Instruction
6 drills to help you pass the PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT)
Want to talk about pressure? How about stepping on the first tee, and knowing there’s an exact number, or better, that you need to shoot. For aspiring PGA Professionals, that’s exactly the case.
The Playing Ability Test, or “PAT,” is the PGA of America’s measure of golfing ability for aspiring PGA Professionals. It’s like taking a midterm or final, but instead of needing a 70/100 (a C-minus in most cirriculum) or higher, you need to shoot a certain number or lower in order to pass.
Here’s how the target number is determined for each individual host course:
The PAT is administered at over 300 golf courses in the U.S. each year, and is played, on average, from approximately 6,400 yards for men and 5,500 yards for women.
On paper, it seems any player with a single-digit handicap could pass the PAT with no problem. However, the passing rate nationally among apprentices and PGA Golf Management students is less than 30 percent, with the average participant who passes attempting the test nearly five times before passing.
Why? Well, being the psychological sport that golf is, focusing on shooting a certain number can cause chaos in a golfer’s brain, and physical mistakes ensue.
As the Assistant Director for the PGA Golf Management Program at Mississippi State University, part of my job is to help students pass the PAT, so we’ve implemented a program specifically designed to do just that. And in just two years, we’ve been able to increase the pass percentage for our students up to 50 percent!
Below, we’ll highlight the drills that are part of the program. But first, you’ll want to put yourself through our evaluation to determine what “group” you are in. I’ll explain…
Through the use of the Trackman Combine and Steven Guiliano’s “Putting Evaluation” from his eBook The Scoring Zone: Part 2 Putting, (click here for Steven’s information), we are able to determine each student’s capabilities and likelihood of passing the PAT. We take both the Trackman Combine and Putting Evaluation score and combine them to create the overall score for each student.
After completing the evaluations, we then assign students to the following groups based on those scores:
- Group 1: Total Score of 100 and Below (Average 18 Hole Score of 85 and Above)
- Group 2: Total Score of 101-128 (Average 18 Hole Score of 78-84)
- Group 3: Total Score of 129 and Above (Average 18 Hole Score of 77 and Below)
Each group is then assigned four weekly challenges (drills) to complete. They will complete a putting, short game, full swing, and on-course drill that matches their current skill level. The goal of the challenge is very simple: Make each player SCORE each challenge and submit the score at the end of the week. This is designed to have the player actually focus on a certain outcome and score in practice, rather than aimlessly beating balls.
Here the drills for each group, which will help both prospective PAT participants, and any golfer who’s looking to improve:
Group 1
18 hole, 2-putt drill
On the putting green, you will choose 18 total putts from a variety of distances, lengths and difficulty. Your scoring goal is simple: record how many strokes it takes you to hole out from each distance. Each hole will be a par-2 where a score of EVEN PAR is 36. You will need to hit the following putts:
This drill will train your speed and distance control on a variety of putts. It is important to go through your pre-shot routine as you hit each putt.
25-shot pitch drill
Place a 6-foot diameter circle around a hole on your short game area. Hit 20 pitch shots and five bunker shots to that hole. Each shot should vary in lie, length and difficulty. The same shot should not be hit twice. Record how many of each shot you hit inside of the ring and how many shots end up on the putting surface. The scoring is as follows:
Miss the Green: 0 Points
Hit the Green: 1 Point
Hit it inside of the Ring: 2 Points
Remember, pitch shots are to be hit with wedges where the ball flight and roll is determined by a higher trajectory and spin from a minimum of 15 yards from the putting surface. Bunker shots are to be played from the sand in a variety of lies (buried, downhill, etc).
Group 2
20-foot speed drill
Place a club 3 feet behind the hole and hit five putts from 20 feet. You will record where each putt finishes with the following scores:
- -5 Points for putts left short of the hole,
- +5 Points for a made putt,
- +3 Points for a putt hit even with/past the hole to the club, and
- -3 Points for a putt that hits or goes beyond the golf club.
Record each score. You will repeat the process three more times, moving 90 degrees clockwise around the hole. You will need to reposition the golf club each time you move around the hole.
3-point driver drill
The 3-Point Driver Drill is an accuracy and solid-contact drill. Pick a small target in the distance (tree limb, flagstick, etc) where you would like for your ball to come to rest. Record as follows:
- 1 point if you hit the ball at your target,
- 1 point if you make solid contact (center contact), and
- 1 point if it was the correct shot shape.
Do this for 25 shots with the driver. Accuracy is measured by where your ball comes to rest and is considered accurate if it comes to rest within 10 yards left or right of the intended target. You will record scores of 0, 1, 2, or 3 after each shot.
Group 3
Drawback drill
Hit 18 putts around the putting green from varying lengths (10-40 feet). If the putt is made, record it as 1. If the putt is missed, pull the ball back one putter length away from the hole from the ball’s resting position and putt from there. This “drawback” will happen after each putt missed. Record each score.
52-card drill
The 52-Card Drill requires a deck of cards (or an app). You will write different shot shapes (shape, distance, and trajectory) and clubs to use on each card in the deck (see table below). You will record the shot as acceptable or unacceptable and put the cards into two separate stacks. Acceptable shots consist of center contact, correct shot shape, proper trajectory, proper direction and distance control. There is a lot of latitude given for determining the quality of the shot. The smaller the margin of error for an acceptable shot, the better your game will be following the drill. At the end of the deck you will determine how many were in the acceptable pile and subtract how many were in the unacceptable pile. Example: 33 in the acceptable pile and 19 in the unacceptable pile (33 – 19 = 14). You score is 14 for this drill.
Your set makeup will determine what club to assign to each card. See the chart below to mark your cards properly.
You will pull cards at random. This way, you will rarely hit the same club two times in a row. It is very important that you go through your pre-shot routine for each shot, pick a target, and execute the shot just as you would on the golf course.
Final thoughts
If you are planning a career in the golf industry and want to take the PAT soon, I encourage you to focus on playing and completing drills/challenges that require you to record a score.
You can search for a PAT in your area by visiting www.pga.org. My advice would be to find a PAT site with a target score of 156 or above to help your chances of passing. In our experience at Mississippi State, our students have performed better at facilities that are more difficult as they provide a higher target score.
For more information regarding the PGA Golf Management Program at Mississippi State University, please visit www.msupgm.com.
The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.
“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.
If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.
Understand What Cold Does to Your Game
Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.
Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.
Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.
Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing
Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.
Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.
Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.
Take More Club Than You Think You Need
This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.
The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.
Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.
Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens
Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.
Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.
Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.
Embrace the Mental Challenge
Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”
That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.
Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.
Warm Up Longer and Smarter
This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.
Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.
The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, and whether you love him or hate him, the guy knows how to win when it matters. After his LIV Golf stint, the five-time major champion returns this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.
What makes Koepka fascinating? He doesn’t fit the mold. His swing isn’t textbook. He doesn’t obsess over mechanics. Yet he’s won three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, regularly making it look easier than guys with prettier swings.
So, what can average golfers learn from someone who treats the game so differently? Quite a bit.
Stop Overthinking Every Shot
Koepka describes his approach as “reactionary” rather than mechanical. While most tour pros grind over swing thoughts, Brooks sees the target and hits it. No mental checklist.
This might be the most valuable lesson for weekend golfers who’ve watched too many YouTube swing videos.
How to actually do this:
On the range, hit five balls where you stare at the target for three seconds prior to addressing the ball. Don’t think about grip or stance. Just burn that target into your brain. You’ll be shocked at how pure you hit it when your brain focuses on where the ball is going instead of how you’re swinging.
Next time you play, give yourself a rule: Once you pull the club, you’ve got 15 seconds to hit. Koepka is one of the fastest players on tour because he doesn’t give his brain time to sabotage him.
If you feel tension in your hands at address, you’re trying to control too much. Koepka’s grip pressure is famously light. Loosen up until the club almost feels like it might slip, then add just enough pressure to hold on. That’s your swing thought: soft hands, see the target.
This approach works better under pressure. When you’re standing over that shot with water left and OB right, the last thing you need is a mental checklist. See it, feel it, hit it.
Play to Your Strengths (Even If They’re Not Pretty)
Koepka uses a strong grip that wouldn’t pass muster in some teaching circles. But he’s built his game around what works for him, elite driving distance and recovery skills. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.
Here’s how to build your game like Brooks:
Look at your last five rounds and figure out where you’re actually gaining strokes. Bombing it off the tee, but can’t hit greens? Lean into it. Play courses where distance matters more than precision. On tight holes, grip down on your 3-wood instead of trying to thread a driver through a keyhole you’ll miss seven times out of ten.
Koepka knows he can scramble, so he’s not afraid to miss greens. If you’re deadly from 50 to 75 yards, start leaving yourself those distances on the par 5’s instead of going for them in two every time.
