaining a PGA qualification is a popular route to becoming a golf professional in the UK, as their degree programmes are the most respected golf qualifications in the world.

If you’re hoping to work business side and want to climb the ranks once you graduate, this could be the best route for you.

A foundation degree in Golf Studies (FdSc) is available at the University of Birmingham and can be converted into a BSc (Hons) in Professional Golf Studies.

The University of the Highlands and Islands also runs a Diploma in Higher Education Golf Studies (DipHE), which can be converted into a BA in Professional Golf, with an option to continue to Hons.

You can also study a BSc in Applied Golf Management Studies taught in partnership with the University of Birmingham, which grants you membership as a PGA Professional subject to status and application.

3. Progress through PGA titles

There is the opportunity for development once you’ve qualified as a PGA Member through gaining more experience, education, achievements, and accreditations.

The first option is to move from ‘Class A’ to ‘Class AA’ status, which involves gaining 100 CPD points within three years through suggested professional development.

However, if you reach the age of 55 and haven’t progressed from Class AA status, you will remain at this level for life.

Aside from these initial titles, you can also apply for any of the following:

• PGA advanced professional—meets relevant criteria and has been qualified for a minimum of three years
• PGA fellow professional—meets the relevant criteria and has been qualified for a minimum of eight years
• PGA advanced fellow professional—meets the relevant criteria and has been qualified for a minimum of ten years
• PGA master professional—meets the relevant criteria and has been qualified for a minimum of fifteen years

As you’ve probably gathered, many professional golf players will hold a PGA qualification, so the two pathways often interlink.

But not all skilled players who qualify will go on to become professional golfers, and you also don’t need to qualify to become one, either.

How to become a professional golfer

If you’re a highly skilled player dedicated to your growth in the sport, then there’s a chance you could become a pro golfer if you set your mind to it.

Since the PGA Tour is the world’s largest professional golf tournament organiser, it makes sense for us to discuss how to reach this level of competition—entering these tournaments is the most popular end goal for aspiring golfers.

The steps themselves are quite simple. It’s what’s involved in the process that makes it easier said than done.

You need to be great at what you do, extremely driven, and prepared to put the rest of your life on hold if you want to make it. Here are the next steps if you think you’ve got what it takes.

1. Get up to professional standard

Most players fall at the first hurdle, as this is certainly one part that’s easier said than done. But if you can overcome the challenge of mastering golf, you’re already halfway there.

Recruiting a coach is a good idea if you can afford the investment. With their guidance, you can establish a solid training programme to perfect your technique and improve faster than working alone.

The game is massively competitive, especially since many golfers start young. But if you’ve got the grit and determination to consistently work on every element of your game, you’ll overtake those who give up too soon.

2. Take a swing at amateur events

Once you’ve achieved a high standard and proven your skill in a few friendly competitions at your local club, it’s time to progress to more formal events.

Wondering where to start? Using the Golf Empire search tool, you can browse over 10,000 amateur open golf tournaments at more than 1,500 golf clubs in the UK.

You can also check out amateur golf tours and series for when you feel you’re good enough to enter.

You can usually enter as many or as few events as you wish, meaning you can get a taste of what is expected at these events without committing to the full thing.

It’s easier said than done, but a huge part of learning how to become a professional golfer is dominating amateur competitions.

Progressing through the ranks will get you noticed and potentially lead to you being invited to or qualifying for a more prestigious event—this is how many golfers go professional.

3. Commit to going professional

If you reach the point where you’re consistently performing well in amateur competitions and you’re determined enough to take your career further, this is where you can take things to the next level.

Only you can decide whether or not you’re ready to go pro, as golf differs from other sports where you’re signed up to a team. You essentially decide to compete in professional events instead of their amateur counterparts.

You should be at the best level you can be before registering for professional events, however, as they are usually very expensive to enter and highly competitive.

In the UK, the easiest transition into professional events is becoming a PGA member and entering the PGA Open series, most of which have a £100 registration fee and a £20,000 prize fund.

Taking this leap of faith is a big step, but it’s worth a shot if you know you have what it takes and can afford to do so.

Don’t let age be a hurdle if you’re a great golfer, as there have been many late bloomers before. It’s a matter of dedication and skill above all else.

Take U.S. golfer Allen Doyle, for example—he turned pro at 46, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams if you stay focused.

4. Sign up for Q-school

Finishing in the top 25 on the Korn Ferry Tour is a surefire way to earn a PGA Tour card, but you can only enter this tour if you go to Q-school first.

This process involves competing over four months to finish in one of the top 25 spots, which earns you an unconditional place on the Korn Ferry Tour. However, you can still get a conditional place if you finish in the 26-50 range.

