Basic Education

 

Do you wish to help newcomers to become fulfilled players? Do you wish to coach pupils to reach their full potential? Do you wish to understand the complexity of the game and be able to guide all players, of all age and gender, to enjoy their game and teach them skills and abilities they specifically need to better themselves?

 

All of this is reachable, and the PGA of Belgium is committed to bring to all its students the means to understand the huge variety of personalities, morphologies and body features as well as mobility preferences of all kind of players, so as to adapt their teaching skills to the needs of their pupils.

 

The program is complex and includes a national all round sports education program handed out by the respective Belgian regions thru their sports education programs. In Vlaanderen, Sport Vlaanderen organizes it, and in Wallonia it is run by the ADEPS. On the other hand, PGA of Belgium tutors also teach the technical specifics of golf and all other aspects regarding the sport itself, such as rules, equipment technology, event organisation, course architecture and computer coaching.

 

These courses are presented throughout 3 levels of certifications and should be followed jointly with the two first levels of the state run sports education programs. Only the 2 first levels are compulsory to become a qualified teacher. The third year is tailored around management and marketing topics for those who whish to expand their fields of expressions in the golf world.

 

So as to be better adapted to local and linguistics needs, the PGA and the regional golf bodies jointly run the education plan. In Vlaanderen, the students, called Trainees, have to sign up thru Golf Vlaanderen for their first 2 levels of education, in Wallonia the Trainees will have to contact the AFGOLF.

 

We offer 3 levels of certification: Initiator, PGA Coach and PGA professional

 

At every level the Trainees are certified and gain access to a form or another of remuneration, the volunteers being the most restricted to a maximum income of 6,250€ a year and in very strict work ethics that they must abide too, that if not respected could lead to their exclusion of the golf community at large.

 

As soon as a Trainee successfully passes his second level of instruction he becomes a PGA coach and can start his career of teaching under a self employed status (link to the legal aspects of this in both regions) and be fully employed as a teacher & coach.

 

The PGA of Belgium nationally runs the 3rd level of certification. The courses are in English and the Trainees will need to write a thesis, in their preferred language, to obtain the title of PGA Professional. At this level, the instruction is more concerned about managementl and marketing aspects of the trade, as well as the golf course maintenance and architectural perspectives.

 

Jointly to this basic education program, the PGA of Belgium runs annually a continued education plan where all subjects concerning the trade of golf are covered. Most of these are open to all keen golfers may they be amateurs, as the topics are all concerned with the evolution of the game.

 

You will find here after a more extensive presentation of the 3 levels of education proposed as well as a link to this years continued education propositions.

 

Golf is a world wide activity, and all our courses are open to all the PGAs of the world, so coming to attend our Continued Personal Development (CPD) Education courses will enable all attendees to meet neighbouring countries pros and extend their own networking.

 

We are pleased to say to all our Trainees that their certifications will enable them to work in all 35 countries who are members of the CPG-Confederation of Professional Golf, the former PGA of Europe!

 

To become an INITIATOR

 

In French, thru the AFGOLF: 250€

In Flemish, thru Golf Vlaanderen: 305€

 

The courses include teaching didactics, basic technical aspects of the game, safeguarding, golf equipment, event organisation, rules of golf and regional visions, as well as a commitment to regional promotion activities.

 

Jointly the Trainees will undergo an Initiator course thru the respective regional sport bodies (Sport Vlaanderen and ADEPS)

 

To become a fully qualified Teacher & PGA coach

 

In French, thru the AFGOLF, 2500€+ manuals

In Flemish, thru the Golf Vlaanderen

 

In both regions, the Trainees have to follow traineeship time with their respective governing bodies and also their internship supervisors (the head-pro).  All details of these courses can be found on the websites of Golf Vlaanderen and AFGOLF

 

To become a fully qualified golf professional

 

To reach the PGA Professional status, the trainees will have to successfully pass the 5 theoretical and practical exams in the following subjects and present an end of term thesis over a chosen topic regarding the sport of golf. A number of compulsory CPD courses will also have to be attended which will change yearly.

  • Management skills applied to golf, by Ben Ooms
    • 4 days of theoretical courses + written exam
    • 2 internships + reports (administration and shop)
  • How to be self-commercial, by A.Otterström
    • 2 days theoretical
    • Assignment in yearly planning
  • Golf Architecture, by B.Steensels
    • 2 days theoretical + written exam
    • Assignment in golf course design
  • Computer Coaching, by H.Lundqvist
    • 3 day theoretical and practical + written exam
  • MBTI & leadership Training + links with ACTIONTYPE
    • 4 days theoretical + written exam
  • + 2 courses to choose in the continued education program of the PGA of Belgium

 

2022 schedule here: