# Playing Ability Test (PAT)

## Understanding PAT Scores

* Passing Scores: Achieving a passing score in a PAT (including alternate events) signifies full compliance with the requirements. The PAT involves completing two rounds of golf (36 holes) and shooting equal to or lower than the course rating for 36 holes + 15 strokes. 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 is necessary for becoming a PGA of America Member**.
* Qualifying Scores: A qualifying score (such as a handicap index submission) allows you to start the PGM Associate Program, but a full passing score must be achieved to become a PGA of America Member.

## PAT Passing Options:

* Take a 36-hole PAT: The traditional method to achieve a passing score. This competition is normally conducted in one day.

  <SnippetsButton button_color_theme="button_primary" button_text="Register For PAT" button_link="https://account.pga.org/signup?path-to-membership=true" button_full_width={false} open_in_new_tab={false} />
* Alternate PATs: Scores from PGA events, collegiate tournaments, USGA events, and several other types of events can be used to satisfy the PAT requirements. Participants in standard 36-hole PAT events have the option to combine two 18-hole scores from multiple PAT events within a year to meet the 36-hole requirement.

  <SnippetsButton button_color_theme="button_primary" button_text="View Alternate Submission Options" button_link="/membership/associate-program/alternate-submission-options" button_full_width={false} open_in_new_tab={false} />

## PAT Qualifying Options:

* Handicap Submission: Submit a handicap index less than ten as a qualifying score to start the PGM Associate Program. [Click here](/membership/associate-program/alternate-submission-options) to submit your handicap index for review.
* Qualifying Score: This option allows entry into the PGM Associate Program but requires eventual completion of a full passing score to become a PGA of America Member. A Qualifying score is a score that is within 5 strokes of the target score divided by 2 (ex. Target Score 160, Qualifying Score, 160/2+5=85) [Click here](https://account.pga.org/signup?path-to-membership=true) to schedule your PAT.

  <SnippetsButton button_color_theme="button_primary" button_text="View PAT Scoring Table" button_link="/uploads/PAT%20Scoring%20Table.jpeg" button_full_width={false} open_in_new_tab={false} />

## Adaptive Golfers and Americans With Disabilities Act

The event model found [here](/uploads/Playing-Ability-Test-Eligible-Adaptive-Events.pdf) is an alternate path for Adaptive Golfers. PGA of America offers reasonable accommodations for individuals who require accommodations due to a disability for their Playing Ability Test needs based on the Americans With Disabilities Act (“ADA”).  For additional information, please contact the PGA Membership Department at [membership@pgahq.com](membership@pgahq.com).

<SnippetsAccordionBlock>
  <SnippetsAccordionItem summary="Do I need to take a PAT now to start the Associate Program?" id="">
    In order to register as an Associate, you need at least a qualifying PAT score to complete your Associate application. To better understand what events count towards a PASSING score or how to submit a QUALIFYING score, please view the qualifications [here](/membership/associate-program/alternate-submission-options).
  </SnippetsAccordionItem>
  <SnippetsAccordionItem summary="How long is my PAT valid?" id="">
    You have an 8 year period after passing the PAT to become a registered Associate, or you must meet the PAT requirements again.
  </SnippetsAccordionItem>
  <SnippetsAccordionItem summary="How much does a PAT cost?" id="">
    The PAT entry fee is $100 per attempt, plus any on-site fees incurred at the host facility. No fees are incurred if an alternate PAT event is used to to submit for the passing score.
  </SnippetsAccordionItem>
</SnippetsAccordionBlock>

<h1>Playing Ability Test (PAT)</h1>
<h2>Understanding PAT Scores</h2>
<ul>
<li>Passing Scores: Achieving a passing score in a PAT (including alternate events) signifies full compliance with the requirements. The PAT involves completing two rounds of golf (36 holes) and shooting equal to or lower than the course rating for 36 holes + 15 strokes. For example, if the course rating is 72, the target score for the 36 holes would be 159 (72 x 2 = 144 + 15 = 159). <strong>This is necessary for becoming a PGA of America Member</strong>.</li>
<li>Qualifying Scores: A qualifying score (such as a handicap index submission) allows you to start the PGM Associate Program, but a full passing score must be achieved to become a PGA of America Member.</li>
</ul>
<h2>PAT Passing Options:</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Take a 36-hole PAT: The traditional method to achieve a passing score. This competition is normally conducted in one day.</p>
<SnippetsButton button_color_theme="button_primary" button_text="Register For PAT" button_link="https://account.pga.org/signup?path-to-membership=true" button_full_width={false} open_in_new_tab={false} />
</li>
<li>
<p>Alternate PATs: Scores from PGA events, collegiate tournaments, USGA events, and several other types of events can be used to satisfy the PAT requirements. Participants in standard 36-hole PAT events have the option to combine two 18-hole scores from multiple PAT events within a year to meet the 36-hole requirement.</p>
<SnippetsButton button_color_theme="button_primary" button_text="View Alternate Submission Options" button_link="/membership/associate-program/alternate-submission-options" button_full_width={false} open_in_new_tab={false} />
</li>
</ul>
<h2>PAT Qualifying Options:</h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p>Handicap Submission: Submit a handicap index less than ten as a qualifying score to start the PGM Associate Program. <a href="/membership/associate-program/alternate-submission-options">Click here</a> to submit your handicap index for review.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Qualifying Score: This option allows entry into the PGM Associate Program but requires eventual completion of a full passing score to become a PGA of America Member. A Qualifying score is a score that is within 5 strokes of the target score divided by 2 (ex. Target Score 160, Qualifying Score, 160/2+5=85) <a href="https://account.pga.org/signup?path-to-membership=true">Click here</a> to schedule your PAT.</p>
<SnippetsButton button_color_theme="button_primary" button_text="View PAT Scoring Table" button_link="/uploads/PAT%20Scoring%20Table.jpeg" button_full_width={false} open_in_new_tab={false} />
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Adaptive Golfers and Americans With Disabilities Act</h2>
<p>The event model found <a href="/uploads/Playing-Ability-Test-Eligible-Adaptive-Events.pdf">here</a> is an alternate path for Adaptive Golfers. PGA of America offers reasonable accommodations for individuals who require accommodations due to a disability for their Playing Ability Test needs based on the Americans With Disabilities Act (“ADA”).  For additional information, please contact the PGA Membership Department at <a href="membership@pgahq.com">membership@pgahq.com</a>.</p>
<SnippetsAccordionBlock>
  <SnippetsAccordionItem summary="Do I need to take a PAT now to start the Associate Program?" id="">
    In order to register as an Associate, you need at least a qualifying PAT score to complete your Associate application. To better understand what events count towards a PASSING score or how to submit a QUALIFYING score, please view the qualifications [here](/membership/associate-program/alternate-submission-options).
  </SnippetsAccordionItem>
  <SnippetsAccordionItem summary="How long is my PAT valid?" id="">
    You have an 8 year period after passing the PAT to become a registered Associate, or you must meet the PAT requirements again.
  </SnippetsAccordionItem>
  <SnippetsAccordionItem summary="How much does a PAT cost?" id="">
    The PAT entry fee is $100 per attempt, plus any on-site fees incurred at the host facility. No fees are incurred if an alternate PAT event is used to to submit for the passing score.
  </SnippetsAccordionItem>
</SnippetsAccordionBlock>

Playing Ability Test (PAT)

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