Know when to take your medicine. Koepka in the trees at the PGA? He’s punching out to 100 yards, not trying to bend a 6-iron around three oaks. You’re in the rough with a flyer lie and water short? Hit your 8-iron to the middle and move on. That’s not playing scared, that’s playing smart.
Save Your Best for When It Counts
Here’s a wild stat: Koepka’s putting average in majors is often more than a full stroke better per round than in regular events. He elevates when pressure is highest.
How does an amateur tap into that gear? It’s not about trying harder, it’s about caring differently.
Here’s what actually works:
Decide which rounds matter to you. Club championship? Member-guest? That annual trip with college buddies? Circle those dates and treat them differently. Koepka doesn’t care much about regular tour events, but majors? That’s when he locks in.
Two weeks before your big round, change your practice. Stop beating balls mindlessly. Play nine holes in which every shot has consequences. Miss the fairway? Hit from the rough on the next hole too. Three-putt? Twenty push-ups. Koepka’s practice intensity ramps up before majors because he’s rehearsing pressure, not just swings.
Develop a between-shot routine that resets your brain. Koepka is famous for his blank expression after bad shots. Try this: After any shot, take three deep breaths while walking, then find something specific to notice, a tree, a cloud, someone’s shirt. That’s your reset button. By the time you reach your ball, the last shot is gone.
The Bottom Line
Brooks Koepka’s return reminds us there’s no single path to success in golf. His “substance over style” approach proves that results matter more than looking good.
You don’t need a perfect swing; you need a reliable one that holds up under pressure. You don’t need to hit every shot in the book; you need the shots you can count on. And you don’t need to play great every time; you need to play great when it matters.
Welcome back, Brooks. Thanks for the reminder that golf is ultimately about getting the ball in the hole, not winning style points.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Blades Brown made a big impression last week in the California desert, and not just because he’s only 18. He put up numbers that would catch any weekend golfer’s attention. Most of us won’t hit 317-yard drives or find 86% of our greens in regulation, but there’s a lot to learn from how Brown managed his game at The American Express.
Here are three practical lessons from his performance that you can use on your own course this weekend.
Step 1: Give Priority to Accuracy Over Distance Off The Tee
Brown’s driving stats are impressive. He averaged almost 318 yards off the tee, ranking 12th in the field. More importantly, he hit 76.79% of his fairways, tying for fourth place in the tournament.
Think about that ratio for a second. Brown could have swung harder, chased more distance and tried to overpower the course. Instead, he played smart golf and kept his ball in play.
Your Action Item: Next time you’re on the tee box, ask yourself a simple question before pulling the driver. Do you need maximum distance here, or do you need to be in the fairway? If there’s trouble lurking or the hole doesn’t demand every yard you can muster, take something off your swing. Grip down an inch. Make a three-quarter swing. Do whatever it takes to find the short grass. Brown’s approach illustrates that fairways lead to greens, and greens lead to birdies. He made 22 of them last week, along with an eagle.
The math is simple. When you’re hitting three out of every four fairways like Brown did, you’re giving yourself legitimate looks at the green with your approach shots. That’s when scoring happens.
Step 2: Commit To Hitting More Greens
This is where Brown really separated himself. He hit 62 of 72 greens in regulation, an 86.11% clip that tied for first in the entire field. Read that again. An 18-year-old kid tied for the lead in one of the most important ball-striking statistics in professional golf.
How did he do it? By keeping his ball in the fairway (see Step 1) and giving himself clean looks with mid-irons and wedges.
Your Action Item: Start tracking your greens in regulation. You don’t need a fancy app or a statistics degree. Just mark down whether you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes. Par 3s in one shot. Par 4s in two shots. Par 5s in three shots.
Once you know your baseline, set a goal to improve it by 10%. If you’re currently hitting five greens per round, aim for six. The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to think strategically about club selection and shot shape. Brown’s strokes gained approach number was positive (0.179), meaning he was better than the field average. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be on the dance floor more often.
When you hit more greens, you eliminate the need for heroic short game shots. Brown only had to scramble 10 times all week, and he got up and down 70% of the time. That’s solid, but the real story is that he rarely put himself in scrambling situations to begin with.
Step 3: Minimize Mistakes And Stay Patient
Here’s the stat that jumps off the page: Brown made only three bogeys all week. Three. In four rounds of professional golf against the best players in the world.
He also made just one double bogey. That kind of clean card doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you play within yourself, avoid the big miss and trust that pars are never bad scores.
Your Action Item: Before your next round, decide that you’re going to play boring golf. No hero shots over water. No driver on tight holes just because you can. No aggressive pins when there’s a safe side of the green.
Brown’s performance shows us that consistency beats flash every single time. He didn’t lead the field in any single strokes gained category, but he was solid across the board. That’s how you post numbers and cash checks.
Give these three steps a try. Your scorecard will thank you.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
RBC Heritage Tour Report: More minis, course-specific setups, Spider & GTS launches
Justin Rose WITB 2026 (April): Full WITB breakdown with new McLaren irons
Best fairway woods of 2026: The most versatile fairway woods + the most forgiving fairway woods
What’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
Cadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
The 24 players who can win the Masters
Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB: 2026 Masters
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
J.J. Spaun’s winning WITB: 2026 Valero Texas Open
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
Alex Fitzpatrick WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus...
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
Driver: Ping G440 Max (9 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX 3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees) Shaft:...
WITB Time Machine: Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB, 2021 Truist Championship
Rory McIlroy’s victory at the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship 2021 (now the Truist Championship) marked a significant return to form,...
Collin Morikawa WITB 2026 (May)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D LS (8 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 60 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Tour (14 degrees) Shaft:...
-
Equipment2 weeks agoJustin Rose WITB 2026 (April): Full WITB breakdown with new McLaren irons
-
Equipment1 week agoWhat’s the story behind Webb Simpson’s custom-stamped irons?
-
Equipment2 weeks agoCadillac Championship Tour Report: Spieth’s sizable changes, McLaren Golf launches, and more
-
Whats in the Bag3 days ago
Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship
-
Whats in the Bag2 weeks agoCameron Young’s winning WITB: 2026 Cadillac Championship
-
Whats in the Bag3 weeks agoNelly Korda WITB 2026 (April)
-
Equipment2 weeks agoJustin Rose on the switch to McLaren Golf, learnings from previous equipment moves
-
Tour Photo Galleries2 weeks agoPhotos from the 2026 Cadillac Championship
jim
Jun 7, 2022 at 1:37 pm
Am I missing something on the final column of the 53 card drill? What does Club 3/4 mean?
Joew2328
Feb 8, 2016 at 10:49 am
Passed my PAT in 2009 after failing once. Have since gotten my AM status back, but the PAT taught me a lot about competitive golf. Opened with an 81 and shot 74 to pass by 2 strokes. One of my favorite rounds was the back 18. Fun challenge, and these drills would have helped me a lot!
James
Dec 31, 2015 at 7:49 pm
While I’ve no plan to do the test, these do look like great drills to help me w my 2016 golf targets! Hoping to drop to under a 6 hcp, and these look the goods- thanks for the article.
Ron
Dec 30, 2015 at 3:18 pm
Too bad the PAT is even part of becoming a PGA pro. Just because someone can play is absolutely NO indication that they can teach the game. I recently did a survey of over 30 local PGA pros regarding lessons for men and women. Only 3 acknowledged that there is a difference between teaching men and women. Yes, the fundamentals are the same, but the approach is very different as the perspective of the two is different. I could go on but won’t. Useless test!
Wes
Dec 23, 2015 at 12:23 pm
The PAT…. Good times. Passed my first try in 2007 with scores of 69, and 65. Was -11 and got 3rd place, tough competition :/ (first place went to a mini tour player and 2nd went to a PGATour player’s son). Now I’m back as an amateur and enjoying the game.
Stretch
Dec 22, 2015 at 12:22 pm
My first PAT came to a crash on the 34th holes on an extremely difficult desert course. The hole was a par 5 and it seemed prudent to hit a one iron for accuracy. The first tee shot and provisional went right into the desert and never found. Back to the tee and another clone of the first two tee shots. Then the driver came out. Sure enough the third tee shot was lost and the fourth was in a small cactus. Pin high in eight and up and down for a 10. Finished with two tap in birdies to miss by one shot. The second PAT tried to medal and passed easily.
The medal score does play head games. Earlier in the summer I had tied for the medal in the Local U. S. Open qualifier and missed by two in the final qualifier. Seemed odd the PGA would not accept that performance as a valid PAT equivalent.
