PGA of Ontario Playing Ability Test Policies and Guidelines

The PGA of Ontario Playing Ability Test (PAT) guidelines and penalties are in effect for all PGA of Ontario playing ability tests and will be shared with all registrants prior to each event. Players participating in Playing Ability Tests conducted by the PGA of Ontario must adhere to the following:
 

Time Par

The PGA of Ontario Tournament Committee will establish a Time Par for each PAT. Each group is required to complete their round within the allocated Time Par. 
 

Completion of Round

Completion of a stipulated round will be defined as all applicants within a group being seated at the scoring table immediately post-play.
 

Time Monitoring

PGA of Ontario staff will record completion times of each group based on when the full group arrives at the scoring table. During play, each group is responsible for monitoring their own time based on the Time Par provided on each player’s scorecard. The Referee may advise of timing issues and issue warnings as required to encourage groups to stay within the time allocated for play.  

Once an infraction has occurred (i.e. – a group arrives late to the scoring table) there will be a 15-minute grace period added to the Time Par for all subsequent groups.

Score Eligibility and Penalties

If a player's final score in a Playing Ability Test exceeds the target score by more than 12 strokes, they will be ineligible to attempt another PAT for the remainder of the current season. Players may sign up and attempt a PAT again in the following season.

In the case that a player does exceed the target score by more than 12 strokes, the PGA of Ontario team and Tournament Committe will notify the professional that signed the applicant’s reference letter of the applicant’s score as well as informing them that the applicant is unable to attempt another PAT for the remainder of the season.

This policy is designed to maintain the integrity of our Playing Ability Tests and association, and ensure participants are adequately prepared for the test. Players are encouraged to practice and improve their skills before attempting the PAT to increase their chances of success.

Details of Scoring Eligibility and Penalties

Example 1 – If the target score at a PAT is 79, and a player's final score is 88, they have not passed the PAT, but they may attempt another PAT within the same season because their score was within 12 strokes of the target score  

Example 2 – If the target score at a PAT is 79, and a player's final score is 92 (13 strokes over) or more, they have not passed the PAT, AND they may not attempt another PAT for the remainder of the current season because their score was not within 12 strokes of the target score. The professional who signed the applicant’s reference letter will be notified. This player may sign up and attempt a PAT again in the following season.

General

Please understand that PGA of Ontario Staff, Tournament Committee members, and event Referees shall not be subject to abuse – verbal or otherwise. Their duty is to enforce the above guidelines, with intent to elevate the overall experience and maintain the integrity of our Playing Ability Tests and association. Please be respectful.