Fuente: © PGA of America
http://www.pga.com/

GOLF: PGA OF AMERICA: PGA unveils new Playing Ability Test policy for the disabled to gain membership

The new policy offers the best means by which disabled applicants can effectively earn their path to becoming a PGA Professional.

/noticias.info/ PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA of America announced a new membership policy for individuals who suffer from disabilities that would allow a waiver of the Playing Ability Test (PAT) based on proof of scores in "Recognized Events" that were recorded at some point in an applicant's golf career.

A special PGA Task Force recommended to the PGA Board of Directors that there would be no time limit for applicants who recorded two consecutive 18-hole rounds in the same competition. The applicant must meet the standard playing requirement of the PAT based on the course rating at the time that the applicant played in the "Recognized Event." Applicants must post a score within 15 strokes of the course rating.

The objective of the PAT is to prove proficiency in playing the game and support that the applicant displayed skills and posted scores in competitive situations.

Applicants for membership are any individuals who would qualify under the Americans with Disability Act, and have supporting medical documentation. Applicants also would be required to fulfill all other membership requirements prior to achieving PGA member status.

The following events that would be considered "Recognized Events" under the new policy:

--Events sanctioned by The PGA of America
--Events sanctioned by The PGA Tour
--Events sanctioned by the LPGA
--Events sanctioned by the United States Golf Association (USGA)
--Events sanctioned by the NCAA
--All National Professional events (example: Grey Goose Tour, New England Tour, U.S. Open Qualifying)
--All National Amateur events (example: North & South Amateur, Mid-Atlantic Amateur)
--All State events (example: State Amateur, State Open, Tri-State Amateur)
--Any other classification of event that meets the level set forth herein and approved by the Board of Directors

"The PGA of America has taken care to study the best possible means by which disabled applicants can effectively earn their path to becoming a PGA Professional," said PGA of America President Roger Warren. "We believe that our Task Force has presented a set of requirements that are both fair and supportive of the disabled whom we anticipate will become outstanding contributors to our Association."

For more information on becoming a PGA member, visit: http://careernet.pgalinks.com/helpwanted/empcenter/pgaandyou/pro.cfm?ctc=1637

Celebrating its 90th anniversary, The PGA of America was founded in 1916, and is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf. notas_de_prensa_archivo