High School Graduating Senior

PGA Member Policy with Disabilities

Bottom , January 16, 2008 -

PGA Announces New Member Policy for Individuals With Disabilities: 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 PGA of America, PGA Tour, LPGA, United States Golf Association (USGA), NCAA, National Professional events such as 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), and any other classification of event that meets the level set forth herein. PGA Discounts at Hyatt Properties: Hyatt, the "Official Hotel & Resort of The PGA of America," offers a 25 percent discount off the best available rate for weekday (Mon-Thurs) and weekend stays (Fri-Sun). Hyatt also offers a 10 percent discount off the best available rate at Hawthorn Suites and AmeriSuites for weekday and weekend stays. (Subject to room availability. Join Hyatt Gold Passport, Hyatt's global frequent guest program, and start earning and enjoying free nights at 450 locations worldwide. Earn Gold Passport Points each time you stay at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Hawthorn Suites and AmeriSuites. For more information on Hyatt Gold Passport visit www.hyatt.com. For reservations and to receive your member discount, please contact: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts - 1-800-634-3637 (reference client #63157) www.hyatt.com. (type in client #63157 in the "Group/Corporate" field); Hawthorn Suites - 1-800-527-1133 (ask for the PGA rate) www.hawthorn.com (type in the code PGA in the "Corporate ID" field, and in the "Rate Code" field type in NDKJ$); AmeriSuites - 1-800-833-1516 (ask for the Pro Golfers rate) www.amerisuites.com (type in the code PGA in the "Corporate ID" field, and in the "Rate Code" field type in NDKJ$). You can also contact Stephanie Kindig with The PGA at (561) 624-8506, or Premier Golf at (800) 283-4653. PGA Discounts from Sprint: Sprint, "The Official Telecommunications Provider to The PGA of America," offers PGA Professionals a discount of up to 10% off the monthly recurring charge on Sprint or Nextel service. PGA Professionals also receive a $150 service credit for each device they purchase and activate with a new line of service. A two-year service agreement is required. A wide range of Sprint cost-saving service plans allows you to choose the one that best fits your individual needs. Visit the Sprint Shopping Guide and enjoy selecting options to stay connected to your golf shop, family and friends. It is recommended that you utilize the Sprint Shopping Guide to explore your service plan and phone options before going to your local Sprint Store or calling the toll-free number listed below. To purchase your new phone from Sprint and to take advantage of this PGA member benefit, please order by phone with a credit card at 877-297-4240 and mention code 013959443 for Sprint phones, for Nextel phones call 866-805-9887 and mention code NAPGA_MCT_ZZZ. You will be required to provide your PGA Identification Number when you activate your account. New customers will also be required to provide their Social Security Number and a credit card number for credit verification purposes. Already a Sprint customer? As a PGA Professional you can start taking advantage of special discounts by rolling your current plan under the Sprint/PGA Program. Call Sprint at 866-853-4931 for Sprint phones and mention code 0139594443, or call 800-390-9545 for Nextel phones, mention code NAPGA_MCT_ZZZ, and start enjoying your Sprint discount today. Golf Retirement Plus Account Holders: In order to receive your Sponsor Program incentives, your 2006 Facility Authorization Agreement (FAA) needs to be on file. It is imperative that you turn in your 2006 FAA as soon as possible! Go to: http://www.pgalinks.com/professionals/content/index.cfm?ctc=55 for more info.