PGA Diploma

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PGA Diploma

Follow your passion for a successful career in golf. The PGA Diploma is a post-matric program that combines high performance golf training with golf-focused academic subjects. The 3-year program is the ideal choice for parents and students, as graduates have the choice of trying for a professional playing career or forging a career in the golf business. Either way you can have a successful career around the world as have hundreds of our graduates.

Program Description and Accreditation

Students on the PGA Diploma program receive intensive training for their golf performance and towards a career in the golf industry. Graduates choose between a playing career or a career within the business of golf such as coaching, club management, club fitting, event management, retail and more. The diploma is the benchmark internationally recognised qualification for the golf industry around the globe.

The PGA Diploma is a 3-year program, registered with SAQA at NQF level 5. BSI Golf is accredited to present the program by the PGA of South Africa and CATHSSETA (Accreditation No. 613/P/000216/2012).

Performance Training

Students receive intensive high performance training for the BSI Coaching Team, including technical lessons, fitness training, skills sessions and mental sessions.

The program fees include golf club membership at the prestigious Royal Johannesburg with unlimited rounds of golf 7 days a week. It also includes range membership at Gillooly's Golf Village with unlimited balls 7 days a week.

We host weekly medal tournaments and quarterly 72-hole championships at Royal Johannesburg, which form a highly competitive order of merit. All vital stats are recorded and used to guide the student’s development process. A matchplay championship is also held throughout the year, as well as our popular annual Team Challenge matchplay event.

Academic Component

Learners study the academic component of the PGA qualification. The Diploma (National Diploma: Club Professional Golfing) is registered with SAQA at NQF level 5. PGA subjects covered include:

Business; Business Finance, Business Law, Retailing, Golf Club Management.

Coaching; PGA Swing Coaching Model, Short Game, Coaching Children, Skills Acquisition, Awkward Lies.

Sports Science; Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Psychology, Injury Prevention, Nutrition & Health, Principles of Biomechanics, Training & Fitness for Golf.

Golf Specific; Equipment Technology, Custom Fitting, Tournament Organisation, Rules of Golf.

Practical Learning

The learning process includes a large practical element to compliment the theory. Students participate in coaching workshops and gain experience through coaching programs such as the Special Olympics, organising charity golf events and work at Sunshine Tour and European Tour events.

Additional work placement in the golf industry is arranged throughout the 3 years of study, giving the students a wide range of practical experience before they graduate.

The PGA Diploma is the benchmark qualification for the business of golf around the world. Graduates wishing to become members of the PGA of SA are required to pass playing and teaching ability tests, attain a 5 handicap or below and fulfil minimum hours work experience, half of which can be logged whilst studying at BSI Golf. Students can retain their amateur status throughout the study period. The PGA Diploma is recognised worldwide.

Learners are trained as ‘all-rounders’ and graduate equipped to enter all areas of the golf industry. PGA members once qualified will typically specialise in the area of their choice. Examples of career choices for the modern PGA Professional include:

Tournament Professional, PGA Coach/Teaching Professional, Tour Coach, Club Professional, Director of Golf, Club Manager, Golf Retailer, Equipment Representative, Custom Fitter, Golf Events Coordinator, Sports Management, Tournament Official, Golf Tour Operator, Golf Entrepreneur.

Graduates automatically join the BSI Golf Alumni Club, which provides exclusive access to international job opportunities through our worldwide network. Our graduates have gained employment in over 25 countrieas around the world, including in USA, Europe, United Kingdom, Australia, Dubai as well as all over South Africa. Here is a snapshot of some of the iconic golf clubs and companies at which our graduates have worked around the world.

Download a PGA Golf Diploma Brochure

Download the 2025 PGA Golf Diploma Fee Document

Download the PGA Golf Diploma Application Form

Download the 2025 yearly calendar

BSI Feedback

“BSI enabled me to follow my passion by giving me a solid platform that prepared me to take on the golf industry. They were not only theory based, but provided me with practical experience. So I knew what I was getting myself into. If you are considering getting into the golf industry, BSI is a great platform, because you can not only do your PGA Diploma, but you can build long lasting relationships. It will prepare you for what is ahead of you. In all aspects of the golf industry, from running a shop, to coaching on the range. Anything you require in the golf industry BSI will prepare you."

- ANDREW LAMONT, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

“To all the staff at BSI; I can’t thank you enough for the last few years. BSI has been a huge part of my life and it’s something that’s going to stay with me forever. I’ve had amazing experiences and endless exposure which has led me to achieve more than I could ever imagine. I give all that credit to you! I’ve built friendships that I will always cherish.

If you’re a young golfer thinking of joining BSI, In simple terms, do it! You won’t regret it at all and when you do join BSI, capitalize on every day that you’re there.”

- YUSUF RAIDHAN, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

"BSI's training and studies gave me the knowledge and foundation to be able to play professional golf for a while and also allowed me to apply all techniques learnt as part of my current coaching programmes to date. My advice to students that are thinking of joining BSI's programme is to just do it! The academy is great, with coaches who today are still my friends. They have a wealth of knowledge and you will learn a lot.”

- DAVID LAMPRECHT, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

"I was very privileged to attend BSI for 4 years. It gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of playing golf for a living under the guidance of some fantastic coaches, while getting a great academic grounding. It also afforded me the chance to gain experience in various avenues within the golf industry before settling on coaching, which has ultimately become my passion and career.

I would highly recommend the academy to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career within the golf industry."

