Playing Ability Tests

Looking to Join the PGA of Canada?

Prospective members must meet the following entrance requirements:

Be 18 years old
Minimum high school diploma
Currently working in the golf industry to be verified by your employer, and work a minimum of 400 hours per year
Two reference letters, one from your employer and one from a PGA of Canada Class "A" Member
Complete Rules of Golf Level 1 Seminar
Complete the PGA of Canada On-boarding Module
Be able to Pass a Playing Ability Test
Complete the police record check with ISB Global Services (One Badge) - your account with your login details to be provided by the PGA of Canada Membership department after passing or being exempted from the PAT.

What is the Playing Ability Test process?

Meet the entrance requirements.
Register with the PGA of Canada to become an applicant - $195.75 ($175.00 + HST).
Your registration is valid for one year.
Become Verified by following the six-step process.
Select a Playing Ability Test to attempt Each additional attempt in the Ontario Zone will be $195.75 ($175.00 + HST).
Playing Ability Test Schedule.
For all receipts, please go here.

How to become "Verified"

After registering with the PGA of Canada, you should have received an automated email with your PGA of Canada ID Number. If you did not receive this email, please contact Jacob at jacob@pgaofcanada.com or 1.800.782.5764 ext. 262.

Before being able to attempt a PAT this year, we need the following items from you:

Upload a photo to prove you are 18 years of age or older - (driver's license with the birth date visible) - click here to upload
Upload a reference letter from your employer/direct report - click here to upload
Upload a reference letter from a PGA of Canada Class “A” Member - click here to upload (*if your direct report is both your employer and a PGA of Canada Class "A" Member, only one letter of reference is required)
Your employer/direct report will automatically be sent an email to verify your golf industry employment. They must click a button in that email to verify that you are employed at the facility indicated in the registration process.
Upload a photo to prove you have completed the Rules of Golf Level 1 Seminar (click here) and upload your Rules of Golf Level 1 Certificate - here
Upload a photo to prove you have completed the PGA of Canada On-boarding Module (available for free early in 2023 - click here) and upload your PGA of Canada On-boarding Module Certificate - here

Required information in reference letters includes start date, work hours, duties/responsibilities, verify 1 tournament score (new in 2023), verify Golf Canada handicap (new in 2023), and personal attestation the applicant has the ability to shoot the score.

If employed by a PGA of Canada Class “A” Member, the reference letter must be provided by this individual.

Sample Reference Letters

2024 PGA of Ontario Playing Ability Tests

We have introduced an enhanced PGA of Ontario Playing Ability Test Policy. This policy provides guidelines pertaining to applicant pace of play and playing ability. This policy has been introduced by the PGA of Ontario staff and Tournament Committe in response to applicant feedback and observation of applicant experience. The policy is designed to maintain the integrity of our Playing Ability Tests and association, and ensure participants are adequately prepared for the test. The intent is to elevate the overall experience and foster a professional and equitable environment at all PGA of Ontario PAT’s. Please be sure to review the policy before signing up for a PAT.

PLEASE NOTE: Priority will be given to PGA of Ontario verified Applicants up until the deadline, at which point if there are spots remaining, they will be awarded to out-of-zone verified applicants on a first-come-first-served basis. If you are an out-of-zone applicant interested in attempting in Ontario, please contact Stacey Hewett at stacey@pgaofontario.com to be put on a wait list.

Past 2024 PAT's

What is the Target Score?

PAT Target Score:

1 round PAT
No maximum number of attempts per year
All PAT’s are open to all applicants
For Men, 49 years of age and under, the course rating plus 9
For Men, 50 years of age and older, the course rating plus 11
For Women, 49 years of age and under, the course rating plus 13
For Women, 50 years of age and older, the course rating plus 15
For Golfers with Different Abilities, click here to learn more

PAT Scores for Golfers with Different Abilities

The PGA of Canada worked with EDGA to determine 11 defined groups based on EDGA definitions for impairment in relation to golf. Those groups can be found here. The target scores for each group were determined by comparing the top five amateur golfer’s handicaps from the Golf Canada system to the top five amateur golfers with different abilities handicaps in the 11 defined groups from EDGA.

Click here to view the process for people of different abilities to join the PGA of Canada.

Am I eligible for an Exemption?

In recognition of demonstrated playing ability, an applicant will be awarded an exemption from the Playing Ability Test requirement based on the following criteria:

Must be a stroke play event with rules officials present
Score meets the PAT standard of 9 over the course rating for men and 13 over the course rating for women
Scores from an event within the past two years (2022 & 2021) run by one of the following:

Golf Canada and its provincial associations, The R&A, USGA, European Disabled Golfers Association (EDGA), NCAA, PGA Tour, PGA Tour Canada, Korn Ferry Tour, Asian Tour, DP World Tour, PGA Tour Australasia, Sunshine Tour, Challenge Tour, Champions Tour, European Seniors Tour, Korean Tour, LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, LPGA of Japan, Australian (ALPG) Tour, Korean LPGA Tour (KLPGA), PGA of Canada National Championships, PAT run by a PGA of Canada Zone and a PAT run by recognized foreign PGA's.

After registering with the PGA of Canada, to apply for a PAT Exemption please complete the online form below.

Please note: if you are granted a PAT Exemption, your registration fee will be adjusted to $350 plus tax.

To apply please complete the online form.

If you have any questions, contact Darcy Kral, Managing Director of Membership, by email darcy@pgaofcanada.com or by phone at 1.800.782.5764 ext.224