Embedded Files
COLORADO PGA
Site Overview:
A REMINDER OF OUR WHY!
A REMINDER OF OUR WHY!
Thank You...
Thank You...
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Young Professional & Recruitment Task Force, thank you for your willingness to mentor fellow Colorado Professionals and those aspiring to earn their PGA of America Membership.
The Colorado PGA is only as strong as the strength of the relationships of the Members and Associates within its boundaries. Our industry has been built on relationships, camaraderie, mentorship, and a passion for the game of golf.
2026 COPGA MENTOR-MENTEE PAIRINGS
2026 COPGA MENTOR-MENTEE PAIRINGS
The intention behind the mentor–mentee pairings below is to connect Colorado PGA Professionals and Associates with similar skill sets, professional interests, and geographic proximity. While every pairing may not align perfectly in every category, we believe each connection offers a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives that can benefit both individuals.
The success of this program depends on meaningful engagement. We encourage mentees to take the initiative by reaching out to their mentors to begin building the relationship and starting the conversation. Meetings can take place in person or virtually, in person, on a golf course, at a coffee spot, or whatever format works best for both parties.
This mentorship program is designed to strengthen our community of Colorado PGA Professionals by fostering collaboration, learning, and support. By connecting, we can continue to grow together and elevate the profession in the Colorado Section.
COPGA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM GUIDELINES
COPGA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Mentorship Program Overview 2026.pdfThe Colorado PGA Mentorship Program
The Colorado PGA Mentorship Program
The Colorado PGA Mentorship Program connects experienced Colorado PGA Professionals with associates and emerging professionals to support career development, strengthen professional relationships, and grow the Colorado PGA community. Through structured mentor–mentee pairings, participants collaborate on goal setting, career planning, and professional skill development across key areas of the golf industry.
The program encourages regular engagement through scheduled meetings, progress check-ins, and shared experiences such as facility visits, networking opportunities, and PGA events. By fostering mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, the initiative helps develop future leaders while reinforcing the Colorado PGA’s commitment to professional growth and excellence within the Section.
PGA OF AMERICA ASSOCIATE PROGRAM RESOURCES FOR MENTORS
PGA OF AMERICA ASSOCIATE PROGRAM RESOURCES FOR MENTORS
PGAPGM_Associate_Mentoring_9_2024.pdfPGA PGM Associate Mentoring Guide
PGA PGM Associate Mentoring Guide
This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for supervising PGA Professionals who mentor PGA Associates enrolled in the Professional Golf Management (PGM) Program. It explains the mission of the PGM program, defines the role of mentorship in the associate’s development, and outlines the work experience portfolio activities and learning outcomes required across multiple career paths including golf operations, teaching and coaching, and executive management. The document can be used by mentors to support PGA Associates through their professional education, align daily workplace responsibilities with program requirements, and ensure associates successfully complete their portfolio activities and progress toward PGA Membership.
PGM 3.1 GOPS_Career_Path_Portfolio Mentoring Overview.pdfPGM 3.1 Golf Operations Career Path Portfolio Mentoring Overview
PGM 3.1 Golf Operations Career Path Portfolio Mentoring Overview
This document provides a comprehensive guide to the PGA PGM 3.1 Associate Work Experience Portfolio for the Golf Operations career path, outlining the activities and mentoring support required across Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the PGA Professional Golf Management program. It details the structured learning process PGA Associates must complete—including facility management, teaching and coaching, tournament operations, merchandising, player engagement, and leadership development—through practical workplace assignments, observations, and applied projects. The guide can be used by supervising PGA Professionals and mentors to help Associates understand portfolio requirements, structure mentoring conversations, and ensure that real-world job responsibilities align with the competencies needed to successfully progress through the PGM program and ultimately achieve PGA Membership.
PGM 3.1 TC_CareerPath_Portfolio Mentoring Overview.pdfPGM 3.1 Teaching & Coaching Career Path Portfolio Mentoring Overview
PGM 3.1 Teaching & Coaching Career Path Portfolio Mentoring Overview
This document outlines the PGA PGM 3.1 Work Experience Portfolio requirements for the Teaching & Coaching career path, providing mentors and PGA Associates with a detailed framework of the activities required to progress through Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the PGA Professional Golf Management program. The guide explains how Associates must develop skills in teaching methodology, lesson observation, club fitting, player engagement programming, technology integration, and program management through hands-on learning experiences and documented assignments. It can be used by supervising PGA Professionals and mentors to structure mentorship conversations, guide Associates through portfolio requirements, and ensure that teaching and coaching responsibilities at their facility align with PGA education standards and the competencies needed to achieve PGA Membership.
PGM 3.1 EM_CareerPath_Portfolio Mentoring Overview.pdfPGM 3.1 Executive Management Career Path Portfolio Mentoring Overview
PGM 3.1 Executive Management Career Path Portfolio Mentoring Overview
This document provides a detailed guide to the PGA PGM 3.1 Work Experience Portfolio for the Executive Management career path, outlining the mentorship support and applied learning activities required for PGA Associates progressing through Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the PGA Professional Golf Management program. The guide describes a structured series of real-world management assignments—including business planning, financial analysis, staffing models, leadership development, marketing strategy, and operational oversight—designed to build the skills necessary to manage golf facilities and lead teams effectively. For example, the Level 2 activity checklist on page 26 highlights areas such as leadership development, staffing payroll models, financial performance monitoring, and marketing strategy, while Level 3 activities focus on strategic planning, enterprise operations reporting, talent management, and facility-wide marketing plans. This document can be used by supervising PGA Professionals and mentors to help Associates align workplace responsibilities with PGA educational requirements, guide them through portfolio activities, and develop the leadership and business management competencies required for PGA Membership and executive-level roles in the golf industry.
Program Cost - Associate Program
The total expected investment for the Associate Program is approximately $4200, plus contingencies, spanning an average four-year journey to PGA of America Membership.
Here is a breakdown of the specific fees and costs associated with your development pathway:
Qualification and Registration Costs
Qualifying Level Portal Access to Online Courses: A fee of $200 grants access to the necessary introductory courses for nine months. If the Qualifying Test is not successfully passed within this nine-month period, a $200 renewal fee is required.
Playing Ability Test (PAT) Entry Fee: Each attempt at the PAT costs $150, plus any additional fees mandated by the Section or Facility.
Background Check Fee: A one-time fee of $65 is required for the comprehensive background screening.
Level 1 Program Registration Fee: Registering for Level 1 requires a $200 payment.
Level 1 Portal Access to Online Courses: The cost for accessing the online Level 1 course materials is $560.
Annual Dues and Membership Fees
Associate National Fee: This fee is $85 and is paid at the time of registration and annually in May thereafter.
Section Fee: This cost varies by Section and is paid upon registration and annually with National Dues.
Educational Fees
Level 1 Seminar Session: The mandatory virtual seminar session costs $750.
Level 2 Course Access: Accessing the online Level 2 Course Manuals specific to your chosen career path costs $350.
Level 2 Seminar Session: The required five-day, in-person seminar at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, TX costs $750.
Level 3 Course Access: Accessing the online Level 3 Course Manuals specific to your chosen career path costs $350.
Level 3 Seminar Session: The required five-day, in-person seminar at the Home of the PGA of America in Frisco, TX costs $750.
Examination and Contingency Costs
Level 3 Associate Final Exam Fee: The final examination costs $21* (Note: this test fee is paid directly to PGA’s testing provider and is subject to change).
Test Retake Fees: Fees for retaking the PAT and Associate Exams are additional and not included in the standard program costs.
Travel and Lodging Costs: As a PGA Associate, you are personally responsible for securing and paying for all travel arrangements, including airfare, rental car, hotel, and meals, as these expenses are not included in the seminar fee.
NEW PGA ASSOCIATE DASHBOARD - FOR MENTORS AND MENTEES
NEW PGA ASSOCIATE DASHBOARD - FOR MENTORS AND MENTEES
Why was a new dashboard created, and how is it different from the old one?
The previous dashboard offered only basic information, like an Associate’s current level and a link to the education portal, which often left Associates seeking additional details from staff or Membership Services. The new dashboard was designed to address these gaps by providing a clear, detailed view of each requirement within a level, direct links to resources, and helpful articles that answer common questions. It also makes it much easier for Associates to track their progress, see what’s needed to advance, and stay on top of required actions and deadlines—all in one place.