Tom Wishon
Dec 22, 2015 at 11:20 am
I took the PAT in 1974 in the Nor Cal section, the very first year that the PGA added this to the requirements for membership. What a hoot that first PAT turned out to be because going into it, all of us were scared to death. No one knew if we were going to lose our jobs if we failed or what. And in that first PAT, well over 3/4’s of the field choked (me included) and failed where the score to make was 158 !!
Once we found out we could keep re-taking it until we passed, that took the pressure off, well sort of. I passed it my second try at Almaden CC in San Jose, CA with help from a good buddy who caddied the 36 for me to keep me calm ! (He was the road Mgr for the Steve Miller Band, in between tours for Steve so he had the time and insisted he could keep me calm!) As luck would have it, I got very hot on the first 9 of the first 18 (31) and cruised in from there – and tried to choke in the last 18 ! Shot 69-79 so you can see what I mean when I say I tried to choke in the end !
I’m not sure how I feel about it as I look back on it. I had a VERY good asst pro friend at the time who was a fantastic teacher and superb manager at his club who never could pass it. Since that meant he could not be a PGA Member, he did drop out of the program and quit the golf business. I kept thinking how sad that was because he really could teach so well and could run a golf course better than 90% of the people who do that.
He was the person who taught me never to associate teaching ability in the game with playing ability. It does happen and I wish there were a way for guys like this to not be forced out if they can’t break 80.
smccanjr
Dec 22, 2015 at 10:45 am
I passed the PAT on my first attempt 70-74 at a joke of a course near Orlando in the early 90s…But the Real story the guy in front of my needed a birdie to pass on the number and he made birdie!!! He passed on his 17th attempt! I have since got my Am status back after a shirt folding accident as a Head Professional 😉 I have fun as a club pro but when I had children the hours were just too much.
steve
Dec 22, 2015 at 9:56 am
I took my PAT back in the early 1990’s and it took me twice to pass it on a course I knew like the back of my hand. The first time I took it I was a complete disaster. After growing up playing competitive golf and playing in college, I thought how hard can it be? But it is mental and the pressure of thinking that your career rides on this is about as close to Tour golf as it get for most. So, the next time I took it it played a ton better and the results spoke for themselves. Now I’m out of the golf business and working as an engineer but the accomplishment lasts a lifetime. Good luck to all those who will be embarking on this adventure.
Ronald Montesano
Dec 21, 2015 at 8:40 pm
Giuliano, not Guiliano. We Italians are quite sensitive about vowel syntax.
Setter02
Dec 21, 2015 at 7:30 pm
Been there, done that and have since gotten my Am status back. The courses aren’t set up to be too penal, but make sure that you can hit the shots needed. It is 95% mental, and a solid 5 capper and lower can do it. Above, your going to struggle. The biggest thing is not getting down on yourself on making bogeys, because you will. And if you stick to when you know and do well, you’ll make a few birdies. I had 4 triple bogies on my cards, but had 11 birdies as well to offset it.
I still consider the last 4 holes I played as the best golf I’ve ever played given that I had so little room for error, and the juices flowing. Nothing like 180+ yard 8is when your pumped up and shaking. its a great feeling of accomplishment to those who don’t play a lot of tournament golf (I was a 12ish capper 2 years prior to the start of my PGM course with no tournament experience at all). My main prep going in knowing where I was to be playing, irons only for the 3 months leading up. I’ve never had a season where I hit a 2i better, and it was all I needed to get around.
John
Dec 21, 2015 at 7:21 pm
Why I am writing this is purely on my experience and hope to offer some insight on a different career path. I passed my pat after third attempt. I was definitely good enough to pass with a breeze but with out question the physicological part is the toughest. At the time I was 19 years old. Upon reaching level two I realized the long shop hours and making money was either the lessons or becoming a Gm/head pro/director of golf probably not until my 40’s? So I choose to go back to school for agronomy. I wanted to still work at the golf course and taking care of what I love. Aspiring to be a golf course superintendent some day. Within 1 year I was already making double what I did in the shop, out early to still practice and play. By the time I was 26 I got my first super gig. Bottom line, if you like teaching I completely understand, but if you like playing and want to work in the industry stick to golf course maintenance. Hard work but pays off when you play your own product.
RJ
Dec 21, 2015 at 6:58 pm
At no point has anyone mentioned the competition aspect of passing the PAT. Nothing can simulate competition like competition. If it isn’t a few amatuer events leading up the test date or solid count all stroke money games with friends. Getting comfortable with the perform under pressure mentality is the next step of taking your game on the road. The AJGA, US Kids juniors all play so many tournaments that by college years the youthful veteran is able to not feel the nerves of the non seasoned player.