- MURRAY SMIT, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

“From my 10 years’ experience in the golf industry BSI is by far the leading institute, all staff actually care about every single student’s future and will go out of their way to help you succeed.

BSI is well known in the industry and everyone knows that if you have attended BSI you are a better candidate.”

- SIMON RIEKERT, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

"BSI was pivotal in providing me with all the right tools to enter the golfing industry. It gave me a broad and in-depth overview of almost everything one would need to pursue a career in golf. One of the best things about my time at BSI was the life-long friendships that I made. We are all connected now and able to plug into one-another across the world. BSI provides you with a solid base from which you can enter, not only the golf industry, but various other avenues to forge a career with substance. I am true thankful for the opportunities created for me.”

- GERRIT VAN NIEKERK, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

“I spent 4 years at BSI and I must say it was probably the best years of my life. Being able to wake in the morning, say to myself I’m off to learn and specialize in my passion was something very special to me. The academy was at the heart of all my learning and life experiences as a young high school graduate. A true melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and most importantly sporting talents… BSI’s PGA programme was the perfect balance between academics, practical learning and golf training. We were taught and cared for by respected professionals in the industry which played a significant part in our personal developments. The programme offered a broad number of subjects which touched all aspects of the golf industry.”

- JEREMY D'ARGENT, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

"BSI supplied me with the building blocks to make my career blossom. Teaching me everything in theory and in real life experiences that I needed to develop myself and make decisions going forward in life. They helped give me direction. They have also provided great support after my studies were done with job opportunities provided on the BSI Alumni page and they also provided friendly advice whenever I needed help.

Joining BSI was one of the best decision I have made, my golf improved tenfold, I managed to develop a career out of my passion and I have met people that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

- CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

“I had the chance to live out my passion and now I am working not only within the golf industry, but the sports industry, which will always have a lot of attention.

BSI has taught me a lot about the mechanics behind the golf swing and how to reflect on the process of becoming a good player, but it is safe to say that I learnt my patience from my coach at BSI, Martin Briede. This not only taught me a valuable lesson in golf, but it can also be applied to life.

I am thankful for my experience at BSI and it is quite unique to say that I really love getting up every morning to do what I love.”

- DON WOLMARANS, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

"BSI has helped me to display a positive attitude. It is essential to have an open mindset and show continuous effort in learning and also learning by making mistakes. I can only thank BSI for guiding me on this journey.

BSI will help you in finding your true potential, whether it is making a living playing on tour or finding your passion in other regards. It’s an awesome, engaging experience. Balderstone Sports Institute will surely set out your foundation in life.”

- COENIE STOOP, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

“I loved the overall experience. The hours of intense training with my coach as well as physical and psychology sessions to prepare for a playing career.

The PGA Diploma course taught me everything and gave me a career in the golf industry. We gained great practical experience such as organising a charity event, Special Olympics coaching and coaching kids.

The academy gave me the tools to be the best as I can be at my job. It gave me good work ethic and the knowledge to be respected by clients and co-workers. Join BSI for an experience you’ll never forget!”

- LOIC CSIZMADIA, PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

“I got a really good education about the golf industry as well as the business around golf which prepared me a lot for my current job in coaching. The lectures and coaching are good quality. The facilities at Royal J & K are superb. The technology available with Flightscope and K Vest etc. Excellent staff. I also learned a lot as an Intern Coach at BSI and it helped me grow as a golf instructor as well as human being away from golf.

If you are serious about a career in golf and want the best PGA programme in the country then BSI is fantastic.”

- CHALTON STEYN PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

“BSI have helped me learn more about the industry and how each part of the industry functions and what is required of you to be successful. I have learned many life lessons at BSI that I still carry with me and use daily. It all comes down to how hard you work and practice. To work as a team to achieve good results. To not limit your thinking and always look for new ways to improve and learn.

The staff are excellent and friendly. The quality of education is great and so is the coaching and training in the gym. The staff are ready to help at any time. The programmes at BSI opens doors for you in the industry across the globe. I got the opportunity to work in America and Thailand as well. I would recommend any person to join the academy.”

- JEANDRE BADENHORST PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

“The staff are always there for the students. The medal events and four day tournaments were great, but the best for me was the matchplay each week and annual Team Challenge matches were a great atmosphere. Young golfers can have so much fun and still progress within those three years.

Everything I went through at BSI was a preparation for what was to come. Not just on the golf course, but our interaction with the staff and coaches helped me to do better when I started my career.”

- PHIL MINKLEY PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

“At BSI they gave me the basis I needed to open my own shop and also introduced me to the people I needed to get started in my field. I have really enjoyed the whole experience. I made friends for life.

If you are thinking of doing the PGA Diploma you must be prepared to work hard and commit to the classes. The fitness programme they have really showed me how important golf fitness is and what exercises I had to do to improve my physical fitness and golf physique.

The environment at BSI is very motivational and the PGA Professional coaches are very well educated and helpful. I would definitely recommend BSI to a young aspiring golfer that wants to make golf his profession.”

- ARNO VAN HEERDEN PGA DIPLOMA GRADUATE

"BSI definitely prepared me for my career with all the subjects you do at BSI they teach you how to handle the retail side of a shop as well as the coaching side of the golf industry. I learned how to work better with people especially in the shop side of the industry.

I would say that to go to BSI is a good decision because they really give you opportunities and experience in any side of the golfing world. There are lots of players from BSI that have made it on tour level and also lots of BSI students that are doing very well in the golf industry.”