*This committee is meant to assist all aspiring Golf Professionals in the Oregon Chapter as they progress towards membership in the PGA of America. Specifically, this program will provide pre-apprentices, apprentices, and members with a resource to obtain knowledge and develop personal relationship that are crucial to the success of the individual and the association.
OPGA’s Mentoring Committee Mission Statement:
The inception of this program was fueled by a growing area of concern. It has become evident that the process of becoming a member of the PGA is difficult and time consuming. To be successful and gain membership in the PGA of America, an Apprentice is required to demonstrate dedication and discipline. The Oregon Chapter PGA Mentorship Program is set up to assist each Apprentice in his/her pursuit towards membership.
Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of ineligible professionals in the Oregon Chapter. This is due to a lack of maintaining an acceptable level of progression in the Training Programs, and the lack of adherence to Section education requirements. Moreover, the gap in knowledge of the current marketplace, and various opportunities has widened. As a result, participation in Oregon Chapter/ PNW Section events has decreased, and the professional relationships that go along with this participation are disappearing.
The program will benefit both Apprentice/Novice and the Mentor. The apprentice will obtain professional and personal support throughout the membership process, realize the benefits of professional networking, and develop a meaningful professional relationship.
The mentor will be able to contribute to the professional development of future PGA Golf Professionals, assist apprentices/novices in beginning their careers, and the mentor will be able to give back to their profession.
Our goals for this program are simple:
Educate apprentices/novices on the process to membership and the established timeline.
Assist apprentices/novices in their efforts to maintain eligible status in the Chapter and Section
Establish the proper lines of communication necessary for success.
Educate both Mentor/Apprentice/Novice to the current PGA PGM programs
Help establish contact within the Oregon Chapter
Increase the number of Apprentices/Novices gaining membership into the PGA of America
Recently, the PNW PGA adopted a new policy on how incoming golf professionals become eligible apprentices in our Section and Chapter. The Mentoring Committee, along with our Chapter office both agree that this new Orientation process falls under the mission and goals of the Mentoring Committee.
Now, any professional wishing to fulfill the requirements of the Pre-Apprentice Orientation and Rules Test, can do so by calling one of the 12 regional members of the Mentoring/Orientation Committee.
The committee is excited to take on this new role. We feel that this new procedure ties in perfectly with what we are trying to accomplish. The Mentoring/Orientation Committee will now interview, orientate, and initiate every new professional in our Chapter. Our goal will be to build a relationship with these professionals that will assist them in their efforts as they become not only PGA Professionals, but active members of our Chapter and Section.
Today is February 6, 2012 