I have taken the PAT 3 times in 2 different states in 3 separate years and never sweated or came close to not making it. My past sports back round has helped me in performing in tournament golf. I have played baseball at a professional level, basketball in many tournaments plus softball on traveling teams. Now that I play golf for sport and money, the taking your game to the course just gets easier the more it is done. I have been paired with guys that have been on the PAT Tour. Their ability to play is somewhat there but the execution and nerves are all over the map that causes the bad nerves. So I like the idea of the authors drills just add some work in playing the game under pressure also and play like you know how too.
Just sharing my opinion… Happy Holidays to all!!!!
Former assistant
Dec 21, 2015 at 6:04 pm
I did mine at a really short course. Around 5900. Just hit irons or hybrids off the tee trying to have 90 yards in on every hole. Just a smooth wedge to the middle of the green, lag it up there, tap it in. Next hole. Worked like a charm. Don’t think I ever hit driver. Two others in my group started the same strategy after 9 holes. We all passed.
mhendon
Dec 21, 2015 at 4:53 pm
I had a friend years ago tell me I should take the PAT I could pass it easily. My response was why so I could get a 8 dollar an hour assistant pro’s position. NO THANKS!!!
mhendon
Dec 21, 2015 at 4:48 pm
I had a friend tell me years ago I should go take it I could pass easily. My response was why so I could get a 8 dollar an hour assistant pro’s position, NO THANKS!
Pccasstpro
Dec 21, 2015 at 4:38 pm
The PAT is the most basic of playing tests … I have know guys that have been on the “PAT Tour ” , it does come down to one thing , State Of Mind. It is purely psychological, a battle of the mind ! I have seen guys that are good players blow up and shoot in the 100’s . You play from a course that is no longer than 6500 yards (men) and 6000 yards (woman), but it gets into your head. The course is set up with the pins cut in the center or the flattest part of the green! You look at the comp sheet that is given to you, you read through the locals, and then you see it !! THE TARGET SCORE, at this point for some guys just stick a fork in them cause they are done ! To be honest a caddy helps out a ton, just have him look at the comp sheet and rip off or black out the target score, it works! I took it four times, should have passed my second but called a drop on myself while reviewing my card. The first time was a 3 shot miss, on my former high school home course. The guy that I am playing with, who was twice my age, is behind the first tee sign puking . Third time was pouring rain so hard they pulled us off and scrapped the day. Forth time ,I just played my game didn’t worry about score just played as if it was a medal tournament qualifier. I fired at every pin , and didn’t try to “steer” my ball around the course like many participants do ! You have to think about it as just another round! A day of attrition, you have 36 holes to play and soon forget about!
By the way for all of you guys posting , “13 over a 157 slope rating you suck!” First off, just try it before you say that . Second, some of the greatest / highest paid instructors, swing gurus, and swing coaches have NEVER passed the PAT !!
Tom
Dec 21, 2015 at 10:37 pm
my post was meant to be in jest I attempted three times and failed.
BJ
Dec 21, 2015 at 3:40 pm
I took three. I failed the first one, the second got rained out, but I’d have failed it, too, and the third one I past pretty easily.
It’s completely psychological. The first two, I listened to people that told me to play conservatively off the tee and “just make pars”. I got focused on the number. When I did make a mistake, it was harder to recover on both the hole where I made the mistake and on other holes. I’d hit iron off the tee. Then if I missed it, I had a long way in. Or I’d aim at the middle of the green and hit it a little off line and suddenly have a 60′ putt. Or if I made a bogey, I wasn’t getting any real birdie looks because I was laying up everywhere and never had any birdie chances.
Before the third, I decided I was being stupid. I was a good enough player that 13 over from that length course should be a cupcake. And I felt like, I’d already failed two, so what would it matter if I failed again.
So I approached it like I was getting a day off of work to have fun playing 36. I stayed out a little bit late the night before, didn’t hit more balls then I needed to get loose, and approached it with the mindset that I was going to try to medal. I hit driver everywhere I could and attacked. I didn’t medal, but I did shoot 73-74 and passed with about 10 shots to spare.
My advice to all the kids I know trying to pass the PAT is simple. Forget the number. Don’t play to try to shoot the number. Play like it’s any other event and simply try to shoot the lowest score you can. If you are good enough, you’ll pass. If not, practice more.
