Presenting for PGA Master Professional in the next year
Purpose
The project is a crucial part of the work in striving for Master Professional designation as it provides an opportunity to showcase your talent for Instruction.
This is where Ollen can demonstrate that he can:
- Understand the varied skills and procedures required to instruct all types of students
- Integrate and apply varied skills in both private and group situations
- Demonstrate actual day-to-day experience and expertise in Instruction
Recognition for Dedication to his Expertise in Instruction
It means everything when it comes from the PGA
Members will receive a letter of commendation from the President of the PGA of America and will be promoted in PGA Magazine, The PGA Membership and Golf Directory, the listing of PGA Master Professionals on PGALinks.com, and on a perpetual plaque (name and date) located at the PGA Historical Center. These members will also be able to designate those individuals that will receive a letter of commendation from the President of The PGA of America.
What is the difference between a PGA Certified Professional and a PGA Master Professional?
Ollen Stephens | PGA Certified Professional
A PGA Certified Professional has sought specific information and successfully tested on this specific information to a standard established by industry experts, PGA Subject Matter Experts, and professional testing consultants. A PGA Master Professional has taken certification information and experience and applied it in the workplace to a level that demonstrates expertise. Expertise is proven via rigorous program requirements that are overseen and evaluated by PGA Master Professionals, PGA Subject Matter Experts, and professional testing consultants.
Additional Information from the PGA
The PGA Master Professional program was established in 1969 to recognize PGA Members who make a significant effort to improve themselves as golf professionals and maintain the highest degree of excellence for themselves and their operations. One of the original requirements for earning Master Professional status was the submission of an extensive thesis on one aspect of golf, which was reviewed by a panel of professional experts in the field. The thesis topics range from the mental and physical aspects of the golf swing to golf course construction and computer technology in the golf shop. The Master professional program then changed to require the completion of one of the seven Specialty Certification courses: Teaching, Rules, General Management, Golf Operations, Tournament Operations, Golf Car Fleet Management or Merchandising. Professionals desiring Master Professional status also had to be active PGA Members for a minimum of 8 years.
The PGA Master Professional Program will now originate from the PGA Certified Professional Program. After a PGA member passes the proficiency assessment test, he or she will be eligible to work toward their “Masters Degree” in education by preparing a special project in their selected career path that meets the approval of examiners. This is similar to the “Masters thesis” project previously required to earn Master Professional status. The Master Professional applicant will present his or her project to a panel of examiners and answer questions on the project.