Do PGA Pro's get to play private courses?
I heard that PGA Pros(the ones that work at ocal golf clubs and pass that P.A.T. playing test) get to play almost any course they want to play regardless of memberships. Is this true? The reason I am asking because I desperatly want to play Winged Foot and Shinnecock Hills but I don't know any members of those golf courses. I am a single digit golfer close to becoming a scratch golfer and am wondering if I take the playing test to become a PGA pro, will I be able to play these courses and other ones that are private? Thanks for any advice.
Comments
Most club professionals play private courses as a matter of courtesy within the PGA ranks. The majority of club pros in New England have abbreviated seasons and are more likely to be involved with their membership. That means setting aside Mondays with three members in the Pro-Am event of the week. Then there are the scheduled all pro events of the PGA which take them to various courses. Included are the national qualifying events for the club pro championship as well as the US Open. Again it may all boil to who you know. Don't consider becoming an unattached pro with rights of entry.
That is up to the board of directors and they're policies vary from one another. Tour players are welcome to play high end facilities for the prestige the club might get and the input the tour player gives. PGA proffesionals have hurdles to jump on many private courses... wheres MI he could answer this?
Get a job there, buy a membership, become a playing pro, or find someone there and become friends with them... that's about it.
ask for guest pass.