In line with United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) requirements, the PGA has been chosen by the National Governing Bodies of golf in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, to lead on the development of coaching qualifications and develop a career coaching pathway for golf.

Why become involved

This is the first qualification of the coaching pathway (for both PGA Year Trainees and volunteer amateurs) and will enable you to assist PGA Qualified Level 2 & 3 coaches delivering aspects of sessions to beginners, usually children, under their direct supervision. 

Who is it designed for?

The Level 1 golf coach qualification is ideal for county and club volunteers, sports leaders and school teachers. Candidates need a basic understanding of golf, must be at least 16 years of age upon application and must be vetted and deemed as safe to work with children. (see note below)

What will I be able to do?

As a PGA Level 1 Coach you will play a very important role in assisting a more qualified coach.You will be able to interpret session plans and deliver aspects within that plan, ensuring that the relevant coaching points are covered and participants are safe and engaged throughout.

You will learn about communication, demonstration and positioning as well as skills-challenges and the importance of progression within a coaching session. Throughout your training an emphasis will be placed on making your sessions safe and fun for all involved.

When can I start coaching?

In order to coach you need a licence. The licence confirms that you are suitable and insured to coach. To maintain the public liability insurance cover the licence is renewable annually.

To obtain a licence you MUST:

1. Satisfactorily complete the assessed PGA level 1 training course.
2. Attend a Safeguarding & Protecting Children Workshop (previously called Good Practice & Child
   Protection). For details of local workshops please use www.childreningolf.org. 
3. Be vetted and deemed safe to work with children. If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland; you need to obtain an enhanced
   certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). Golf Development Wales will supply and have processed your application form. This is free of charge for volunteers.

How are the courses delivered?

This qualification is competency based. The training is split into two distinctive areas, which comprise of the following: -

• Home study
• Tutor contact time

  Home study- This element of the course is where you will develop your knowledge. The purpose of this is to make the contact time as practical as possible. By undertaking an element of home reading the PGA Tutors will be able to combine your newly acquired knowledge with the practicalities of delivery.

  Tutor contact time- This is delivered by PGA Tutors normally over 2 consecutive days. In the early stages of the first day there is a multiple choice assessment of your knowledge and understanding of the home study materials. The remaining time will be a combination of tutor-led opportunities combined with the practical delivery of micro-coaching sessions to your peers during which you will undergo continual assessment. Whenever you demonstrate competence within a particular area, your PGA Tutors will recognise this and credit you throughout the PGA Tutor contact time, there will be opportunities to conduct individual and group reviews, helping you to develop an action plan for your next micro-coaching session.

To continue please use these links:-

•  PGA Website  - for more information about becoming a PGA Coach 
•  If you are an amateur and wish to coach as a volunteer please complete the  "Expression of Interest" form.