Play Ability Test

Become a Member

Play Ability Test Leaderboard - Lakeside GC

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The Play Ability Test (PAT) is standardized testing all Applicants must pass in order to be eligible to apply for membership. All prospective Applicants are required to register with the PGA of Canada prior to registering for a PAT in 2024. Once an application has been accepted, the PGA of Canada will notify the PGA of Alberta Office that there is a new Applicant who will be attempting a PAT. The PAT’s are conducted by the Zones.

Applicants do not need to register for a PGA of Alberta Account to register or play in a PAT. They must register and follow the process laid out on the PGA of Canada Website.

Click here to view the PAT Tip Video for Applicants created by PGA of Alberta Members: Michael Nutt (Kananaskis Country GC) & Robbie Johnson (Banff Springs GC).

Click here to view Process on applying as an applicant.

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Prospective Members must Meet the following Entrance Requirements

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Minimum high school diploma
  • Currently working in the golf industry to be verified by your employer, and work a minimum of 400 paid hours per year by December 1st
  • Two reference letters, one from your employer and one from a PGA of Canada Class "A" Member
  • Police check with ISB Global Services (One Badge)
  • Rules of Golf Level 1 Certificate 
  • PGA of Canada Onboarding Module
  • Be able to Pass a Playing Ability Test

PAT Registration Process

The Playing Ability Test is standardized testing all applicants must pass in order to be eligible to apply for membership.
Registration costs $200 plus tax and is valid for 1 year from the date of registration. The PAT’s are conducted by the Zones, the cost for a PGA of Alberta PAT attempt will be $200 plus tax.

  • Step 1 - Register Online & Pass the Playing Ability Test
  • Step 2 -  Complete Online Membership Application
  • Step 3 - Payment of Membership Dues & Begin Training

PAT Target Score

  • 1 round PAT
  • No maximum number of attempts per year
  • All PAT’s are open to all applicants
  • For Men, 49 years of age and under, the course rating plus 9
  • For Men, 50 years of age and older, the course rating plus 11
  • For Women, 49 years of age and under, the course rating plus 13
  • For Women, 50 years of age and older, the course rating plus 15 
  • For Golfers with Different Abilities, click here to learn more

PAT Exemption Process

In recognition of demonstrated playing ability, an applicant will be awarded an exemption from the Playing Ability Test requirement based on the following criteria:

  • Must be a stroke play event with rules officials present
  • Score meets the PAT standard of 9 over the course rating for men and 13 over the course rating for women
  • Scores from an event within the past two years (2023 & 2022) run by one of the following:

    Golf Canada and its provincial associations, The R&A, USGA, European Disabled Golfers Association (EDGA), NCAA, PGA Tour, PGA Tour Canada, Korn Ferry Tour, Asian Tour, DP World Tour, PGA Tour Australasia, Sunshine Tour, Challenge Tour, Champions Tour, European Seniors Tour, Korean Tour, LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour, LPGA of Japan, Australian (ALPG) Tour, Korean LPGA Tour (KLPGA), PGA of Canada National Championships, PAT run by a PGA of Canada Zone and a PAT run by recognized foreign PGA’s.

After registering with the PGA of Canada, to apply for a PAT Exemption please complete the online form by clicking here.

Please note: if you are granted a PAT Exemption, your registration fee will be adjusted to $350 plus tax.

If you have any questions, contact Darcy Kral, Managing Director of Membership, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1.800.782.5764 ext.224

Withdrawal Policy
Players who wish to withdraw from a PAT must do so no later than 4:00pm before the Registration Deadline. The Registration Deadlines will be posted with the PAT schedule by April 1st.

  • Withdrawal before Registration Deadline = 100% Refund
  • Withdrawal after Registration Deadline = No Refund

A player who fails to withdraw online or notify the office staff of their withdrawal before the Registration Deadline will not receive a refund of their entry fee.

Ready to Apply?
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Ready to Apply?

Access the online application on the PGA of Canada website