Will the new dashboard experience be available to all Associates?
At this time, the new dashboard is only available to Associates in the PGA 3.1 program. There are currently no plans to extend this experience to previous programs.
How can I support Associates I know during this time?
Encourage Associates you know to log in to their PGA account and explore the new dashboard. There’s no required training or videos—they can simply sign in and easily see their current status and next steps. If you’re mentoring an associate, ask them to show you the new experience!
What does the new dashboard look like?
You can see an image of a sample Associate’s dashboard here.
Can I provide feedback and suggestions for improvement?
Absolutely! Please reach out to support@pga.com with any feedback or ideas.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION RESOURCES FOR MENTORS
DEFERRED COMPENSATION RESOURCES FOR MENTORS
Class A Member eligible to achieve points towards the Deferred Compensation Program (mentors only) must complete 10 hours of mentoring from 4/1/2026 to 3/31/2027 and MUST submit hours on the PGA Member App no later than 60 days after the completion of 10 hours. Below is a suggested plan to meet the minimum 10 hours for Deferred Comp.
2026 Mentor Initiative 10-Hour Guideline (best practice)
Phase 1 | Month 1
The goal of phase 1 is to get to know one another. It is encouraged to meet in person if possible.
Outreach & Introduction - 30 minutes
Areas of Improvement - 1 Hour. Discuss any weaknesses or things that you can improve on
Goal Setting - 1 hour
Put together goals to improve your areas of weakness
Total Hours Phase 1: 2.5 hours
Phase 2 |Month 2-3
The goal of phase 2 is to check on the progress made from phase 1. A best practice is to set up a monthly meeting time.
Check in #1 - 30 minutes
What is going well, what is not?
Check in #2 - 30 minutes
What improvements or adjustments can be made?
Check in #3 - 1-4 Hours
Use something from “other ideas” to the right
Total Hours Phase 2: 2-6 hours
Phase 3 |Month 4
The goal of phase 3 is to support potential next steps in this individual’s career (new role, transition of responsibilities, retirement, etc.)
Feedback on Goal Setting - 30 minutes
Document Review - 1 hour
Resume, Cover Letter, Portfolio, Contract
Planning for a track future - 1 hour
Teaching & Coaching, Golf Operations, and/or Executive Management
Total Hours Phase 3: 2.5 hours
Deferred Comp Eligible Activities Chart
Deferred Comp Eligible Activities Chart
PGA DC Points Description.pdfGolf Retirement Plus Overview
Corebridge Financial
Golf Retirement Plus Overview
Corebridge Financial
PGAGRP ProgramBrochure_FF_2024-08-15_R_2024-08-16.pdfRegister for Deferred Comp and use the PGA Member App for easy tracking.
Register for Deferred Comp and use the PGA Member App for easy tracking.
Deferred Comp and App Instructions.pdfDownload the PGA Member App for easy Deferred Compensation tracking.
Download the PGA Member App for easy Deferred Compensation tracking.
MENTOR PROGRAM INTEREST FORM
MENTOR PROGRAM INTEREST FORM
PGA Members interested in mentoring others may complete this form to be included as a resource for new Professionals, Associates, or students.
Need Support?
Need Support?
Ben Pennymon, PGA
Ben Pennymon, PGA
Colorado PGA At Large Board Member
Chair of the Young Professional and Recruitment Task Force
Ron DeJacimo, PGA
Ron DeJacimo, PGA
Colorado PGA At Large Board Member
Co-Chair of the Young Professional and Recruitment Task Force
Thank You to the Young Professional and Recruitment Task Force for Making This Program a Reality
Thank You to the Young Professional and Recruitment Task Force for Making This Program a Reality
Ben Pennymon, PGA - Chair
Ron DeJacimo, PGA - Co-Chair
Keith Stilwell, PGA
David Havens, PGA
Jamie Michas, PGA
Ben Tremayne, PGA
Staff Liaison
Steven Bartkowski (Colorado PGA)
Page updated
Report abuse