If you compete well enough to finish in the top five of the final stage of Q-school, you can gain your PGA Tour card this way instead of competing in the Korn Ferry Tour.

5. Compete in the Korn Ferry Tour

If you’ve come this far, you’ve already become a professional golfer, but there’s much more to achieve if you keep pushing on.

The Korn Ferry Tour sits just beneath the PGA Tour, and making it to the finals and finishing in the top 25 guarantees you a spot. Finishing in the 26-50 range gives you a conditional status, and you’ll still have a chance to make your debut.

6. Reach PGA Tour player status

This is likely one of the most important stages of your career.

If you finish in the top 25 at the Korn Ferry Tour or secure your card through a conditional status, you’ll get a chance to compete amongst the world’s most elite golf players.

This will be no mean feat. But now that you know the steps involved, you can devise a step-by-step plan to achieve this level. SMART goals are a great way to ensure progress.

7. Keep your spot on the PGA Tour

While you’ve likely achieved your wildest dreams at this stage, now is not the time to get complacent.

To make your hard work pay off, you should do everything it takes to ensure you keep your spot as one of the 125 best players in the sport.

You’ll be standing on golf’s world stage, and you may never make it back if you let your game slip.

Avoid injuries at all costs, maintain your confidence, and never underestimate the importance of keeping up to speed through practice.

Winning high-profile competitions such as the Players Championship or The Masters solidifies your status as a top golfer and can even guarantee your spot on the PGA Tour for years at a time.

If you win the Players Championship, you receive a five-year exemption, a three-year invite to the Masters, and a three-year exemption for the Open and the PGA Championship.

Salaries in golf 

If you’re considering a career in golf, it’s natural to want to know exactly how much you could earn.

Leaning towards the golf professional route? According to Glassdoor:

• an Assistant Golf Professional earns £27k per year on average and up to £48k per year with experience
• a Head Golf Professional earns £25k per year on average and up to £73k per year with experience

If your end goal is becoming a professional golfer, the amount you’ll earn is understandably difficult to pin down.

Tiger Woods has the highest career earnings on the PGA Tour at $120,954,766, to give you an idea of how lucrative this career path can be.

Specialist golf insurance through Golf Care

As with any sport, the road to becoming a professional in golf is challenging, and accidents can happen. That’s why you may want to consider specialist golf insurance.

With specialist golf insurance through Golf Care, policies include Equipment Cover up to £7,500 and Public Liability up to £10m, so you can practice with complete peace of mind.

Get an instant online quote.

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Mizuno, renowned for its relentless pursuit of forging perfection, have  unveiled the Mizuno Pro S-1 irons—an exciting new addition to its celebrated Signature Series.

Crafted for the discerning player, the S-1 is a bold step forward in Mizuno’s mission to deliver precision engineering, peerless feel, and continuously refined performance.

TRADITION

The Mizuno Signature Series reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to producing meticulously designed clubs that balance tradition with the needs of the modern golfer.

The Mizuno Pro S-1 follows the introduction of the hugely popular Mizuno Pro S-3 irons in January, offering players another standout option within the family.

The Mizuno Pro S-1 irons are pure muscle backs, designed for players who demand ultimate precision and workability.

At the core of the Mizuno Pro S-1 is Mizuno’s Grain Flow Forged HD process, carefully executed in Hiroshima, Japan.

Forged from a single billet of 1025E Pure Select Mild Carbon Steel, the S-1 delivers the unmistakably soft and responsive feel through impact that Mizuno is globally known for.

The inclusion of a copper underlay further optimises this experience, subtly refining vibration patterns to produce the purest, most satisfying feedback.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Developed and tested with input from tour professionals, the S-1 incorporates a Channel Back Design that redistributes mass for greater vertical stability and a more consistent centre of gravity.

This design works seamlessly with Mizuno’s Harmonic Impact Technology, which fine-tunes the feel by adjusting the club’s vibration frequencies to deliver even more responsive feedback.

Building on Mizuno’s continuous drive for improvement, the S-1 introduces a re-engineered sole that has been precisely shaped to optimise turf interaction.

WHAT’S NEW

Compared to its predecessor, the Mizuno Pro 241, the S-1 sole features a flatter camber, a sharper leading edge, and an additional degree of bounce.

The result is a club that offers greater forgiveness for shallower attack angles while reducing the chance of digging—giving players the confidence to commit to every shot.

Visually, the S-1 has been crafted to appeal to the modern, competitive golfer. It features a compact, tour-preferred profile with a square toe design, a thin topline, and straight edges that convey discipline and purpose.

The Soft White Satin finish not only complements its sophisticated appearance but also serves to reduce glare at address.

ELITE

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