Requirements and Eligibility for the PGA Professional Development Award

The following requirements are for National Award Winners. Your Section may waive certain criteria for Section Award Winners.

The "PGA Professional Development" bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who personally displays a strong desire for lifelong education to include outstanding and continuing contributions to professional education.

Requirements: 

• Candidate must be a PGA member in good standing.  
• Candidate must be well regarded as a model PGA member.  
• Demonstration and acknowledgement as an individual of outstanding leadership and strong moral character.

Eligibility: 
The following persons are ineligible: 

• Previous National PGA Professional Development Award winners; 
• Past Presidents of the Association; 
• Current members of the Association Board of Directors; 
• Nominees for National Office; 
• Class "F" or "Reserved" members; 
• Associates; 
• PGA National Headquarters Staff and PGA Section Staff are not eligible for National Awards (Excluding Employees of PGA Golf Properties or Section Golf Properties).

Criteria:
PGA Professional Development Award minimum criteria:

• Candidate must have been a Class A PGA member in good standing for a minimum total of 10 years.
• Candidate has developed the image, reputation, and ability to inspire fellow PGA members with an emphasis in the area of education and training of PGA Professionals.
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service to the PGA of America and the game of golf to further educate and train fellow PGA members, Associates, and industry stakeholders.
• Candidate must have maintained a substantial record of service and promotion toward the growth of the game.  
• Candidate must be one of the following: Master Professional, Certified Professional, served as an Association Subject Matter Expert (SME), adjunct PGA faculty member, OR have conducted and/or taught at a minimum combined total of TEN (10) national education programs/workshops (to include PGA PGM) or sectional education programs/workshops within the last TEN (10) years.

Guidelines for Selection:
The candidate will be considered on the following:

1. Their entire PGA career that will include the commitment for lifelong education and training, as well as all of their education and training experience, skill sets, service, and commitment to the Game of Golf, their Association, and their Section;   
2. Their performance and service in the area of education and training Golf Professionals at the National, Section, Chapter, and facility levels;
3. The impact made on fellow Golf Professionals through their service and efforts in the area of education and training;
4. Contributions provided to The PGA, or other organizations, as a SME and/or educator;
5. The written or video contributions in the effort to educate and train Golf Professionals through National, Section, or other outlets to include books, articles, manuals, best practices, etc.;   
6. Unusual, innovative and/or special education programs or delivery methods of programs which the individual has initiated or played a key role in implementing;
7. Other contributions provided to The PGA.