Guy
Dec 21, 2015 at 3:39 pm
Na ooffa is right… If you cant shoot that, then yeah you need to do some thinking. But I do understand the difference between pitching up and playing on a Sunday at the local vs turning up and “having” to shoot a score.
Alex
Dec 21, 2015 at 3:38 pm
I shot 148 (+4) and finished second at the PAT I attended. A lot of the guys don’t have any business even attempting the PAT, but I saw guys used to shooting in the 60’s flirt with 90’s and above. That being said, great players make it through just fine.
It’s one of those tournaments that will challenge you to the extreme mentally if you allow it. Guys are so focused on the number to make it through instead of making shots and scoring. My preparation for the tournament was a hole by hole strategy to best attack each hole. Led to 33/36 GIR and a fairly stress free PAT. I was just happy to get out of the pro shop for two days…
BJ
Dec 21, 2015 at 3:46 pm
One of the guys in my group in one I passed shot 95-98. I asked him where he worked and why he wanted to get into the business. He told me he had no intention of getting in the business. He simply looked at the PAT schedule and signed up for the ones at nicer courses just to play them cheap. Back then, the fee, onsite fee, and practice round were like $130-140 total. This guy was like “this place costs $60 bucks a round. If I do the PAT, it’s $45 per round for 3 rounds and I get free lunch…”
Dumbo
Dec 21, 2015 at 4:34 pm
Sounds like that guy was a true wrxer!
iPassedIt
Dec 21, 2015 at 3:09 pm
You state that the problem is one of psychology but then you provide physical drills to help people improve. It seems that you are not treating the problem, but instead are focusing on making people better golfers. In essence you could have left out the whole intro and just said “These drills will help you improve.” The reality is that those drills have nothing to do with playing to a target score – you should reevaluate how your “program” is improving your pass rate, if it is at all or if you just have recruited better students who have less trouble with the psychology of the PAT.
Jason
Dec 21, 2015 at 2:40 pm
I’ve been a scratch golfer since I was in my early teens. Played college golf and two years of regional mini-tour golf. I failed my first PAT attempt. It was all psychological. Instead of playing golf like a normal tournament where you try to shoot as low as possible, PAT’s seem to make people play defensively. I remember hitting 3 woods instead of drivers and playing for par. Made a huge mental mistake on the 36th hole and teed off from the tips instead of the blue tournament tees and missed by 2 shots. Second time around, I played all out, 12 birdies, went for everything and passed by 20 shots. This is a mental game and the PAT situation is not one we often confront. Passing is all about the right mindset.
ph00ny
Dec 21, 2015 at 2:06 pm
52 card drill sounds fun. Who decides on whether the shot was acceptable?
CPGA Pat
Dec 21, 2015 at 1:25 pm
Ooffa, spoken like someone who’s never taken the PAT. It took me 3 attempts. Trust me, I thought of it the same way as you did before I took it. Don’t judge until you’ve been there…
Philip
Dec 21, 2015 at 12:58 pm
At my age I am not thinking of the PAT, but still thanks! This is an awesome set of drills to work on after work when it is to late to really play 9, but the course, range and practice areas are more than quiet enough to do these evaluations. Best Christmas present I received in a long time – going to PDF it right now. Thanks again!
ooffa
Dec 21, 2015 at 12:57 pm
If you can’t 13 over for 36 holes perhaps golf professional is a poor career choice
cdvilla
Dec 21, 2015 at 1:21 pm
I’m sure there are some people who might be excellent teachers or facility managers who might not be able to pass the PAT. That like saying your have to be great athlete to be a great coach. Granted, you shouldn’t be terrible at golf… 🙂
John
Dec 21, 2015 at 2:21 pm
If you are having that much difficulty passing the PAT then you really don’t have any business giving golf lessons. 13 over from the middle tee’s to easy pins.
Tom
Dec 21, 2015 at 3:40 pm
Ya man I agree. If you post thirteen over on a 157 slope rating you suck! No teaching status for YOU!…ROFLMAO… NOT.
Jam
Dec 22, 2015 at 11:51 am
I get that a poor player can be a great teacher, but where do you draw the line? There has to be some standards. It is the golf business after all, you should be able to play a little.
Jay
Dec 21, 2015 at 3:51 pm
“If you can’t 13 over for 36….”
If you can’t what? Perhaps posting comments is not for you?