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Playing Ability Test

2023 PAT Schedule

SITE: Azalea City Golf Course

SITE ADDRESS: 1000 Gaillard Dr., Mobile, AL 36608

SITE PHONE #: 251-208-5150

HOST PROFESSIONAL: Lawrence Auer, PGA

DATE OF PAT: Wednesday, March 22, 2023

SITE CHARGES: $60 includes range balls, cart, and lunch

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST

PAT INFORMATION: Click Here for PAT Information

SITE: Scenic Hills Country Club

SITE ADDRESS: 8891 Burning Tree Rd., Pensacola, FL 32514

SITE PHONE #: 850-476-0611

HOST PROFESSIONAL: Rick Gorman, PGA

DATE OF PAT: Thursday, April 13, 2023

SITE CHARGES: $60 includes range balls, cart, and lunch

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST

PAT INFORMATION: Click Here for PAT Information

SITE: Wynlakes Golf & Country Club

SITE ADDRESS: 7900 Wynlakes Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117

SITE PHONE #: 334-279-0297

HOST PROFESSIONAL: Steve Cutler, PGA

DATE OF PAT: Wednesday, May 17, 2023

SITE CHARGES: $60 includes range balls, cart, and lunch

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST

PAT INFORMATION: Click Here for PAT Information

SITE: Ballantrae Golf Club

SITE ADDRESS: 1300 Ballantrae Club Dr., Pelham, AL 35124

SITE PHONE #: 205-620-4653

HOST PROFESSIONAL: Jerry Applegate, PGA

DATE OF PAT: Wednesday, June 7, 2023

SITE CHARGES: $60 includes range balls, cart, and lunch

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST

PAT INFORMATION: Click Here for PAT Information

SITE: Canebrake Club

SITE ADDRESS: 23015 Founders Circle, Athens, AL 35613

SITE PHONE #: 256-232-2412

HOST PROFESSIONAL: Micky Wolfe, PGA

DATE OF PAT: Wednesday, July 19, 2023

SITE CHARGES: $60 includes range balls, cart, and lunch

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST

PAT INFORMATION: Click Here for PAT Information

SITE: Timberline Golf Club

SITE ADDRESS: 300 Timberline Trail, Calera, AL 35040

SITE PHONE #: 205-668-7888

HOST PROFESSIONAL: Joe Kruse, PGA

DATE OF PAT: Wednesday, August 2, 2023

SITE CHARGES: $60 includes range balls, cart, and lunch

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST

PAT INFORMATION: Click Here for PAT Information

SITE: Bent Brook Golf Course

SITE ADDRESS: 7900 Dickey Springs Rd., Bessemer, AL 35022

SITE PHONE #: 205-424-2368

COURSE: Brook / Graveyard

HOST PROFESSIONAL: Mickey Smith, PGA

DATE OF PAT: Tuesday, October 10, 2023

SITE CHARGES: $60 includes range balls, cart, and lunch

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST

PAT INFORMATION: Click Here for PAT Information

SITE: Bay Point Golf Club

SITE ADDRESS: 4701 Bay Point Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32408

SITE PHONE #: 850-235-6950

COURSE: Nicklaus Course

HOST PROFESSIONAL: Ryan Mulvey, PGA

DATE OF PAT: Monday, November 27, 2023

SITE CHARGES: $60 includes range balls, cart, and lunch

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, November 20, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST

PAT INFORMATION: Click Here for PAT Information

For more information please
Contact Wade Dockery with the Alabama-NW Florida PGA
(205) 621-6401


Target score formula: Course rating X 2 + 15
ie (70.8 x 2 = 141.6 (141) + 15 = 156)
drop decimal…do not round up

** Site charges at each facility covers cart, range and lunch on day of PAT.

Playing Ability Test (PAT)

The Playing Ability Test or “PAT” is a measure of golfing ability.  It means PGA Professionals have the skills needed to teach and grow the game.

The  36-hole playing ability test for golf is something you must pass if you want to become a PGA Professional.

One of the following must be completed within eight years prior to registering into the PGA Professional Golf Management Program (PGA PGM Program):

  1. Pass the 36-hole Playing Ability Test or;
  2. Attempt the PAT at least once within the eight years prior to registering into the PGA PGM Program. Within that time frame, shoot one 18-hole score in a PAT that is equal to or less than the PAT target score for 18- holes, plus 5 strokes. Note: Each PAT score has a validity date of eight years.

The 36-hole PAT remains valid during the Acceptable Progress period. In order to pass the 36-hole PAT, you must achieve a 36-hole score within 15 shots of the course rating. For example, if the course rating is 72, the target score for the 36 holes would be 159 (72 x 2 = 144 + 15 = 159). This competition is normally conducted in one day.  Fewer than 20% of those taking the test achieve a passing score, therefore, it is highly recommended that you work diligently on your game prior to registering for the PAT.

Click Here for the PAT schedule and online registration. To register by phone, please contact PGA Membership Services at (800) 474-2776.

Click Here to view PAT policies and procedures.

Scores from the first two individual stroke play competition rounds of a PGA Qualified Professional Tour golf tournament, collegiate golf tournament (Division I, II, III, NAIA, NCCGA and Junior College), PGA National or Section Professional or Amateur Event, a State Open, State Amateur and State High School Championship and 36-hole qualifiers administered by the United States Golf Association or R&A, or AJGA administered events that meet the minimum yardage qualifications for PAT’s may be used to satisfy the 36-hole PGA Playing Ability Test requirement, provided the individual was age 16 or over at the time of participation. Playing Ability Test validity would extend eight years past the date of passing.  Applicants would be responsible for submitting documentation of scores, yardage and course rating to verify Playing Ability Test eligibility, and all PGA minimum standards for the Playing Ability Test must be met. Events must be at least 36-hole events to qualify, and rounds cannot be combined from separate events.  PGA Qualified Professional Tour is defined by a regular and continuous series of events for Professionals accepted at the discretion of PGA of America.

Click Here to send us your scores.